Market Find: Former NBA Coach-Owned 2021 Audi Exclusive S8 in Merlin Purple

What: 2021 Audi S8
Color: Audi exclusive Merlin Purple (merlin purple; pearl effect; 4B / LZ3W / Z3W; Audi)
VIN: unknown
Mileage: 33,000 miles
Price: $85,000
Location: Enfield, CT
Listing: Link

The D5-generation Audi S8 has never lacked presence, but this 2021 example separates itself immediately on color alone. Finished in Audi exclusive Merlin Purple, the long-wheelbase performance sedan stands apart from the usual palette of grays, blacks and whites that dominate the segment. According to the seller, it is the only 2021 S8 ordered from the factory in this color, adding a layer of rarity to an already limited-production flagship.

This car was reportedly custom ordered and carries an original MSRP of $145,505. The specification appears comprehensive, with nearly every available option selected. The only notable omission cited is night vision assist. Equipment includes the Dynamic package with rear-wheel steering, massaging front seats, heated and ventilated seating, dual-pane panoramic sunroof with privacy shades, and the rear-seat tablet system that allows passengers to control climate, media and comfort functions.

Under the hood is Audi’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, rated at 571 horsepower and 591 lb-ft of torque, paired with quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance remains a defining trait of the S8, with acceleration that rivals many dedicated sports sedans despite its full-size luxury footprint.

The D5 S8 rides on adaptive air suspension with predictive active suspension technology, enabling both high-speed stability and compliant ride quality. Rear-wheel steering reduces turning radius at low speeds and improves composure at highway pace. The result is a car that combines long-wheelbase rear-seat space with handling characteristics that are notably sharper than its size suggests.

Provenance adds another layer of interest. The car is described as having been owned by former Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams. Celebrity ownership alone does not define collectibility, but in combination with one-off specification and flagship status, it strengthens the narrative around this particular example.

The odometer shows approximately 33,000 miles. The asking price is listed at $85,000, positioned well below its original MSRP. For buyers seeking a modern Audi flagship with documented exclusivity, distinctive Audi exclusive paint and full-option specification, this Merlin Purple S8 represents a departure from the typical executive sedan formula while retaining everyday usability.