2020 Audi S8 Base
All photo credits
- Photo: Audi S8 Zurich by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2023 Audi S8 Black Edition TFSi MHEV Quattro Auto by Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Audi S8 D5 Facelift DSC 2857 by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Audi S8 D5 DSC 7266 by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Audi S8 D5 black (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2020 Audi S8 Base is a 563-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with an 8-speed tiptronic automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $129,500 MSRP and is rated at 16 mpg combined.
It makes 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 13 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (16 mpg combined).
The S8 measures 209.5 inches long on a 123.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 5,302 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $129,500 |
| MSRP with Destination | $130,475 |
| Destination Charge | $975 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 4.0L Twin-turbocharged V8 TFSI |
| Displacement | 4 L |
| Horsepower | 563 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft |
| Bore and Stroke | 86.0 x 86.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive (quattro) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Tiptronic Automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 13 MPG |
| Highway | 22 MPG |
| Combined | 16 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium Unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 21.7 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Audi adaptive air suspension (sport) |
| Rear Suspension | Audi adaptive air suspension (sport) |
| Turning Diameter | 42.3 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 15.8 in |
| Rear Brake Disc | 13.8 in |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 209.5 in |
| Width | 76.6 in |
| Height | 58.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 123.2 in |
| Front Track | 64.1 in |
| Rear Track | 63.6 in |
| Cargo Volume | 12.5 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 5,302 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38.3 in |
| Headroom Rear | 38.5 in |
| Legroom Front | 41.5 in |
| Legroom Rear | 44.3 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 59.1 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 57.6 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2020 Audi S8 Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Tested, but no star ratings were published (2020 Audi S8 4 DR AWD).
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Audi S8. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Dec 19, 2025 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V900000
Jan 26, 2022 · TIRES
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
NHTSA campaign 22V034000
Apr 26, 2021 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
NHTSA campaign 21V295000
Feb 24, 2021 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
Consequence: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
NHTSA campaign 21V111000
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2020 AUDI S8. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.