Considering a 2017 S8 Plus. Is it fun to drive?

[emix84]

Hello everyone, I have found the perfect spec S8 plus however it is located in another country and because of the current situation I can not travel to test drive it first. I have driven A8s of this vintage and love them very much, however given that I'm looking at an S8 plus I'm wondering if it is any fun to drive not considering the extra power over a regular A8. Can you slide its back end around a bit when you feel like it? How does it do in the twisties? Any feedback is much appreciated. Stay safe everyone!

[4ocious]

I just purchased my first S8, a 2018 and YES, they are FUN to drive! I highly recommend the S8.

[S6Man4.0tt]

It has differentials so you can corner it some but it's not going to corner flat but can come out of corners with some power. Technically it is a midsize. It's not lightweight kind of fun car. In sport mode it's a blast from just the power though. I can't say anything else is quite the same I've driven, it's definitely has a unique feel like a luxury tank with its dual pane glass or something to me. Got to keep in mind it has lots of traction, weight and quattro. I love it. It makes an S6 seem fragile and unstable almost in a way to me in comparison.

[09S5]

I found a good price on a ($55k) 2016 S8 plus (30k miles) also found a 2017 A8 Sport LWB, Rear seat pkg etc. ($47k)

But I cant make up my mind which one I to get. lol

I like them both.

[S6Man4.0tt]

S8 all day is obvious. It comes standard with a lot of luxury and options you have to pay extra for on the a8. Compare window stickers. Engine has beefed up bearings, more aggressive cams, extra heat treating and lower compression which means more power in lower octane. Trans is beefier too and bigger turbos.
It’s stiffer suspension is good for driving but is a downside when it’s rough. S8 Shorter wheel base is better to me too.

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[09S5]

Thats a good copy .

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[wangshuo1989]

Be ware that there's cylinder 5 misfire issue if you are planning to tune it. 18 doesn't have this issue

[S4_V6T]

Although not the plus model, having owned a 2017 S8 for a few months it has to be said that this car has totally surprised me how agile and quick it is for such a large vehicle.
I thought my stage 2 S4 was rapid and with the suspension mods handled like it was on rails, but this is a completely different league for speed and the handling is spot on for a large car. Even when stock the S8 would easily demolish my S4 and with a stage 1 remap and milltek exhaust, forget it.. the S8 really is scary when putting the foot to the pedal. In the wet and when in Dynamic mode, all 4 wheels spin and then it's like whoosh...
Very happy I made the choice of the S8 as was considering the RS7 and RS6 (which are both amazing too) but really prefer the less aggressive looks of the S8.
Cannot fault it one bit.
I have since added 2 piece Giro-disc brakes to the front and APP 2 piece brakes to the rear which I find make a better setup than the stock discs.

[PALADIN-S8]

Keep in mind that it isn't a small, nimble roadster. It is more or less a tank that can handle, with an obscene amount of power for a daily driver sedan. More like a sleeper, for anyone who's not aware of what these cars can do- it has a quiet elegance that hides the firebreather at its heart. It is great for road trips, or even 1/4 mile runs on the track. Wicked fast from the factory, there's mods that'll make it go even faster, if you have the cash to layout. If that's your thing, like it is mine, I doubt you'll find a better choice.

[09S5]

^^ Thats a true statement right there ^^



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[S8Falcon]

My thoughts on the loaded A8 vs S8 debate is this; You are the driver. Buy the drivers car, not the chauffeured car. How much time are you going to spend in the back seat enjoying all of those goodies? I love my kids dearly, but did not think they needed messaging heated seats after a long day in grade school. I went with the S8 and have zero regrets. It is a blast to drive when I feel like getting into it and extremely comfortable when I want to cruise. Best all around car I have ever owned and this is my third Audi.