If one is looking for a stealth fighter for the road, the Audi S8 is a perfect choice. While it moves like a bullet, it manages to fly under the radar. Audi has just updated the model as a midlife cycle facelift, and it packs a lot of power. The changes are largely subtle, like the S8 itself, but we think it is the full size performance luxury sedan to buy in 2022.
2022 Audi S8: Styling Enhancements
The facelift brings new updates in exterior styling to the 18 feet long body of the S8. At the front, the headlamps have been redesigned and are more aggressive. Audi has made the S8’s already massive grille even larger. The entire front bumper is new and more aggressive. Around the back, the taillights have been updated and feature new OLED technology. They are brighter, and change in patterns depending on the driver mode setting. The rear bumper has also been revised slightly, adding some chrome to the mix. Additionally, the S8 gets real exhaust tips, instead of the faux styling elements that we have seen on many other modern cars.
Along the side, the S8 remains similar. But there are new options for the wheel designs that range between 18-inches to 21-inch rims. The color palette for the S8 has been widened as it adds nine new options, five of which are satin-matte finishes.
2022 Audi S8: Updated Luxurious Interior
The interior of the previous S8 was stupendously luxurious. But there are only two major changes to the interior of the S8. The Alcantara suede material that was used to line the doors, headliner, and other parts of the cabin, has been replaced with the man-made material - Damika. The second is the instantly noticeable new steering wheel. The 4-spoke design of the older model is replaced with a three-spoke design.
The rest of the cabin remains similar to the older model. The S8’s interior will be available in many trim options when it comes to upholstery, colors as well as carbon fiber trim panels. The three-screen layout in the front cabin continues. The driver gets the virtual cockpit driver’s digital gauge cluster, the large touchscreen infotainment system is mounted on the dash, and the third screen below it on the center console that controls in-vehicle functions like climate control, drive modes, and more.
2022 Audi S8: Engine And Performance
The S8 is the most powerful version of the A8 luxury sedan. That is because it comes with a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine. It develops 571 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to Audi’s 48-volt MHEV system that uses an electric motor as a starter and for power assistance. The A8 range comes with the 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. But the S8 gains a rear limited-slip differential. That allows it to put the power down better, either in a straight line or when navigating corners.
Audi claims the new 2022 S8 will sprint from 0-62 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds, but some tests have proven it to be even quicker. The S8 is limited electronically to a top speed of 155 mph. The only downside is that it comes with a soft rev limiter that doesn't allow the V8 to sing freely.
2022 Audi S8: Clever Suspension Tricks
The Audi S8 uses a progressive electric power steering and predictive suspension system. Additionally, adaptive air suspension and dynamic all-wheel steering are standard equipment.
A camera mounted at the front scans the road and adapts the suspension for bumps to help improve ride quality. Furthermore, the standard all-wheel-steering makes the 18-feet long S8 more nimble in tight spaces, and more stable at higher speeds.
The S8’s suspension also has a feature that lifts the car when you open the doors to help ingress and egress. Close the soft-close doors and it drops back down. Additionally, the Air suspension will ensure the vehicle remains flat through corners, limiting the roll and the nose pitching down when braking.
2022 Audi S8: The Luxury Sedan To Buy
In markets where flagship luxury sedans are still popular like China, South Korea, and North America, the S8 will be made available exclusively in its long-wheel-base model. It means more legroom for rear passengers.
BMW will be axing its V12 engine model of the 7 Series. An AMG model of the Mercedes S-Class is still in the works. We believe the S8 is the luxury car to buy in 2022 because its rivals don’t necessarily have an answer to it at the moment. If you are looking for a quick luxury barge that slides under the radar, the Audi S8 is the one.