2001 Audi S8 Review
2001 Audi S8 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Faster and quicker than A8, sumptuous luxury, all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Price paid for advanced technology, rather bland exterior design.
What’s new
The S8 is Audi's new high-performance version of the flagship A8. It's armed with more horsepower, a stiffer suspension and more powerful brakes. As with other 2001 A8s, the 2001 S8 has the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) and the new multifunctional steering wheel as standard equipment.
Edmunds says
Want to drive the hero car from the movie Ronin instead of the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class? This is it -- minus the dual-tank nitrous system.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$304/mo for S8 quattro
S8 quattro
vs
$206/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Audi is making a dedicated effort towards bringing more performance-oriented car to United States consumers. This trend started in 2000 with the S4, and it continues in 2001 with the new S8.
The S8 is a high-performance version of Audi's flagship luxury sedan, the A8.At the heart of the S8 is a five-valve, 4.2-liter V8 engine. Its modifications over the standard A8's engine include optimized intake paths, a new two-stage variable intake manifold, revised camshafts and a free flowing exhaust system. Thanks to these improvements, the S8's engine makes 360 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 317 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. Other performance enhancements on the S8 include larger brakes, 18-inch wheels and a stiffer suspension.
All of these improvements make the S8 even more fun to drive than the A8. This doesn't mean that the S8 has lost any of its real-world edge, however. It is still equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and Quattro, Audi's all-wheel-drive system. Additionally, Electronic Differential Locking (EDL) provides low-speed traction control operating through the standard antilock braking system (ABS). Electronic Braking-Pressure Distribution (EBD) is included with the ABS system, and ensures that maximum braking capacity can be utilized whenever needed, regardless of road or load conditions.
Like the A8, the S8's body structure is made out of aluminum and is designed to provide lighter weight, superior structural rigidity, improved handling and responsiveness, better fuel efficiency and easier recycling. For safety, the S8 has dual-stage front airbags and side airbags for front and rear outboard occupants. Audi's Sideguard head airbag system consists of inflatable curtain airbags installed in the headliner along each side of the car, which cover the windows in the event of an accident and remain inflated for five seconds to protect the head in case the vehicle rolls over.
Inside, drivers will find an interior slathered in real wood and Valcona leather upholstery. Front seats (with more supportive bolstering than the A8's seats) are power adjustable in 14 different ways, and a memory feature accommodates four different settings for the driver's seat, exterior mirrors, driver's headrest height and steering wheel position. The steering wheel tilts out of the way when the key is removed from the ignition. The automatic dual-zone temperature controls employ two sunlight sensors to help maintain accuracy.
With 360 horsepower, the S8 is aimed directly at other high-performance luxury sedans like the Jaguar XJR and the Mercedes-Benz S55. The S8 is shy on torque compared to these cars, but its all-wheel drive, lightweight structure, and long list of standard equipment should prove desirable enough to make it a worthy competitor.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Audi S8.
5 star(94%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
17 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
After 12 years, still the best German sedan
shogunfc, 03/08/2013
2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
I had many German cars.4 Mercedes,3 BMW, 2 VW,1 Audi and 2 Lexus.I sold my 2006 Audi A8L, to buy a very low mileage 2001 Audi S8. I felt in love with this car, since the first day I saw it, many years ago.The newer A8L is bigger and more luxurious than the older S8, but the S8 gives me a lot of pleasure to drive. It is fast, fun and reliable. I use to get tired of my cars after 6 months. … Not this one ! I will keep it for a very long time. The engine on this cars is bulletproof. The main problem they have is the transmission. Most likely it will need a new one, between 120k - 180k. By the way, most cars need a new tranny at that time. It is a timeless masterpiece. My favorite car ever. Icon
4.75 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Driving Experience
Toni, 07/09/2006
2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
I just bought a 2001 S8. It's my first foreign car. I am completely amazed at this cars performance. I have yet to come close to testing it's abilities but I thoroughly enjoy blowing away any one that thinks they can outperform me! Complete luxury inside, total power and very understated. It's big inside, took getting used to for a smaller woman.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Amazing Automobile
Pigman, 10/17/2010
2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
This German car is for drivers; people who love to drive. Of any car I have ever owned this is the one I would pick if I had to drive across the country. It reminds me of an NFL linebacker, big, swift, powerful and nimble all at the same time. I originally purchased it with 92000 miles. It now has 140000 and all I have replaced is tires, idler pulley and serpentine belt and fuel pump. I … use 0W40 synthetic oil in it. My wife is now driving it and has fallen in love. She says that it spoils you as you start rating all cars against it, which is unfair. Only 531 imported into us in 2001-2003. It is a German muscle machine made for drivers. DOT governed at 155 mph. (too bad)
5 out of 5 stars
Supercar
chris355, 05/07/2010
2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
My S8 has a few years on it and I am still absolutely in love with it. I was looking for a sports-orientated car that could carry car seats and groceries and get around in the snowy Pittsburgh winters. This car manages to do that and more - it's like three cars in one! An SUV for winter, a sports sedan for summer and a 4 dr family hauler for all times in between. It's rock solid at … high speed, fun to drive and pulls like a locomotive from a stop light! Plus it's faster than almost everything that's going to line up next to you on the street - and you always look like a hero pulling away without wheel spin. It's a true German sleeper.
2001 S8 Highlights
Base MSRP | $72,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $304/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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