Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 17 February 2022 | 0 min read
While the changes err closer to a facelift than a full overhaul, Audi is promising the 2022 A8 is better than its predecessor with improved looks, performance and technology – but does its claim hold true?
Rory Reid gets behind the wheel of the new Audi S8 for a first verdict, and we shine a spotlight on some of the key points below.
Rory Reid gets behind the wheel of the new Audi S8 for a first verdict, and we shine a spotlight on some of the key points below.
Audi S8 2022 design
The new Audi S8 comes with a brand-new front end – including a restyled front bumper and a wider grille than before. It's very upright, almost like an SUV, and there’s a new choice of wheels (including 18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch wheels) and optional carbon ceramic brakes.
There are digital lights on the front and rear of the car, and a choice of different headlight types including LED, matrix LED and digital matrix LED – the latter of which project very precise beams of high-resolution light on the road in front of you, and can work out whether you're on a country road or a motorway and light it accordingly without blinding other road users.
There are digital lights on the front and rear of the car, and a choice of different headlight types including LED, matrix LED and digital matrix LED – the latter of which project very precise beams of high-resolution light on the road in front of you, and can work out whether you're on a country road or a motorway and light it accordingly without blinding other road users.
Audi S8 2022 interiors
Inside, it’s quite similar to the previous S8, with understated interior trim options including suede, leather, and carbon fibre effects.
The 2022 S8 includes two screens: one for your main infotainment and one for your climate control. Those two screens work independently of each other or together – for example, you can use the lower screen as a virtual touchpad and write your address in. There’s also voice assistant for hands-free control, like adjusting the climate while you drive. Interiors are comfortable and roomy, with acoustic glass double glazing that keeps most road noise out (beyond the odd bit of wind noise) for a silent, serene cabin.
The 2022 S8 includes two screens: one for your main infotainment and one for your climate control. Those two screens work independently of each other or together – for example, you can use the lower screen as a virtual touchpad and write your address in. There’s also voice assistant for hands-free control, like adjusting the climate while you drive. Interiors are comfortable and roomy, with acoustic glass double glazing that keeps most road noise out (beyond the odd bit of wind noise) for a silent, serene cabin.
Audi S8 2022 drive style
We won’t delve too much into this ahead of the full review, but it’s worth celebrating some of the new technology the Audi S8 has adopted.
Worthy of the first mention is the predictive air suspension, which uses cameras to scan the road ahead and can use electric motors to load or unload each wheel individually if it senses you're going around the corner. Essentially, it can lean into that corner like a motorbike. If you brake hard, the S8 can push the nose up to keep the car flat. If you accelerate hard, it pushes up the back to do the same. In a particularly clever twist, it can jump over speed bumps – the body stays completely level, but the wheels go up and down over the bumps, so the ride is perfectly smooth. And, when you approach your vehicle, it will automatically raise the height of the suspension to make it easier for you to get in. Amazing stuff.
Worthy of the first mention is the predictive air suspension, which uses cameras to scan the road ahead and can use electric motors to load or unload each wheel individually if it senses you're going around the corner. Essentially, it can lean into that corner like a motorbike. If you brake hard, the S8 can push the nose up to keep the car flat. If you accelerate hard, it pushes up the back to do the same. In a particularly clever twist, it can jump over speed bumps – the body stays completely level, but the wheels go up and down over the bumps, so the ride is perfectly smooth. And, when you approach your vehicle, it will automatically raise the height of the suspension to make it easier for you to get in. Amazing stuff.
Audi S8 2022 power
The new Audi S8 uses a four-litre turbocharged V8 for 571 horsepower and 800 Newton metres of torque. It’ll do 0- 62 in 3.8 seconds, making it quicker than a lot of sports cars.
You also get a smooth, eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. When you manually change gears, you get a little kick just to reinforce that the gears have actually changed.
You also get a smooth, eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. When you manually change gears, you get a little kick just to reinforce that the gears have actually changed.
Audi S8 2022 verdict
Find out what Rory thinks in the video, and subscribe for more reviews, news and explainers on our YouTube channel.