I spent over 2 million dirhams on a brand-new Audi S8L, and people started laughing at me, saying I don’t understand cars. They began listing sports cars and luxury coupes I “should’ve” bought instead, acting like this was a group decision. First of all, if I really didn’t know what I was doing, how did I afford a car like this? And second, a supercar is a supercar, a coupe is a coupe — but what I wanted was the Audi S8L.
Let’s talk power. This beast comes with a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 and a 48V mild hybrid system, pushing out 571 horsepower and 800Nm of torque. 0–100 km/h in just 4 seconds. The acceleration is explosive. The engine sound is deep and aggressive — like a beast roaring under the hood. It even supports launch control. Switch to Dynamic mode, turn off the ESP, press the brake, shift to S, hold the throttle — RPM climbs to around 4,000 — let go of the brake, and boom! The car launches like a missile. The first time I tried it, I wasn’t sitting right, and I got slammed back into the seat so hard it shook my neck and spine. The braking after that was just as intense — the car grips the road like it’s glued down, but my body kept going forward, and I ended up with sore wrists. It was a lesson from a 2-ton monster. But once I got used to it, it became a thrill. It’s hard to believe a full-size luxury sedan can deliver such a rush.
Now, does it handle like a sports car? No. Let’s be real — this car is built for straight-line dominance. In corners, it holds its own thanks to a solid chassis and supportive suspension, but it’s still a big sedan. Don’t expect razor-sharp agility. That said, the steering is tight and responsive, with almost no slack. The front end follows the wheel beautifully, even more so than the regular A8L.
People also compare it to luxury coupes. But what is a luxury coupe really? Performance with a bit of practicality? The S8 has a wheelbase of 3128mm. I’m 1.79m tall and can comfortably cross my legs in the backseat while reading documents. It’s got space, it’s got comfort. I can use it to run errands, pick up the kids, take the family on road trips, and still show up at work looking sharp. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system gives it serious grip, even on icy or wet roads. Takeoffs are smooth and stable, and braking is strong and controlled. In Comfort mode, it turns into a refined executive sedan. The V8 engine stays calm and quiet in the city, offering smooth, relaxed power delivery when you need it.
Bottom line?
I didn’t buy the S8L to please anyone else. I bought it because it fits my life — my work, my family, and my passion for performance. This isn’t about whether 2 million should’ve gone to a sports car or a coupe. It’s about choosing the right car for me. And the Audi S8L? That’s exactly what I wanted.
