The new Audi S8 plus is 5,147 millimeters (16.9 ft) long and 1,949 millimeters (6.4 ft) wide. At 1,458 millimeters (4.8 ft) in height, it is lower than its core competitors. The wheelbase measures 2,994 millimeters (9.8 ft).

Another strength of the big sports sedan is its lightweight construction. The body is made almost entirely of aluminum. In Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, it weighs just 231 kg (509.3 lb) – the best figure in its class. The unladen weight (without driver) is just 1,990 kilograms (4,387.2 lb).

The ASF design, which Audi debuted over 20 years ago, is roughly 40 percent lighter than a corresponding steel body. The layout of the Audi Space Frame follows bionic principles: Like the bones in a skeleton, all of the parts combine optimal function with low weight. Aluminum extruded sections and die-castings form a frame to which the aluminum sheets are joined by friction connections. Audi uses the material in a tailored configuration. The ASF of the S8 plus combines 13 different grades of aluminum.

The sporty harmony is evident in the dynamic exterior design of the Audi S8 plus. Elegance characterizes the interplay between every surface, line and volume. The proportions are balanced, the outer skin appears homogeneous and the coupe-like roofline lets the silhouette flow. The surfaces exude composure and prestige, and contrast with the sharp lines. Viewed from the side, the S8 plus is taut and athletic. Typical of the Audi line, the body accounts for two-thirds of the vehicle’s overall height, the greenhouse for the remaining third. The tornado line below the windows runs tightly above the wheel arches to give the big sports sedan a powerful road stance.

Headlights with Matrix LED technology and dynamic turn signals are standard in Germany. The high-precision high beam is broken up into 25 small, individual light-emitting diodes per unit. Groups of five shine through a common reflector. When the light switch is set to “Automatic” and the high beams are on, the system is switched on outside of urban areas at speeds of 30 km/h (18.6 mph) and above.

As soon as the camera in the S8 plus detects another road user, the headlights switch off or dim individual LEDs in the blink of an eye. They thus light the road superbly without blinding oncoming traffic.

The LEDs in the Audi Matrix LED headlights also assume the function of cornering lights, selectively brightening or dimming to shift the focal point of the light along the curve. They do this shortly before the wheel is turned based on predictive route data provided by the MMI navigation plus. Another function is the front and rear dynamic turn signals. The LEDs in the turn signal light illuminate as a block at a pace of 150 milliseconds to indicate the direction the driver wants to turn.

Numerous design details underscore the position of the S8 plus as the sportiest top model of the model series. The hexagonal Singleframe grille and the double bars are finished in gloss black, while the honeycomb grilles of the side air inlets and the radiator grille are black matt. The flaps in the side air inlets and the blade of the front apron are made of carbon. The door handles and mirror housings are painted in body color; the latter are optionally available in gloss black or carbon. The trim strips at the side windows and rear are in gloss black. The standard spoiler lip on the trunk lid is painted in body color, with carbon available as an option. Other distinctive design features of the S8 plus include the darkened rear lights and the gloss block diffuser insert framed with an additional carbon clasp. The dual sport exhaust system terminates in two oval, gloss black tailpipes each left and right. The S8 styling package can also be ordered. It features S8 logos front and rear, and V8 T badges on the front fenders.

All of the colors in the S8 program are available for the S8 plus: two solid finishes and ten metallic or pearl effect finishes. These are Argus brown, brilliant black, cuvée silver, Daytona gray, floret silver, glacier white, Havana black, ibis white, moonlight blue, monsoon gray, mythos black and Oolong gray. The matt effect finish floret silver is celebrating its premier in the Audi product portfolio. It is reserved exclusively for the new S top model.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.