D3 S8 - First thoughts.

[IT]

If you've joined together any of my ramblings recently you may have picked up on me looking for something with a bit of vavavoom.


I'd been looking far too seriously at the C6 RS6, with even 30K struggling to buy anything special.


I'd already dismissed the C6 S6 as it could give nothing really that D3 S8 couldnt (unless you need an estate), and you have no B&O etc etc.

When the oppurtunity arose to pick up an S8 with a spec-you-couldnt-grumble-at for money-youd-be-daft-not-to-consider then it all sort of fell into place.


I've been fortunate enough in the last fortnight to drive 500+ miles in a W12 and then the S8 back to back, as on paper they've always looked virtually identical so the question to me was - Whats the difference ?


Quite a bit actually. Where the W12 is packing silky smooth torque and wafts along with clinical, linear pull, the S8 is far more like its D2 older brother, with a higher rev range and downshifting-itus on the gearbox it is very willing to drop a cog or two and snarl its way through the traffic at the lightest touch of the throttle. They both seem equally rapid.


At present, the S8 seems to be about 10% more fuel efficient, but dont get too excited. we're talking just over 20mpg versus just under 20mpg here, so cost effective long range autobahn stormer they are not


The S8 seems to feel a bit more confident on the road in terms of road holding, stiffness and ability to take in the corners, but it is still beautifully composed on the motorway. It doesnt seem to feel as nose heavy as the A8.


Standard kit on the S8 is way above any A8 as expected, and like the D2 version makes it a very desirable car - More than I was expecting.


After all this petrol fueled hooning around I took the 4.2 Tdi out for a spin, and yes, its a very different performance. Where the S8 and W12 both lunge out of junctions like they got kicked up the ass, the Tdi's set off at a more modest pace and press you firmly when the turbos spin and they gather pace very quickly.


On the motorway, they are all just as capable. You couldnt tell them apart, aside from perhaps a wonderful (if expensive) audio experience from the petrol versions. They'll all pull past 60 and onwards with similar pace and leave the peasants behind with no hesitation.


They all have high quality interiors, and all the same options are pretty much available, at a cost.


With the D2 in the UK, you're choices were petrol, petrol or petrol and the S8 was (fiscally speaking) simply a 'bit more' thirsty than the others. With a bit of man math, it was possible to justify to SWMBO that it was not much of a stretch to get the better one i'm sure......


The D3 range is a bit different though. Yes, the S8, and the W12 are awesome machines, but really very thirsty in comparison to the excellent diesel options, and even the pre FSI 4.2 which was more easily LPG-able.


So, for the subtle executives wanting undisturbing, but highly progressive torque, its the W12, for those that want some fun and to stand out and be heard its the S8, but 90% of the time, for 90% of people I still think the 4.2 Tdi is probably the best all rounder in the D3 range ....