6 Minutes
Why the S8 still matters
The Audi S8 is a rare blend of stately luxury and unapologetic performance — a flagship sedan that quietly asserts itself in a world increasingly dominated by crossovers. Recently, the A8 family has been at the center of speculation: reports suggest Audi may rethink or even retire the nameplate as it navigates platform changes and shifting customer tastes. That uncertainty makes examples like a striking Merlin Purple 2025 S8 especially worth celebrating.
What caught our eye on social media
A recent post from @auditography on Instagram showcased an Audi S8 finished in Audi Exclusive Merlin Purple with a bespoke cabin. Unlike many enthusiast builds, this car didn’t rely on aftermarket tuners; everything visible was fitted at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant, where the current D5-generation A8 and S8 have been produced since 2019. The post also included a cinematic clip and an extensive image gallery that underline how a factory-finished, high-end sedan can still feel special.
Notable visual details
- Merlin Purple exterior paint from Audi Exclusive
- Plush, customized cabin materials installed at the factory
- The long, imposing grille and sculpted proportions that read as flagship
Heart of the beast: the 4.0 TFSI V8
Under that grille sits the familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI V8. In S8 trim this engine produces 563 bhp (420 kW/571 PS) and a hefty 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Peak power arrives around 6,000 rpm while the broad torque band from roughly 2,000–4,500 rpm gives the car immediate, usable shove in everyday driving.
Key factory performance figures:
- Power: 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS)
- Torque: 590 lb-ft (800 Nm)
- 0–60 mph: 3.8 seconds (factory claim)
- Top speed: limited to 155 mph (250 kph)
- Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic
- Drive: quattro all-wheel drive
Despite tipping the scales at nearly 2.4 tons (about 5,250 lbs), the S8 remains startlingly swift. @auditography’s independent test gear recorded a 0–62 mph (0–100 kph) run in just 3.39 seconds — a real-world number that nudges the S8 beyond its quoted factory sprint time.
Platform politics: why the A8 is under threat
One reason the A8’s future feels fragile is platform strategy. Audi had reportedly planned its next-generation A8 around a shared electric architecture closely related to an intended Porsche K1 EV project. With Porsche shelving the K1, that route is now uncertain. The current A8 rides on the MLB Evo architecture — and Audi is reportedly reluctant to base a flagship on that aging structure any longer. MSB, the architecture underpinning the Bentley Continental and Porsche Panamera, is also considered outdated for a future A8.
A practical alternative is the PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture earmarked for upcoming Q7 and Q9 models. That would let Audi move forward with a modern combustion-compatible modular platform without leaning on EV-only bones. For context, rival makers follow similar consolidation strategies: BMW’s large cars use the CLAR family, while Mercedes’ S-Class shares major components with its E- and C-Class lineups on MRA2.
Could a Q9 replace the A8?
Rumors suggest Audi might pivot to a Q9 crossover as the brand’s flagship, at least in some markets. No official confirmation exists, but it’s a logical idea given market dynamics: luxury buyers increasingly favor tall, high-seated vehicles. A Q9 could preserve the A8’s market role — luxury, technology, rear-seat comfort — while matching consumer demand for SUVs.
That said, the A8 and S8 still have strong selling points that crossovers can’t easily replicate: a low center of gravity, an expansive, sedan-like silhouette, and a traditional sense of occasion for chauffeured driving. If Audi abandons the A8 name entirely, it risks losing an emotional link to its saloon heritage.
Market availability and pricing
If you want one today, the A8 and S8 remain available in many markets. In the U.S. the 2026 A8 carries an MSRP of $95,100 and comes with a 335-hp setup that hits 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds. The 2026 S8 starts around $130,000 (before destination and handling) and includes the 4.0 TFSI V8 described above.
In Germany Audi offers a broader range:
- A8 (base) from €106,600
- A8 L from €110,100
- A8 TFSI e from €120,950
- A8 L TFSI e from €124,450
- S8 from €157,350
Exchange-rate equivalents fluctuate, but those figures illustrate the positioning: the S8 sits well above the base A8 in both price and performance.
How the S8 compares to rivals
The S8 competes with performance-oriented large luxury sedans and even some coupe-like four-doors in the high-end segment. Against the BMW M760 or the Mercedes-AMG equivalents, the S8 offers a unique mix: a V8’s soundtrack, quattro traction, and an interior that favors comfort over track-focused brutality. If you prioritize a more composed, high-speed cruiser that still accelerates like a sports car, the S8 remains a compelling option.
Final thoughts
Whether Audi chooses to evolve the A8 name into a crossover flagship or replatform it on the PPC for a conventional sedan, the S8 reminds us why these big saloons still command respect. A factory-finished Merlin Purple S8 rolling out of Neckarsulm is more than nostalgia — it’s proof that craftsmanship, engine character, and everyday usability can coexist with brutal straight-line performance.
For enthusiasts who fear the sunset of the A8 badge, the S8 is a consolation prize and a statement: even in a market of tall vehicles, a properly engineered flagship sedan still has a place. And if Audi does pivot to a Q9, expect the lessons learned from the S8 — torque-rich engines, advanced AWD systems and a luxurious rear-seat experience — to live on in new forms.
"The S8 deserves nothing but love." It’s a sentiment that resonates for a reason: some cars are easy to love, and the S8 is one of them.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
DaNix
Is Audi really gonna fold the A8 into a Q9? Feels like losing ceremony. But ok, if they keep the V8 torque and luxe rear seat I might be convinced
v8rider
Whoa, a factory Merlin Purple S8... that color + V8 = proper soul. Audi pls dont retire the A8, this is the kinda flagship that still matters
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