2015 Audi S8: A collision of sport performance and high-tech luxury (pictures)

The S8 is the sport version of Audi's A8 flagship sedan, the current generation of which has been around since 2010.

LED headlights remain an advanced feature, but plenty of competitors have caught up.

The big grille remains a signature Audi design cue.

The S8's 4-liter V-8 engine makes use of twin turbochargers and direct injection, boosting it to 520 horsepower.

The S8 retains a basic sedan design, making for comfortable cabin space in front and back.

These 21-inch wheels show what Audi calls "Titanium finish."

The S8 comes standard with an air suspension, adjustable between Dynamic and Comfort modes.

Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard, and Audi also throws in a torque-vectoring rear differential, which makes the S8 handle extremely well in the turns.

Quad exhaust pipes and the S8 badge reveal this car's sporting character.

Audi calls the leather seat color Vermont Brown, and it's a free option for the interior. Massage seats are an option.

Instead of a typical bench, the rear seat consists of two buckets.

The S8 model includes many features as standard that would be options on the A8.

Audi was early to the data game, building in a 3G data connection to the S8. Newer Audi models get 4G connections.

Electric power steering adjusts between Dynamic and Comfort modes.

Audi maintains analog gauges here, but the next generation will likely get Audi's new Virtual Cockpit interface.

The head-up display shows speed and limited turn guidance.

The eight-speed automatic transmission shifter doesn't actually have a gate, as it toggles back and forth to engage each drive mode.

The Multimedia Interface controller includes a touchpad for tracing letters and numbers.

The main menu on this 8-inch LCD uses an elliptical format.

DriveSelect lets you choose between Comfort, Auto and Dynamic modes for suspension, throttle, steering and even exhaust noise.

Google Earth imagery in the navigation systems looks extremely cool, but it does not necessarily improve route guidance.

You can switch to more normal maps, which are very detailed.

Among the destination options, Audi includes online destination search.

Destination search results come from Google.

Audi uses the built-in data connection for a number of other features.

HD Radio comes standard, and give a single radio station multiple channels.

Onboard audio sources include Bluetooth streaming, iOS device integration, USB drives and the car's own hard drive.

The Bang & Olufsen audio option includes its own digital signal processing, 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of amplification.

Although expensive for a car stereo, the Bang & Olufsen audio option is an excellent deal when compared with home systems.

The surround-view camera makes parking quick and easy.