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Photo of a Audi S8

Audi S8

The U.S. S8 Plus: 605 hp and an optional 306 km/h escape clause.1

Researched November 2, 2026 from 35 sources

At a glance

0400800
335–605 hpPower
0510
3.3–6.2 s0–60 mph
0175350
235–306 km/hTop speed
0400800
410–800 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,720–2,427 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.12351011

Engine
D2: 4.2 L V8; D3: 5.2 L FSI V10; D4/D5: 4.0 L twin-turbo V838
Layout
Longitudinal front engine, quattro all-wheel drive38
Gearbox
4.2 V8: 5-speed auto/6-speed manual; V10: 6-speed auto; 4.0 V8: 8-speed auto12910
Built at
Neckarsulm plant, Germany3

The story

Audi created the S8 to be fast and discreet. The 1996 D2 paired a 335-hp 4.2 L V8 with the aluminum Audi Space Frame, a construction method the A8 had pioneered in 1994.234

1999: 40 valves for the D219992001: America gets a 360-hp S820012006: D3 returns with a 5.2 L V1020062011: Dlab and Stockmar explain the V820112012: D4 switches to twin turbos2012 Audi V8 (4C): 1988–19934CAudi A8 (D2) (D2 / 4D): 1994–2002D2 / 4DAudi S8 (D2) (D2): 1996–2003D2Audi A8 (D3) (D3 / 4E): 2002–2010D3 / 4EAudi S8 (D3) (D3): 2006–2010D3Audi S8 (D4) (D4): 2012–2018D4Audi S8 (D5) (D5): From 2019D5 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1231117192021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1988–1993Audi V8 (4C)
1994–2002Audi A8 (D2) (D2 / 4D)
1996–2003Audi S8 (D2) (D2)
2002–2010Audi A8 (D3) (D3 / 4E)
2006–2010Audi S8 (D3) (D3)
2012–2018Audi S8 (D4) (D4)
From 2019Audi S8 (D5) (D5)
199940 valves for the D2
2001America gets a 360-hp S8
2006D3 returns with a 5.2 L V10
2011Dlab and Stockmar explain the V8
2012D4 switches to twin turbos
  1. 1999

    40 valves for the D2

    The revised 4.2 L V8 reaches 355 hp. New headlights, grille and bumpers mark the May update.23

  2. 2001

    America gets a 360-hp S8

    The short-wheelbase S8 joins the U.S. A8 lineup with a 360-hp 40-valve V8 and five-speed automatic; its tested 0–60 mph is 5.8 seconds.5

  3. 2006

    D3 returns with a 5.2 L V10

    The D3 follows the D2's 2003 finish, running from 2006 to 2010 with a 444-hp, Gallardo-derived FSI V10 and optional 385 mm ceramic brakes.36

  4. 2011

    Dlab and Stockmar explain the V8

    Project coordinator Peter Dlab and product marketer Sven Stockmar discuss the new S8; Dlab cites 23% less fuel use and 15% more power than the V10.7

  5. 2012

    D4 switches to twin turbos

    The D4 starts its 2012–2018 run with a twin-turbo V8 and cylinder deactivation. The 2013 model makes 520 hp and tests at 3.6 seconds to 60 mph.38

Every generation

  • Audi V8
    4C1988–1993
  • Audi A8 (D2)
    D2 / 4D1994–2002
  • Audi S8 (D2)
    D21996–2003
  • Audi A8 (D3)
    D3 / 4E2002–2010
  • Audi S8 (D3)
    D32006–2010
  • Audi S8 (D4)
    D42012–2018
  • Audi S8 (D5)
    D5From 2019

Power over the years

From 335 hp to 605 hp in 20 years.

0200400600800 199520002005201020152020 hp 1996 · 335 hp · D2 4.2 V81999 · 355 hp · D2 40-valve update2001 · 360 hp · 2001 S8, U.S.2006 · 444 hp · D3 V102013 · 520 hp · D4 twin-turbo V82015 · 597 hp · S8 plus, Netherlands2016 · 605 hp · U.S. S8 Plus2020 · 563 hp · D5 48-volt mild hybrid 605 hp U.S. S8 Plus 335 hp D2 4.2 V8
123581012
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1996335D2 4.2 V8
1999355D2 40-valve update
20013602001 S8, U.S.
2006444D3 V10
2013520D4 twin-turbo V8
2015597S8 plus, Netherlands
2016605U.S. S8 Plus
2020563D5 48-volt mild hybrid

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    S8 (D2) Tiptronic

    1996–2003

  • S8 (D3) V10

    Standard

    S8 (D3) V10

    2006–2010

    444 hp

  • Standard

    S8 (D4)

    2012–2018

    520 hp

  • Standard

    S8 (D5)

    563 hp

  • Standard

    S8 (D2) factory six-speed manual

  • Special

    S8 Sport Edition (Netherlands)

    2015

    512 hp

  • Special

    S8 Final Edition (D2, Europe)

    2002

  • Limited

    S8 Audi Exclusive Avus Silver (D2, US)

    2003

    360 hp

    100 built

  • Performance

    MTM S8 Talladega S

    791 hp

  • Limited

    MTM S8 Talladega

    2014

    749 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • D2: revised upper/lower grille trim, polished aluminum mirrors and polished twin exhausts.313

Year by year

  1. D2: May 1999

    The first major refresh changed the headlights, grille and bumpers; 19-inch wheels became optional.2

  2. D3: September 2007

    Later cars gained turn signals in the mirror housings, revised taillights and different fog lights.317

  3. D4: 2015

    The facelift brought a more sculpted grille, reshaped hood and bumpers, and available Matrix LED headlights.318

  4. D5: 2022

    Opposing-L grille pattern, LED headlights with greeting animations and OLED taillights that change pattern with drive mode.310

Don’t confuse it with

  • Audi A8

    D2 S8s add revised grille trim, polished aluminum mirror housings and polished twin exhaust outlets.313

Against its rivals

  • Jaguar XJR

    S8 vs Jaguar XJR

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    S85.8 s
    Jaguar XJR5.3 s
    5
  • Mercedes S55 AMG

    S8 vs Mercedes S55 AMG

    Price lower is better

    S8$76,220
    Mercedes S55 AMG$101,071
    5
  • BMW M5 (V10)

    S8 vs BMW M5 (V10)

    Price lower is better

    S870,000 £
    BMW M5 (V10)61,775 £
    6

Prices

Value today $6.3K–$42.1K925

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $6,300–$42,111 2001 · $76,220 · US base, S82001 · $80,588 · US as tested, S82016 · $115,825 · US base, S8 Plus 2001 · $76,220 · US base price, 2001 model year 2025 · $7,499 · 2001 S8, replacement V8, 104k miles, BaT2025 · $27,000 · 2016 S8, 72k miles, BaT2026 · $15,750 · 2003 S8 six-speed conversion, 147k miles, BaT2026 · $28,800 · 2001 S8 automatic, 30k miles, BaT2026 · $37,250 · 2017 S8 Plus, Dynamic package, 74k miles, BaT2026 · $42,111 · 2020 S8, 60k miles, BaT2026 · $6,300 · 2009 S8 V10, 79k miles, accident history, BaT2026 · $67,500 · 2016 S8 Plus, 22k miles, BaT2026 · $10,250 · 2001 S8, manual conversion, 126k miles, BaT2026 · $13,000 · 2007 S8, 73k miles, BaT2026 · $35,000 · 2016 S8 Plus, 90k miles, BaT2026 · $15,500 · 2003 S8, 98k miles, BaT $67.5K BaT, 2026
1591314252829303132333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2001Launch price$76,220US base price, 2001 model year
2001Price when new$76,220US base, S8
2001Price when new$80,588US as tested, S8
2016Price when new$115,825US base, S8 Plus
2025Auction sale$7,4992001 S8, replacement V8, 104k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$27,0002016 S8, 72k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,7502003 S8 six-speed conversion, 147k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$28,8002001 S8 automatic, 30k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$37,2502017 S8 Plus, Dynamic package, 74k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$42,1112020 S8, 60k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,3002009 S8 V10, 79k miles, accident history, BaT
2026Auction sale$67,5002016 S8 Plus, 22k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,2502001 S8, manual conversion, 126k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,0002007 S8, 73k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$35,0002016 S8 Plus, 90k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,5002003 S8, 98k miles, BaT
2026Value today$6,300–$42,111

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “The predecessor's back-to-back DTM titles”
    • “S8 Plus: 3:03.6 at VIR”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. Welcome to the 600 Club: 2016 Audi S8 Plus Driven caranddriver.com
  2. Audi S8 (D2) buying guide, history and review - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  3. Audi S8 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. 2002 Audi S8 Final Edition | German Cars For Sale Blog germancarsforsaleblog.com
  5. 2001 Audi S8 Tested: Stealth Performer caranddriver.com
  6. Audi S8 | evo evo.co.uk
  7. Interview zum Audi S8: Traumwerte für einen 500 PS-Boliden - Auto-Medienportal auto-medienportal.net
  8. 2013 Audi S8 Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  9. No Reserve: 2009 Audi S8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,300 on October 30, 2026 (Lot #271,436) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  10. 2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds motortrend.com
  11. Audi A8 D2 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  12. Hoogtepunt van sportiviteit - de nieuwe Audi S8 plus nieuws.audi.nl
  13. 30k-Mile 2001 Audi S8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $28,800 on July 9, 2026 (Lot #251,620) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  14. No Reserve: 2003 Audi S8 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,750 on May 27, 2026 (Lot #244,833) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  15. Exclusieve sportiviteit: Audi S8 plus en S8 Sport Edition nieuws.audi.nl
  16. MTM Talladega S/R: Audi S8 Tuning autozeitung.de
  17. Audi A8 D3 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  18. 新型Audi A8 / A8 L / S8を発売 | Audi Japan Press Center - アウディ audi-press.jp
  19. Audi V8 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Audi S8 V10 5.2L FSI 40V (D3) Tuning and Remapping - MRC Tuning VAG Specialist mrctuning.com
  21. Audi S8: V8-performance voor de luxe klasse nieuws.audi.nl
  22. The Last Great Car-Chase Film Isn't Fast or Furious roadandtrack.com
  23. Audi S8 at Lightning Lap 2017 caranddriver.com
  24. The new Audi S8 | Audi Magazine Australia magazine.audi.com.au
  25. 2020 Audi S8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $42,111 on September 10, 2026 (Lot #262,603) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. Audi S8 For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  27. Transport Canada Recall - 2022133 - - Canada.ca recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  28. 2017 Audi S8 Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $37,250 on September 7, 2026 (Lot #261,902) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2001 Audi S8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,499 on December 12, 2025 (Lot #223,144) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 22k-Mile 2016 Audi S8 Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $67,500 on October 15, 2026 (Lot #268,695) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2001 Audi S8 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,250 on June 9, 2026 (Lot #246,818) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2007 Audi S8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,000 on April 29, 2026 (Lot #240,078) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2016 Audi S8 Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,000 on April 14, 2026 (Lot #237,844) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2003 Audi S8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,500 on April 7, 2026 (Lot #236,771) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2016 Audi S8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,000 on September 9, 2025 (Lot #209,135) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • octane-magazine.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • germancarsforsaleblog.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • auto-medienportal.net
  • bringatrailer.com
  • motortrend.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • nieuws.audi.nl
  • autozeitung.de
  • audi-press.jp
  • mrctuning.com
  • roadandtrack.com

Photo credits

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