10 Ways the Audi S8 is Superior to Mercedes-Benz S580

Intro

As much as we love our Audis, we must admit that there is some compelling competition out there. If you have your eyes on an Audi S8, you may be tempted to look at the Mercedes-Benz S580. And for good reason, the S580 is a very good car. In some areas, it may even be considered better than the Audi. At the end of the day, whether you buy an S580 or an S8, you are getting a heck of a car. As you should when you spend well over six figures. But we are not here to talk about the S580, this is an Audi site. We want to focus on the fabulous S8 sedan.

Where does the S8 outshine the S580? Here are 10 reasons to purchase an S8 instead of an S580. This list comes from our own observations as well as from Audi World members who have owned both flagship sedans.

10. Price

The Mercedes-Benz S580 4Matic sedan starts at $128,150. The Audi S8 starts at $123,400. Neither of these are being bought by bargain hunters. However, even the well-heeled like a good deal. And while a $5,000 price difference is roughly just 4 percent of the overall MSRP, five grand is still five grand. If all else was equal, why would you not save the money?  

9. Remote Park Assist Plus

The Remote Park Assist Plus feature is part of the $4,050 Executive Package. And while that may be a pricey option, Remote Park Assist Plus is a pretty trick feature. With it, the S8 will automatically maneuver in and out of a perpendicular or parallel parking space. This can even be done when you are outside the car by using your smartphone. Several vehicles offer similar technology, but what makes the Audi system stand out is that it actually works. Many times, this is more gimmick than anything else. But S8 owners report that this feature works beautifully.

8. Digital Matrix LED Headlights

Audi has been the leader in automotive lighting technology for a while now, so it is no surprise that their Digital Matrix LED headlights help it stand out from the S580. The headlights on the S8 are fun and functional. You get the fun animation at startup and the Audi graphics projected in front of you. These lights are so smart, they can avoid oncoming traffic. (This feature requires living in Europe or unlocking the lights in the aftermarket.) But on top of that, they do an amazing job of lighting the road ahead. They might be the best headlights available on any car at any price.

7. More Intuitive Infotainment Controls

The Mercedes-Benz S580 might have a flashier and more futuristic-looking infotainment setup. However, that doesn’t mean it is better. The system in the Audi is outstanding and with some physical knobs still controlling some systems it is more intuitive and easier to use. Large screens may look impressive but when you are cruising down the road you don’t want to be fumbling around trying to make simple adjustments. The Audi system is easier to use and that is an important aspect in any car. (And the sound system is excellent.)

6. Quicker Acceleration

Neither car is slow, and you don’t buy an S8 or an S580 to compete at the drag strip. However, the S8 holds a distinct advantage when it comes to straight line acceleration. In a recent test Car and Driver got the S580 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and the Audi S8 did it in just 3.2 seconds. Both are impressive times, but the S8 acceleration is staggering for a large, heavy, non-EV, luxury sedan. So, if you do prioritize winning the stop light grand prix, you are going to want to be in the S8. 

5. Interior Design

In it not just the infotainment system in the S580 that is more futuristic and flashier, but so is the overall design of the interior itself. If you like that sort of thing then the Mercedes-Benz would be your pick. However, Audi has always exercised restraint and even in the S8 they continue that theme. It is beautiful and obviously well-made. But it is more reserved, more traditional. If you are a fan of that design theme, then the S8 is where you will want to sit.  

4. Exhaust Sound

The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine in the S8 puts out a stout 563 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That leads to not just impressive acceleration but to an impressive soundtrack as well. Bury your foot in the S8 and it sounds like you are in a sports car. The S580 is muted by comparison. If you want the more emotional sound, you want the Audi.

3. More Reliable Technology

This came from reports from real owners that experienced the technology in both the S8 and the S580. Folks stated that the list of available technology in the Mercedes-Benz may be more impressive. However, that list of features on paper does not translate to better technology in the real world. The technology in the Audi simply works. The technology in the Mercedes-Benz tended to be glitchy. You can have the greatest tech in the world but if it doesn’t work, what good is it?

2. Exterior Styling

Looks are subjective, but we think most will agree that the S580 looks dowdy compared to the S8. Sure, the S8 looks very similar to the down market A6 and even A4 sedans. But those are both fine looking sedans in their own right. The S580 also looks like other sedans in its own lineup but all of them are bland, rounded off bars of soap looking machines. The Audi looks crisper and sportier.

1. Sportier / More Driving Excitement

At the end of the day the Audi is simply the sportier car between the two. The Audi leans more towards the sporty side and the Mercedes-Benz leans more towards the luxury side. We already talked about the sportier styling and sound, but the Audi Predictive Active Suspension really puts I over the top. It is a $6,000 option on the S8 but it takes the car to another level. It manages to improve sportiness, comfort and safety all at once.

The forward-facing camera reads the road ahead to detect bumps and ruts. It then can adjust each wheel to skip over potholes and minimize the impact of a bump. It can also raise the vehicle on the opposite side of the direction of a turn to keep passengers from leaning too much. The system is even capable of detecting an impending side collision. When it does, it will raise that side of the car 3.1 inches so the crash structure can better absorb the impact. The suspension is simply magic. The S8 is the car for the driver who wants a sportier experience behind the wheel.

Image Credits: Michael S. Palmer (first slide); Audi (every other slide)