Mat’s Car of the Day: a used Audi S8 is quietly super-cool
Car changing is a big deal
Fly under the radar in one of the ultimate undercover cars – the Audi S8. Mat reckons you should consider this great-value super-saloon as a used buy
Usually if you want a fast, powerful car, it also has to be a flashy one. But that’s not the case with the Audi S8. Some might call it boring, but there’s something that’s just really cool about a car that can out-drag a Ferrari at the lights but at first glance just looks like a photocopier salesperson’s company car.
The Audi S8 is the ultimate Q-car – it’s discreet and flies under the radar but has serious performance nous. And best of all, it’s great-value to buy used through Carwow, saving you more than £60,000 from the price it was new.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Used Audi S8 deals
The S8 has been around for a while, but the latest generation was introduced in 2017, and there are just a few for sale – as a £100,000+ super-saloon, it didn’t exactly sell in enormous numbers.
I’ve found a 2023 model for just £55,000.
It’s a Black Edition, meaning it has blacked-out exterior trim instead of chrome – but it does retain silver wheels, which I like. The white paintwork is just the right amount of flashy, without looking like a funeral limo, and the black quilted leather upholstery inside is in great condition.
It has just under 39,000 miles on the clock, and brand-new would have cost around £118,000. Now, it’s available for the price of a high-spec Q3.
Why should you buy an Audi S8?
Here are three reasons this luxurious limo is a great option.
It’s cool – but only to people in the know
Everyone’s aware that you’re riding in style if you turn up in a Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series – they stand out and are designed to say ’look at me!’ The S8, instead, has such discreet styling that it flies under any radar – it’s even pretty quiet when you’re in one of the normal drive modes.
It’s genuinely rapid
The S8’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine has quite the turn of pace. It produces a whopping 571hp and powers all four wheels, so 0-62mph takes just 3.8 seconds – faster than a Ferrari 430, and enough to embarrass most people off the lights.
You can drive it everyday
Even being that fast, the S8 doesn’t have many of the compromises you get with most sports saloons. It’s still sumptuously comfortable, and rear passengers in particular will have a great time. It’s also quiet enough round town and eats up motorway miles for breakfast.
Three annoying things about the Audi S8
It still costs like a luxury car
The price tag on this used model may be reasonable, but you should be prepared for some hefty bills. Annual road tax is a whopping £640, thanks to the expensive car supplement that’s payable on this 2023 model until 2029. Insurance will be pricey too, as it sits in the very highest group – 50E. And with official fuel consumption of 23.8mpg – much less if you hoof it – you’ll become best friends with the staff at your local BP.
The interior doesn’t feel that special
It’s very roomy – though the Mercedes S-Class has a long-wheelbase option which knocks the S8 into a cocked hat for interior space. But the S8’s interior just feels like any other Audi, which is a bit of a shame. It’s well-built, uses nice materials and the tech is easy to use, but there’s very little wow-factor.
It’s almost too subtle
It’s like going on a private jet and not posting to Instagram. The S8 gives you everything you want from a luxury car apart from the ability to shout about your good fortune. Is that a bad thing? For some, it’s genuinely desirable – but for others, half of the experience of owning a car like this is showing it off.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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