scottphillip

I've been looking at getting a larger vehicle, and have been considering the S8, A8L and S550.

The pros on the S8 are that it's large, luxurious and sporty. The S8 isn't very common.

The negatives are the cost, the gas mileage and the fact that it's not much larger inside than the A6. I could obtain most of the options on a A8L.

My last S8 was one of my favorite vehicles, but I felt compelled to buy a Hybrid Toyota Camry for my daily driver. I wouldn't do that again.

I could also get into a S550 for the same money. The S550 has great tech features. My reservations are that it's a bit less discrete. Most people know the S550 is very expensive.

Any thoughts?

jakematic

If you want something bigger, go with the A8L.

The S8 is nice but other than more HP and crazy amounts of carbon fibre, it really doesn't have anything to offer over an NWB in my opinion.
I looked very seriously at adding an S8 to the stable for a weekender but ultimately passed.

Lazydog

Love the S8 myself but the room is an issue. I still want one one day. I agree with jakematic but the differences between the S8 and the A8 he just forgot to state the obvious, the price!

HouTexAudi

I drove a '13 A8L for 7 months before getting my '14 S8 and felt the long wheel base car was a little too big, especially if you don't haul people around much. The advantage of the S8 is intoxicating power and exclusivity--you don't see many of them and there are S550's on every corner.

scottphillip

Thank you! I was waiting for some positive remarks regarding spending the extra money. I actually rarely use my back seat in my car. Of course, there's always the SWB A8.

MSB

I just got rid of my 14 S6 and bought a S8. Wanted a bit more luxury and maintain the performance of the S6 (mine was chipped). I am very happy with the decision. The interior is much better and when inside the car it does not feel as big as it really is.

Howaboutthat

From a (very happy) D3 S8 owner: If you can afford it sensibly enough, D4 S8 .... the S-Class AMG killer for S550 money. This time -- hold onto it for a while (I bet you do miss that D3?)! Good luck with your decision, as Audi keeps making these choices more difficult with cars like the A8 4.0TT.

Audis or VWs 4Life

The delta between the '15 A8 NWB and S8 is slimmer then it was in the past. In '13 the A8 got the twin turbo 8 (versus the 4.2) Power jumped to 435hp for 2015 from 420hp. Once you ring up an identically optioned A8 NWB you're only about 10-12 grand south of the S8. If you chip the A8 you'll get stock S8 power. Of course if you chip the S8 you can pretty crush 99% of the cars you encounter.

If you need the back seat space, get the L. If you don't its a little trickier to decide if that 10k is really worth it.

audirb

I am also looking hard at the 2015 S8. I have a 2008 A8 SWB and have loved it. Was thinking I'd go Panny for something different but I like the size and comfort (and discreteness) of the Audi 8 series; and the 2015 refresh has sucked me in a bit. When getting a close to fully loaded car, the difference between a 2015 A8 SWB and S8 is about $16k or a 14% premium. Not inconsequential, but for that you get the sweet S8 engine, a bit better driving dynamics, nicer look, and bit more exclusivity (if that matters). I have found the SWB 8's plenty large in the rear, unless you have tall passengers which we never have had.

scottphillip

It's the end of the month, and I am still mulling it over. There are just so many options at this price point. The RS7 is about the same money, but the basic dash is the same as my A6.

I might check to see if there are any end-of-month incentives. I'll report back.