Test Drive: 2009 Audi S8

2009 Audi S8; bottom photo: S8 key fob, right. Click image to enlarge

On the road, the S8 is far more car than you can drive legally. Designed to take 200 km/h -plus jaunts down the German Autobahn in stride, the S8 is sure to be exquisitely quiet and stable at that speed (unfortunately, one can only imagine). On our comparatively low-speed roads, however, the S8 can barely get itself out of second gear under hard acceleration without the attention of flashing red and blue lights. That being said, the S8 is not alone in this category, and even when driven responsibly, always generates the satisfying sense that you could if you wanted to. It’s got the looks, too.

At a more mundane level, the rear backup display is particularly effective, having guidelines that guide you perfectly into a parking space every time. But the helpful side sensing indicators standard on the, “entry level” Audi A4, are unfortunately missing on this car. The cupholders are too shallow for Canadian applications, and the cockpit controls (smooth, flat, uniform buttons) are smart but impossible to distinguish one from the other at night. Granted, there’s a central driver interface, but you’ve got to take your eyes off the road to operate that.

The navigation system is easy to use, however, and does have a supplementary remote display in the instrument panel, which is appreciated. The motorized trunk lid, with its smooth operation and aluminum struts, is a delight. Strangely, the S8 key fob is a most undistinguished device, in comparison to the expensive-looking unit from the A4. You’d think with an S8 you’d get something special…

Likewise, it seems penurious for Audi to charge extra for things like an iPod interface, a flash of carbon fibre and a ski sack in a car this expensive. Heck, even the cheapest of cars come with a standard USB port these days.

But if you opt for the audio, you’re going to love those Bang and Olufsen tweeters ascending elegantly from the dash each time you press the Start button. And if you need a getaway car…

Pricing: 2009 Audi S8 Base price: $127,000 Options: $9,225 (heated steering wheel $250, ski sack $250, carbon fibre interior trim $650, Bang and Olufsen Advanced Sound system $7,800 Audi music interface $275) A/C tax: $100 Freight: $850 Price as tested: $137,175 Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives Specifications Specifications: 2009 Audi S8 Competitors Buyer’s Guide: 2009 BMW 750i Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Cadillac STS-V Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Jaguar XJR Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Crash test results National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Related posts:

1. Buyer's Guide: 2009 Audi R8
2. What’s New: 2009 Audi A3
3. Day-by-Day Review: 2009 Audi S8
4. What’s New: 2009 Audi TT
5. Test Drive: 2007 Audi S8