The Audi S8—the sport version of the A8 executive sedan—will soon be in dealerships, so we thought we’d cover this very capable looking entry in the automaker’s catalog for the upcoming model year.

Audi avoided adding any pseudo-track trappings in the S8’s exterior, leaving the model with an understated look that lets its performance tell the tale. That’s in keeping with Audi; the company’s ideas about automotive form have always been rendered with exceptional refinement. But the S8 does sneak in a few subtle differences to differentiate it from the A8, including quad exhaust, distinctive air intakes, and new sills and bumpers.

The S8 proves its mettle with a substantial amount of power and a litany of performance features. It’s outfitted with the 60 TFSI A8’s 4L V8 biturbo, which has been modified to produce 571 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque; compare those numbers with the 60 TFSI A8, which is rated at 453 HP and 487 lb-ft of torque. A sport differential, S-tuning adjustments to reduce roll, active suspension, all-wheel steering, and a mild hybrid system that boosts fuel economy are also part and parcel of the S8 profile.

The interior of the S8 receives a solid executive/performance treatment, with carbon fiber and aluminum embellishments and diamond stitching. Look for it early next year, and expect to see a base sticker of ~$125K.