It's been two years since the new-generation Audi A8 went into production and the German firm finally unveiled a higher performance S8 model. A replacement for the old S8 that was introduced in 2015, the 2020 S8 combines the most recent A8 design, sportier than before, with the new technology in the same sedan, and a new drivetrain that brings together a V-8 gas engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The 2020 Audi S8 is an A8 with minor styling tweaks

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Just like its predecessor, the 2020 S8 is essentially an A8 with revised body elements that are supposed to give it a sportier vibe.

In the front, we can see the same massive grille that's wider at the center and slim LED headlamps flanking the upper section. The grille features the same six horizontal slats as seen on the A8, with only the "S8" badge signaling that this is a different model. It's the bumper that makes the S8 stands out, thanks to the revised side vents that are bigger. It also features revised chrome trim and a slightly sportier splitter.

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The profile is again very similar to the A8. Only three features set it apart: the unique wheel design, the silver mirror caps, and the lowered ride height. In the rear, Audi kept most features unchanged, including the trunk lid spoiler and the thin light bar that runs across the entire width of the fascia. Unique features here include an "S8" badge just under the left-side taillight and a pair of round exhaust pipes on each side of the lower apron.

The 2020 Audi S8 has an all-black interior with few upgrades

The A8's interior is as cool as they get. It looks modern, it's packed with new tech, and features big displays in the center stack and the instrument panel. It would take a great deal of effort to improve it. Luckily, Audi kept things unchanged for the most part, so the S8 is just as elegant as the regular A8. Although the "S" badge is usually associated with sportier Audis, the S8 isn't a significant departure from the standard design.

There is a red badge on the steering wheel, but it doesn't have a flat bottom. And the only notable upgrades are a Carbon-Vector dashboard inlay with a special 3D depth effect and a dark, brushed matt aluminum insert. The infotainment and instrument cluster displays also have some custom features, but the overall layout is the same as in the A8.

The 2020 Audi S8 is a mild hybrid with almost 600 horsepower

Audi began adding mild hybrid technologies to some of its cars, and it now included the S8 in this category as well. Fitted with a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 and a 48-volt belt alternator starter, the S8 cranks out a solid 571 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.

How does it compare with the A8? Well, it cranks out an extra 231 horses and 221 pound-feet when compared to the gasoline-powered 55 TFSI model, rated at 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. When pitted against the diesel-powered 50 TDI, which comes with 286 horses and 443 pound-feet on tap, the S8 adds an extra 285 horses and 147 pound-feet. That's twice as much horsepower!

Compared to old S8, the new-generation sedan cranks out notably more power. The previous S8 also featured a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8, but it didn't have a 48-volt system. The old mill was rated at 520 horsepower and 479 pound-feet, so the new S8 delivers an extra 51 horses and 111 pound-feet. However, the new S8 isn't the most powerful of its kind.

The previous-gen A8 also spawned an S8 Plus version. A limited-edition model with extra features and a beefed-up V-8 engine, it hit dealerships with 605 horsepower and up to 553 pound-feet thanks to an overboost function. That's 34 horses more than the new S8, but it falls behind by 37 pound-feet in the torque department.

As before, the V-8 mill mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The new 48-volt system helps save fuel too by enabling coasting with the engine switched off. Audi says that fuel savings reach up to 0.8 liters per kilometer.

The 2020 Audi S8 has a sporty chassis setup

Unlike the A8, the S8 comes standard with a sport differential and dynamic all-wheel steering. The latter allows independent adjustment of the steering angles at the front and rear axles, with benefits including a tighter turning circle at low and medium speeds and enhanced stability at high speed. The sport differential actively transfer torque between the rear wheels in order to eliminate both understeer and oversteer.

The S8 is also fitted with predictive active suspension, which works in conjunction with the adaptive air suspension. The system can lift or push down each wheel separately via electromechanical actuators, reducing pitch or roll during acceleration or braking.

Speaking of braking, you can opt to have the S8 equipped with carbon-fiber-ceramic brake discs that measure 16.5 inches in the front and 14.6 inches in the rear.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Audi S8.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi A8.

Read our full review on the 2017 Audi S8.