2012 Audi S8 (D4) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 2012 Audi S8 (D4) is 1975 kg (4,353 lbs), while the maximum permissible weight is 2575 kg (5,678 lbs). The substantial curb weight reflects its sophisticated construction and high-performance components, including a powerful engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system. The considerable weight contributes to a stable and planted driving experience, although it requires a powerful engine to maintain acceleration capabilities and agility. The maximum weight includes passengers and cargo, ensuring safety and performance standards are maintained within vehicle limits.

The Audi S8 (D4) offers a generously sized luggage capacity of 520 liters (18.4 cubic feet). This ample boot space is well-suited for daily commuting needs, weekend trips, and even longer journeys, accommodating multiple suitcases or larger items with ease. The rear seating arrangement and trunk design maximize usable space while maintaining a sleek sedan profile, balancing luxury with practicality for owners who require both performance and utility.

Yes, the Audi S8 (D4) has a roof load limit of 100 kg (220 lbs). This capacity allows owners to safely place equipment such as roof boxes, bicycles on mounts, or other cargo carriers without exceeding the structural limits of the roof. Adhering to this limit is essential to maintain vehicle stability and safety, especially at higher speeds or dynamic driving conditions, as overloading the roof can negatively affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of damage.

The standard rims on the Audi S8 (D4) are sized 9.0J x 20, paired with tires sized 265/40 R20. These large 20-inch wheels contribute to the car's aggressive appearance and enhance handling performance by providing a larger contact patch with the road. The tire profile of 40 ensures a balance between sporty responsiveness and comfort, supporting the vehicle's luxury sedan status with precise steering feedback while still absorbing many road imperfections.

Given its length of 5146 mm (202.6 inches) and width of 1949 mm (76.7 inches) without mirrors, the Audi S8 (D4) can generally fit in a standard residential garage, which typically measures about 6 meters (236 inches) in length and 2.4 meters (94 inches) in width. However, with mirrors extended (2111 mm or 83.1 inches wide), clearance on the sides is tighter than many standard cars, so careful parking is recommended. Additionally, the vehicle’s height of 1458 mm (57.4 inches) poses no issues for standard garage door heights.

Compared to the preceding Audi S8 generation (D3, produced 2006–2010), the D4 model from 2012 is slightly larger. The D3 had a length of approximately 5275 mm (207.7 inches) and a width around 1866 mm (73.5 inches). The D4 is shorter in length at 5146 mm (202.6 inches) but notably wider at 1949 mm (76.7 inches), improving cabin spaciousness and road presence. This shift reflects Audi's design philosophy to enhance interior comfort and handling dynamics without excessively increasing overall car length.

The Audi S8 (D4)'s dimensions put it competitively alongside other luxury performance sedans like the BMW M7 and Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG (W221). For example, the BMW 7 Series of similar model years typically measures around 5082 mm (200 inches) in length and 1902 mm (74.8 inches) in width. Meanwhile, the Mercedes S-Class (W221) is approximately 5185 mm (204 inches) long and 1860 mm (73.2 inches) wide. The Audi's slightly wider stance enhances cabin space and provides a stable platform for its high-performance capabilities, matching or exceeding rivals in terms of space and comfort.

The Audi S8 (D4) stands out for combining a powerful twin-turbocharged V10 engine, producing over 520 horsepower, with Audi’s sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive system for exceptional performance and handling. Its lightweight aluminum-intensive construction keeps weight manageable for its size. Inside, luxury features include advanced MMI infotainment, high-quality leather and aluminum trim, customizable ambient lighting, and extensive driver assistance technologies. Compared to predecessors, it offers improved engine efficiency, sharper handling, and a more refined cabin, making it a top contender in the luxury sport sedan segment.

The Audi S8 (D4) uses large 20-inch rims (9.0J x 20) with 265/40 R20 tires, which enhance the vehicle’s handling and sporty aesthetics but also influence fuel efficiency and ride comfort. Larger wheels and lower-profile tires typically increase rolling resistance and weight, potentially reducing fuel economy slightly compared to smaller wheels or higher-profile tires. However, the tire design balances grip and comfort, and Audi’s advanced suspension tuning helps mitigate harshness, maintaining a refined ride quality consistent with luxury sedan expectations while supporting spirited driving performance.