Audi S8 plus Shows Discreet Carbon Accents, Hides 605 HP in Frankfurt

The 4.0-liter engine came into this world like a nuclear explosion. Not only did it successfully find its way into several Bentley models, but it also replaced the twin-turbo V10 old the old RS6. The initial controversy was dispersed and replaced by well-founded respect. However, the S8 plus is the crowning moment.

In person, the S8 is big but discreet. Audi did say that it will never build an RS8, so the body kit of this performance sedan doesn't draw too much attention. We liked the black grille, dark gray mirror caps and tinted taillights. Massive alloy wheels seem like they were pulled from the R8 supercar, and a few carbon fiber pieces can be seen… if you look closely enough.

Using its 605 horsepower engine, the S8 plus will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 3.8 seconds. While the electronic limiter is still in place, the 2-ton sedan can be de-restricted all the way to 189.5 mph (305 km/h).

Besides being one of the fastest Audis around, it's also extremely expensive. Prices in Germany start at a whopping €145,200 before you add any options. The Audi Exclusive parts catalog is like a bottomless pit that swallows cash, so you could theoretically spec the S8 plus all the way to 200k.

But if there's one thing we love about this fast 4-door, it's the discrete nature. Every rapper in America bought the S63 AMG, and major league football players get RS7s free from Audi. But the S8 plus can almost pretend to be average, so you won't be assaulted by people with smartphones everywhere you go.