 I decided that maybe Audi had just created the perfect luxury car.  After 3k miles I believe they have.  It is perfectly silent when you want it to be.  Want to be sporty?  One or two down shifts and a tap of the right foot and you know you are in the right car.  The electronics are well thought out too.  Handling stuns.  The throttle is not too sensitive.  No problem (did they fix it?). Looks?  Subjective, yes, but it makes a very discrete statement.  I am very happy my S8.  And I don't miss my 997 a bit.