All new Audi S8 Quattro price confirmed

German luxury saloon meets Italian super car in the new Audi S8 quattro, which opens for UK ordering in April with an OTR price of £70,780 and will reach its first new owners here in June.

Using the Lamborghini Gallardo super car’s 5.0-litre unit, developed by Lamborghini in conjunction with Audi, as its foundation, the 5.2-litre V10 powering the new S8 quattro incorporates bespoke features that tailor its much-loved character to meet luxury saloon requirements, without diluting it. These include Audi FSI direct petrol injection for optimum responsiveness and efficiency, and the addition of a balancing shaft for maximum engine refinement.

Maximum power of 450PS is delivered at 7,000rpm, and peak torque of 540Nm at 3,500rpm, with up to 90 per cent of this total available from just 2,300rpm, enabling a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed limited electronically to 155mph.

20-inch S-design alloy wheels shod with 265/35 ZR 20 tyres distribute the power to the tarmac via adaptive air suspension with exclusive S8 sport settings and the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system featuring a standard torque split of 40:60 (front / rear). Specially tailored Servotronic power steering also gives an even sharper response to inputs, and massive 15-inch front and 13-inch rear disc brakes ensure optimum safety at all times.

In addition to the 20-inch alloy wheels, V10 emblems on the front wings, aluminium-look door mirrors, a subtle integrated boot spoiler and four distinctive ellipsoidal tail pipes surrounded by a redesigned rear apron mark out the S8 quattro externally.

Inside, full leather upholstery with seat centre panels, side sections and head rests in contrasting colours, a three-spoke S quattro steering wheel with aluminium look gear shift paddles and facia inlays in either brushed aluminium or carbon fibre highlight this model’s special position in the A8 range.