As far as big, fast Audis go, it's the RS6 that always hogs the headlines in the UK. The S8, by comparison, is the lesser-spotted species; those spending £100k on a limo probably want a more prestigious badge, and the RS6 likely covers more bases for more people otherwise. It just doesn't appeal to that many people.
That doesn't make it a bad car, though - very far from it. Back in 2015 the old S8 range was boosted with the addition of a 'Plus' model, borrowing a drivetrain from the RS6 Performance. That meant 605hp, 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds (in an A8!) and an optional top speed of 189mph. Kitted out with the mildest of visual overhauls - there was a unique silver paint option, black exhausts and new LED lights - the Plus was an A8 to all but the most knowledgeable. A masterclass in concealed potency, as the S8 always has been; by comparison a butch, brooding RS6 was as subtle as a punch on the nose.
It was more than just brutal straight-line performance, too; Autocar described the Plus as "oddly intoxicating to drive", Top Gear said it was "one of the best fast cars" that Audi made, and Car called it "a wonderful machine". So there.
And now there's opportunity, thanks to the ravages of depreciation, to experience the finest of fast Audis for less than half price. In 2017 this S8 Plus would have set its first owner back £98,395 before a single option was added - let's call it £100,000 for the sake of convenience. Now, just three years and eight thousand miles later, it's yours for £49,000. An Audi Approved (like this S8 is) RS6 Performance from 2017 will not only cost more money - £55,950 - it will also have more than 20,000 miles already recorded. No, really. Nothing better illustrates the value on offer - all things being relative - in an S8 than a comparison with an identically-engined estate car.
Oh sure, it doesn't boast the usability or cult appeal of an RS6, but the S8 Plus surely counters with the ultimate in Q-car performance. And while a large, rapid Audi saloon will continue to depreciate, the smart amongst you will have noticed it at least can't lose another £50,000 in value. It won't be this drastic again. Add into that a year-round traction advantage that rivals like an XJR or S63 can't match and it's easy to make a very convincing case for the forgotten fast Audi.
Beyond tenuous links to Ronin that are mandatory to include when discussing any kind of S8, this Plus is also notable for being the last of its kind. Today the S8 is a mild hybrid, again like its RS6 counterpart, meaning the Plus is the final S8 without any kind of electrification. And it's still more powerful than the new one. And better looking. Both of which are kinda cool.
So, although the target market for a 190mph, V8 saloon that looks like a diesel one is pretty small in the UK, it wouldn't be hard to see the temptation for those able to take the plunge. In fact, it would be more difficult to understand why you wouldn't like the idea of cruising around in an S8. Don't forget, too, that this year sees that incredible R8 GT2 take to the tracks of Europe in the GT Sports Club Series; what better transport to see it in action at Spa, Misano, Paul Ricard, Imola or the Nurburgring than the mighty S8?
SPECIFICATION - AUDI S8 PLUS
Engine: 3,993cc, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 605@6,100rpm-6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 516@1,750-6,000rpm (553lb ft@2,500-5,500rpm on overboost)
MPG: 28.2
CO2: 231g/km
Recorded mileage: 8,349
First registered: 2017
Price new: £98,395 (before options)
Yours for: £49,000
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