As per Audi's nomenclature, it is evident that 8 is a special number. The Q8 marked the company's flagship SUV, while the A8 is the company's flagship luxury sedan. S8, on the other hand, combines the exquisite luxury of the A8 and the sporty performance of the S line of cars. Some notable cars in the S lineup happen to be the S3, based on the A3 Sedan, the S5, based on the A5 Sedan, and the S8, which is the biggest and the most potent sports sedan made by the company. The vehicle was first introduced in 1994, and for the year 2022, it has received a lot of changes making it better than ever before.
The S8 is a mechanically upgraded high-performance version of the A8, which carries all the bells and whistles from its comfort-oriented sibling. The 2022 S8 gets design updates, a better infotainment system for the rear seat occupants, and a mighty engine under the bonnet to keep the enthusiasts entertained.
A Luxury Sedan Than Redefines Class
The Audi S8 is a premium performance sedan and caters to luxury much more than performance. The vehicle uses wooden panels, finely crafted leather, and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The front seats get heating, ventilation, and massage functions as standard. The exact list of features carries forward to the rear seat passengers. Since most owners may spend their time in the rear seats, Audi introduced an all-new rear seat comfort package that includes heated headrests and armrests and a remote to operate the car's infotainment system. Occupants can also close the car sunroof and operate sunshades for all the windows with a touch of a button. Talking about other features, the vehicle gets four-zone climate control and multiple color ambient lighting, which runs throughout the cabin. Now, coming to the infotainment system, the S8 uses multiple screens for media playback, navigation, and climate control. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, the digital driver's display, shows driving data and navigation details. The primary central infotainment system that controls most of the sedan’s functions is a 10.1-inch unit and has a perfect response time making the system easy to operate. It also is equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and all other connected features of the car can be used wirelessly. There is also an 8.6-inch screen in the lower half of the dashboard, which adjusts various in-vehicle functions like the climate control and drive select modes. As standard, the vehicle offers a 17 speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, but those looking for more can also upgrade to a 23 speaker sound system.
Audi S8's Turbo-Charged Performance
The only engine available in the Audi S8 happens to be a 4-liter twin-turbo V8. The machine has a power output of 563 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. Audi’s signature all-wheel-drive quattro system is offered as standard, and so is an 8-speed automatic transmission. The sedan is capable of a top speed of 155 mph and can reach the 0 to 60 mph mark in just under 3.2 seconds. The S8 boasts a fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, although it has a few fuel-saving measures like cylinder deactivation and mild-hybrid assist from a battery pack. Moreover, it also comes with an active air suspension that stiffens up when in sports mode, giving the car a different character altogether. The braking system also does an excellent job, while buyers can also upgrade to carbon-ceramic brakes for even better performance.
Safety And Technology In The New Audi S8
The 2022 Audi S8 is a premium luxury performance car that gets a big safety kit as standard. There is the inclusion of autonomous emergency braking along with pedestrian detection. Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist are also a part of the package. If needed, buyers can also opt for the optional semi-autonomous driving package, including adaptive cruise control and cross-traffic alert. Apart from the safety kits, since the vehicle has a starting price of 6 figures, it also packs in some essentials like a head-up display, stunning-looking LED headlamps and 21-inch wheels. With the tech, performance, and safety that the Audi S8 has on offer, it is a perfect performance luxury sedan.
The 2022 Audi S8 is offered at a starting price of $117,000, and it justifies the price tag with the amount of technology, comfort, and power it provides. The 2022 update has made the vehicle even better with the rear-seat entertainment package and the optional carbon-ceramic brakes.
Sources: Audi, Car and Driver, Cnet