Audi is one of those automobile manufacturers that do not seem to have slowed down over the years or would not anytime soon. Even after the emergence and rise in EVs, Audi has made quick work of the inclusion of electric vehicles in their lineup to compete directly with EV forerunners viz. Tesla. Audi’s German engineering and innovation more than make up for its somewhat questionable reliability and ownership costs, at least when you compare it with Japanese or domestic manufacturers, but it's similar to other German counterparts though. But in Audi’s case, you get what you pay for: a superior, tech-laden car with premium levels of luxury at a slightly higher price.
Audi’s 2022 lineup sees both mechanical and cosmetic upgrades on both extremes of the line. From the sub-$35,000 A3 sedan to the sur-$100,000 E-Tron GT, almost every car and SUV sees at least some form of change, and no vehicle has been left idle as it was for their 2021 iteration. The A4 gets some aesthetic and mechanical upgrades, the A6 is likely getting some extra features compared to the 2021 model, and the Q7 and Q8 SUVs get some extra driver-assist features and a couple of cosmetic upgrades here and there. But there are 2 new models making their way for the first time in Audi's 2022 lineup, and the sedans, SUVs, and Supercars also get a long list of tech upgrades and components. Here’s what’s new in Audi’s 2022 car and SUV lineup.
10 The A3 Fully Redesigned
The entry-level sedan from Audi has undergone a complete redesign for its 2022 iteration. No more straight lines and ridges across the body, rather it’s got more curves now. Make no mistake, it still looks and feels very much like an Audi, which has worked for them so far.
The interior gets more and more modern every year, this time it also gets some extra driver-assist features as well as a larger headroom. The good news for those of us on a budget: The entry-level Audi is getting more and more like its top-level and flagship models with time, at least on the inside.
9 The A5 Gets Bigger Wheels
The 2022 A5 is offered in a 19-inch all-season tire, an enlargement over the currently sold 18-inch alloys. The base 40 TFSI variant of the A5 Sportback can be now equipped with the Black Optic package for extra exterior details, or its Plus package that adds red-caliper brakes. The RS5’s RS Design package gives you a red seatbelt and floormat detailing surrounded by Alcantara interior trim.
Bronze is trending, so there’s a Bronze Styling package that dyes the wheels and seat stitching with a Bronze hue. Those hungry for speed can have the Dynamic Plus package which increases the top speed to 174 mph and adds ceramic brake rotors to balance things out.
8 The A6 Gets Some Features As Standard
The A6’s entry-level ‘Premium’ trim now gets tech upgrades like the 10.1-inch touchscreen and the incredible digital gauge display. These things were previously reserved for the ‘Premium Plus’ and ‘Prestige’ trims. The standard 45 TFSI powertrain-equipped A6 now gets the Black Optic styling package and the 55 TFSI powertrain-equipped A6 gets a new 20-inch wheel design.
The S6 now gets rear-side airbags and an updated TPMS as standard, whereas the optional equipment features carbon-fiber interior trim and a new 21-inch wheel design. The RS6 Superwagon’s Carbon Optic package will ride on 22-inch black- or titanium-finish wheels.
7 The A7 Also Gets New Stuff
A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital gauge cluster display are now standard on all 2022 Audi A7 vehicles, including the entry-level Premium trim. There's a new 21-inch wheel design on the shelf too.
Rear side airbags and TPMS are standard on A7 Premium variants and the S7. The Dynamic Ride Control system, as well as a couple of new 22-inch wheel styles and an RS-Design package that enhances the interior, are now available for the RS7.
6 The Q3 Gets Tech Upgrades
Audi's newest MIB infotainment interface has now become standard on entry-level Audi Q3 Premium cars powered by the 40 TFSI engine. Side and rear cross-traffic alerts, as well as front and rear parking sensors, are now included by default on all Q3 models.
The Convenience package adds eight-way power-adjustable front seats as well as an integrated garage door opener. Inside, textured Aluminum Spectrum trim is now standard, and the Q3 Premium trim is now available with a new finish of wood trim.
5 The Q4 E-Tron Makes Its Debut
The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron aspires to be a tech-heavy electric crossover with the premium look and feel we've come to expect from the luxury automaker. The Q4 e-tron is shorter in length than the Q5 SUV, but only by a few inches. This should make the Q4 e-tron easy to drive in town while still leaving room for a large battery pack with adequate range.
When the Q4 e-tron hits dealerships at the end of 2021, it will face stiff competition. Tesla's Model Y is already a well-known contender in the segment, and similarly priced competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volvo XC40 Recharge will also be in the mix.
4 The Q5 Gets Updated Once Again
The family SUV receives a slew of significant improvements just one year after its facelift. The Premium trim now comes with new 18-inch wheels. Premium Plus models come standard with a power-adjustable steering column. Models with the basic 45 TFSI power plant feature standard S Line exterior design for a more sporty appearance.
Furthermore, the Q5 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid are available with a Black Optic package that blacks out external trim features and introduces 20-inch wheels. The 55 TFSI e receives sport front seats as standard, but what's more important is a 17.9-kWh battery, which is 3.8 kWh more than last year's model and could extend its all-electric range. The SQ5 comes equipped with carbon-fiber interior trim.
3 The E-Tron Gets New Trim And Tri-Motor
Ironically, the optional Black Optic package for the Audi E-Tron Premium Plus conceals orange brake calipers beneath new 21-inch black-painted wheels. Prestige is no longer the top E-Tron trim; instead, the Chronos Edition takes the spot with Chronos Gray paint with standard S-Line sport design, Black Optic exterior elements, and premium LED headlights.
The Chronos Edition has a black headliner, grey wood trim, and rear side airbags on the inside. Audi has revealed that the E-Tron S will be available in the United States in 2022, bringing triple-motor action and huge torque to performance-seeking EV customers.
2 The R8 Gets More Power And Optional Features
The 2nd generation of the ever-popular R8 introduced in 2017 continues to get more power and the 2021 RWD powertrain added more fun while driving. For 2022, the entry-level Performance RWD model keeps the tradition on and gets an additional 30 hp and 8 lb-ft of more torque.
The total output is now 562 hp and 406 lb-ft. Audi also added a Performance Exhaust package that enhances the V-10’s musical notes and a Dynamic package that adds carbon-ceramic brakes, titanium-finished 20-inch wheels, and racing bucket seats.
1 The E-Tron GT Makes Its Way To The Streets
The car that ‘Iron Man’ Tony Stark drove in Avengers Endgame (2019) is finally here. The E-Tron GT is built on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan and is powered by a 93-kWh battery pack that produces 522 hp in the standard Quattro model or up to 637 hp in RS trim. On a 270-kW DC fast charger, you can charge the battery from 5% to 80% in around 20 minutes thanks to its 800-volt charging capacity.
The estimated range is about 230 miles, and to reduce range anxiety, Audi is working with Qmerit, a sustainable infrastructure provider, to offer convenient, vetted installation of at-home chargers for E-Tron GT buyers. You can also use the DC fast charging at Electrify America stations for three years.