Used buying guide Lambo-engined Audi S8 for £8k
Audi’s performance limo, the S8, once packed a 5.2-litre V10 that was so mighty that Lamborghini used it too — and now you can buy one for £7500. John Evans reports
Perhaps if it had never shared its 5.2-litre V10 engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi S8 of 2006-2010 would never had made these pages. But for two extra cylinders, it hasn’t the measure of the Mercedes S63 AMG of the same era, as either a driver’s car or a luxury limo. Fortunately, prices reflect the model’s slightly underwhelming character, with a 58,000-mile 2010-reg S8 yours for £18,995, compared with a 95,000mile 2007-reg S63 at a grand more.
So, for sheer value, round one to the big Audi. The D3 generation of the S8 was launched in 2006 with that 5.2-litre V10, which was related to the one that found its way into the Gallardo two years later. Only ‘related’, though, for, due to different injectors, manifolds and engine management, the S8 produces 443bhp to the Gallardo’s 552bhp.
And although they produce the same 398lb ft, they do so at rather different revs: the S8 at a relaxed 3000rpm – perfect for cruising or, when the fancy takes you, slicing through the six-speed Tiptronic gearbox – and the Gallardo at a frenetic 6000rpm.
It’s an exotic lump – and a big one. It fills the S8’s engine bay and is the reason why replacing the starter motor or changing cylinder 10’s spark plug requires either its total or partial removal – which means labour time, which in turn means money.
Despite having an aluminium body, engine and suspension parts, the S8 weighs a hefty 1940kg. Expect around 24mpg on the motorway, the late teens around town and single digits when pressing on. Figures like these probably explain why there are so many S8s with low mileages.
On the subject of its aluminium body, dents are more difficult and expensive to repair than those in a steel body. On the flipside, aluminium doesn’t dent quite as easily as steel, so they should be rare.
The S8 rides on 20in alloy wheels and sport suspension that’s 20mm lower than the standard A8’s. So don’t expect the last word in ride comfort.
As for equipment, the S8 wants for little. Depending on the model year, kit includes fingerprint keyless go, a sat-nav, parking aids and an infotainment system. Some later versions have a digital radio. Other features include quad exhaust pipes, gearshift paddles, soft-close doors, double-glazing, leather trim with heated, memory seats and a solar sunroof that powers the interior fans on hot days when the engine is turned off. Must-have options were the Bang & Olufsen sound system and interior Carbon Pack. Check it all works. Better still, given the S8’s complexity and repair costs, invest in a pre-purchase inspection and a solid warranty.
Especially when finished in Brilliant Black metallic, the S8 is an understated-looking express – a genuine sleeper that’s full of surprises, not least the fact that prices start at £7500. Lamborghiniish power was never so accessible.
The 5.2-litre V10 engine is an exotic lump and a big one. It fills the S8’s engine bay