2016 Audi S8 Plus

BMW might have the longest history of sporty luxury sedans, and Mercedes-AMG might make the most powerful one—in the form of the insanely expensive S65 AMG—but as far as the overall package is concerned, a new player from Audi warrants a close look. Ingolstadt is out to impress with the new S8 Plus, the most powerful derivative of the A8 yet. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an eight-speed automatic, is rated at 605 horsepower. That's up 85 horsepower from the regular S8, which remains in production for other markets but steps aside for the Plus in the U.S.

There was strong demand for an enhanced S8 from the German market, where owners were tired of running into an electronic ceiling at 155 mph, a velocity that few U.S. drivers have experienced but that is not all that uncommon in Germany. The S8 Plus can be specified with a Dynamic package that raises top speed to 190 mph, creating a comfortable distance from the pack.

Like 155 mph, 190 is of a rather academic nature to us, but we certainly can appreciate this S8’s vicious acceleration. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes 3.7 seconds, according to Audi; we think that figure is somewhat conservative considering we ran a 420-horse A8 4.0T to 60 in 3.9 and the previous S8 did the deed in 3.6. That kind of performance means that every other car in this segment will get a good look at the Audi's quadruple exhaust tips before they disappear into the distance. The surreal power delivery of the S8 Plus is underscored by the engine’s dark, subdued rumble.

To create the S8, Audi modified the A8's chassis and air suspension considerably and fitted it with a torque-vectoring system for the rear axle. The S8 Plus retains the regular S8's hardware, but its electronic programming has been further sharpened. While the Comfort mode remains virtually unchanged (it will allow considerable body roll), the Auto and Dynamic settings are noticeably more firm, agile, and precise than on the S8. When specified with the Dynamic package (not to be confused with Dynamic driving mode), the S8 Plus comes with a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a sport exhaust system, and carbon-ceramic brakes that bite hard and decelerate harder, which is good considering the package’s aforementioned heightened speed limiter.

Despite its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and its performance mien, the S8 Plus remains a luxury sedan at its core. This means a nearly unparalleled ability to cover long distances while its occupants are cosseted in absolute comfort. It's a big car that'll perform remarkably well on twisty roads, but it’s not something with which you want to chase Porsche Caymans.

And that's why it's not called an RS8, even though the S8 Plus was developed by Audi's performance division, Quattro GmbH. Even the styling is on the modest side: This powerful sedan's voracious appetite for air required larger air intakes, but they are successfully hidden behind the current S8's front fascia. What's new is the gloss-black trim around the grille and the windows, part of the optional Black Optic exterior package.

The new S8 Plus is by far the sportiest offering in its segment, and it’s safe to say the outgoing S8 won't be missed—if only because there is absolutely no trade-off with the new model. That includes price. The S8 Plus retails for $115,825, the exact same figure as the outgoing S8.