Cars often embody romantic ideals. Imagine yourself in an Alfa Spider, instantly transformed into a 1960s Italian icon, exuding charm on winding coastal roads. Picture a vintage Bentley amidst English rain, and you become a blend of daring pilot and whimsical adventurer. Even sliding into an older Range Rover can briefly cast you as a powerful figure navigating the daily grind.
However, some cars rarely spark such vivid emotions, particularly standard saloons. These are the reliable, comfortable, yet somewhat bland business vehicles. They populate motorways, the arteries of commerce, often driven by professionals focused on spreadsheets and bottom lines. While some might be faster and more luxurious, they remain largely unassuming, practical transportation – often marked with letters like D for diesel, L for long wheelbase, and A for… well, Audi. To many, they’re simply functional boxes for suits, hardly alluring or exciting. Or are they?
Seeking to challenge this perception, and without the need for an exotic trip, I ventured to Milton Keynes, a place synonymous with corporate efficiency and perhaps, understated automotive appreciation. While the city’s name might playfully suggest a blend of literary romance and economic genius, the reality is more prosaic. Yet, Milton Keynes is also home to Audi UK’s headquarters. They graciously provided the Fitzroy Motor team with a car intended to redefine our understanding of what a saloon could be.
This wasn’t just any contemporary model. It was an S8, specifically a 2001 D2 – the pioneering A8 variant entrusted to Audi’s Sport division, then known as Quattro. Instead of a brand-new vehicle, we aimed to explore automotive history. We wanted to experience the ultimate executive car from nearly two decades prior and evaluate if the foundational super saloon formula Audi applied to the A8 – enhanced power and driving dynamics – still held appeal. “Applied” might be an understatement. For many enthusiasts, the D2 S8 isn’t merely an impressive Audi; it represents the genesis of the modern super saloon as we recognize it today, setting aside earlier, less consistent attempts.
The super saloon segment is fiercely competitive. Lacking extravagant design or flashy marketing, the S8’s mission, and that of its successors, is clear: to fulfill the executive aspiration of effortless superiority in performance, often at a premium price. The ideal buyer seeks a future-proof blend of sports car agility, executive-level luxury, and cutting-edge technology, all wrapped in a package refined enough to impress the boardroom.
This is a demanding brief, raising pertinent questions about longevity and relevance. While a flamboyant sports car’s appeal might be fleeting, the executive super saloon promises enduring quality and capability. How well do these promises hold up over time? Could a super saloon from the past, when compared to contemporary offerings, simply feel… ordinary?
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Any such concerns were quickly dispelled as Alex accelerated towards Oxford. The 2001 S8, while slightly slower to 60 mph than its modern counterparts, delivers a surprising surge of low-end torque. This immediate power is unexpected from a car of its stately appearance. Peak pulling power arrives early at 3800 rpm, making the sensation of speed profoundly visceral rather than just visual. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system amplifies this, propelling the S8 towards the horizon with remarkable speed. Passengers who dare to recline their seats might find themselves unexpectedly acquainted with the luggage compartment – and perhaps the rest of the board of directors given its cavernous size.
Why this level of power? The S8’s 4.2-liter V8 feels engineered for autobahn dominance, designed to effortlessly outpace traffic and swiftly reach cruising speed. With 360hp – Audi’s most potent production engine at the time – the S8 continues to accelerate with authority until you choose to exercise restraint. The Tiptronic gearbox further simplifies driving, offering seamless gear changes via steering wheel buttons. Regarding sound, the cabin remains remarkably quiet, insulated by double-glazed windows, with only a subtle V8 rumble hinting at the power within. The most disruptive noise is likely to come from a passenger triggering the surprisingly forceful spring-loaded phone holder in the armrest – a reminder that the business world isn’t always gentle.
While the engine’s performance remains impressive, the exterior styling might be more subjective today. Those favoring contemporary car design with its curves, creases, and oversized grilles might find the S8’s aesthetic understated. Compared to newer models, the S8 appears quite basic, exuding a composed confidence and a sense of financial stability, with restrained chrome accents reflecting the executive car design ethos of 2001. Yet, its design grows on you. There’s a robust elegance in how the S8’s substantial form is defined by its smoothly sculpted panels. It’s almost sculptural, a subtle tribute to German engineering. The S8 also possesses a subtle presence, making parking spaces feel like display platforms and prompting passersby to grant you a little extra space. No fanfare, no tourist photoshoots, just quiet respect and occasional nods of approval. Perhaps this is a glimpse into the life of a CEO.
Cruising through Oxfordshire, engaged in animated conversations while enjoying the S8’s infinitely adjustable seats, power steering, and retro-luxurious interior, time slipped away. Realizing the urgency to catch the London train, a rapid return to Milton Keynes was necessary. Confidence was high, fueled by memories of De Niro and Reno’s S8 exploits in Ronin and the original spec sheet boasting an aluminum space frame, ventilated disc brakes, and 2001’s most advanced driver aids. This should be easy.
Reality, however, provided a physics lesson. Pushing a vintage super saloon weighing over 1700 kg on Oxfordshire B-roads is a humbling experience. Despite the S8’s confident demeanor, aggressive cornering reveals body roll, noticeable lateral G-forces, and a hint of tire squeal. It’s a polite but firm reminder from the car to consider a smoother driving approach. The traction control discreetly intervenes. A slight stomach churn reinforces the message: this isn’t a car to be recklessly thrown around. Despite initial impressions, it was never intended as a brute force machine for aggressive driving. With great power comes a degree of responsibility. The S8 remains a precise instrument, powerful and capable, but best utilized with composure and judgment – like a seasoned lawyer. You might not fall head over heels, but its effectiveness is undeniable.
Would you buy a 2001 S8 today? A classic executive super saloon appeals to a niche market, especially given that new models are beyond the reach of most. This type of car serves a specific purpose – transporting you in comfort and tranquility to your next engagement, with a touch of sophistication and understated excitement. Whether it suits you depends on your lifestyle and tolerance for maintenance costs. However, an S8 of any era isn’t a casual purchase; it’s about prioritizing peace of mind over fleeting trends.
Even two decades later, the 2001 S8 impresses. Minor wear on the leather, dust in the door sills, and dated electronics are forgivable. Time affects everything, but fundamental quality endures. This car embodies quality. It retains a certain mystique, even if its initial allure has softened. Perhaps the executives at Audi were right: if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing exceptionally well.
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