If we requested you to call essentially the most snug vehicles on sale at this time, what would come to thoughts? Rolls-Royce, Bentley… possibly a Mercedes-Maybach? These are manufacturers that epitomize driving consolation, not simply when it comes to an opulent cabin, however when it comes to cutting-edge suspension expertise that isolates passengers from even the roughest roads. A sports activities sedan just like the 2024 Audi S8 could not appear to be it belongs in the identical firm, however this automotive has probably the most superior suspension techniques in the marketplace – and it is probably the most snug rides we have ever skilled.
The 2024 S8 comes with sport adaptive air suspension as normal, however there is a expensive possibility that adjustments the sport for the sedan. Asking $6k for predictive lively suspension is not pocket change on a automotive that already begins at $123,400, however we predict ticking that field is worth it; the change it delivers in efficiency and experience consolation is one thing to expertise, and we’ll do our greatest to share that have with you.
We have beforehand cherished the limo-like expertise in older mannequin S8s, however we wished to focus particularly on the suspension of the newest Audi S8. Our time with the S8 satisfied us that regardless that the BMW 7 Collection and Mercedes-Benz S-Class are newer than the S8, the Audi is essentially the most entertaining and most snug of the three.
What Is Predictive Lively Suspension?
Each S8 contains Audi adaptive air suspension as normal, which suggests the suave sedan rides on a cushion of air to guard occupants from bumps and jostles. Upgrading to the Predictive Lively Suspension requires a $6,000 outlay, and that provides electro-mechanical actuators in any respect 4 corners, every with the flexibility to raise or decrease by as much as 3.3 inches in simply half a second, relying on the street forward.
The concept is to have suspension that may adapt to the street, softening the automotive earlier than going over a pothole or firming it as much as get rid of physique roll by means of corners. Porsche has the same suspension setup within the facelifted Panamera E-Hybrid, which truly improves over the already stupendous Audi system by nature of its more moderen growth.
How Does It Work?
Adaptive suspension is pretty widespread, however having a system that works as rapidly because the S8’s setup requires vital energy. The S8 will get a twin-turbocharged V8, shelling out a baritone barrage of 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Augmenting the V8 is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, aiding with a smoother cease/begin system and supplying sufficient juice to energy the suspension setup.
A front-mounted digital camera scans the street forward 18 instances per second and feeds again to the suspension to find out how to answer street situations. The actuators reply in milliseconds, which means they’re by no means caught off guard by adjustments in pavement high quality. For instance, the S8 can learn that it is about to go over a pace bump, so the suspension adjusts and absorbs the bump, just about smoothing out the street.
We examined the system by leaving an open cup of water within the cupholder and taking a pace bump at over 30 mph. The drink did not spill, and in our testing, it even appeared that the S8 rode smoother over sure obstacles the quicker we went.
Efficiency Advantages
Except for the plain benefits in consolation, the Predictive Lively Suspension gives excellent efficiency advantages, that are necessary for a sports activities sedan – particularly a heavy one (the S8 weighs 5,126 kilos). Throughout normal driving, the suspension reduces power on the physique when stopping or accelerating; it is virtually spooky how little the S8 disturbs its driver and their passengers when accelerating from a cease or hitting the brakes.
When the street forward will get twisty, the S8 has the flexibility to lean into corners by as much as three levels, much like a bike. Placing the automotive into Dynamic mode preps the suspension for sporty driving, holding it flat and degree because it tackles bends. A automotive this heavy ought to flop left and proper, however the suspension defies physics by firming up the within wheels greater than the skin ones. Working together with rear-wheel steering, the S8 feels a lot smaller than its 209-inch size implies.
Luxurious & Security Options
With out driving it, the Predictive Lively Suspension could also be considerably troublesome to understand, particularly in case you are eager about shelling out six grand for it. Nonetheless, the system additionally provides in different comfort and security options which can be simple to know. Upon opening any of the S8’s doorways, the suspension will raise by two inches, aiding ingress and egress. This is not a gradual and gradual raise both; the S8 shoots in the direction of the sky virtually instantly.
The Audi S8 also can raise itself by a full 3.3 inches within the occasion of an impending crash – happily, we did not take a look at this or have any means to take action. The concept behind that is that the S8’s pre sense security system can detect an imminent collision, and on this occasion, the suspension lifts the automotive in order that affect happens on the decrease crash construction reasonably than the higher components, which will not present as a lot safety for occupants.
Different luxurious suspension techniques like Mercedes-Benz’s E-Lively Physique Management boast comparable consolation and efficiency options, however Audi stands alone in security advantages.
Gratifying, No Matter The place You Sit
The S8’s cabin comes filled with options, together with heated and ventilated therapeutic massage seats, Audi’s MMI contact response twin screens, and even some carbon fiber panels that slide all the way down to reveal the air vents on startup. It is a firstclass expertise, however gives much less of a wow issue than the newer 7 Collection or S-Class with their large screens and disco-like ambient lighting. That is a matter of non-public desire, nonetheless, and the understated magnificence of the S8 works for us.
A Rear Seat Consolation Bundle rolls in decadent facilities equivalent to heating, air flow, and therapeutic massage for the again perches, heated armrests, reminiscence operate, Matrix LED lighting, and a distant management. Audi gives two variations: a five-seater for $4,200 or the four-passenger possibility as in our tester, which prices $5,900.
Selecting the four-seater possibility brings a middle console with a built-in touchscreen to regulate audio, local weather, solar blinds, and extra. There are additionally bodily controls, in contrast to the 7 Collection, which means you possibly can rapidly and simply modify the rear seats. To really cement the sensation of being in first-class, the S8 four-passenger structure contains tray tables within the again, very like an airline seat. And for the reason that suspension is so smooth, you possibly can truly eat a meal on these tables with out worrying about something falling or spilling.
The Stealth Wealth Sports activities Sedan
Pricing for the 2024 S8 begins at $123,400. A comparable BMW 760i xDrive prices $121,300, whereas a much less highly effective Mercedes S580 is most costly at $128,150. Including the $5,900 Rear Seat Consolation Bundle (4 Passenger), $6,000 Predictive Lively Suspension, and $5,900 Bang & Olufsen Superior sound system with 3D sound, considerably will increase the S8’s base value, as evidenced by our tester’s $150,345 all-in price ticket.
The S8 feels much less over-the-top than its BMW and Mercedes counterparts on account of its relative age. BMW and Mercedes every have newer, techier flagship sedans, however the S8 holds a number of benefits over the 7 Collection and S-Class. The S8 is extra entertaining to drive, gives extra superior suspension, and Audi’s method to expertise is extra palatable and simpler to make use of with out getting a pc engineering diploma.