2022 Audi S8 Review: Stealth Bombing The Competition
In a market dominated by luxury SUVs, driving a full-size luxury sedan is an act of defiance, a sign of old-world class, and the Audi S8 is one of the best. This performance-focused Audi delivers a bone-crushing punch from its 563-horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and hides behind a reserved exterior design that many would classify as sleeper-car looks. For 2022 the S8 gets a styling update that includes new front and rear bumpers and new wheel designs, but this sizable German performance sedan still looks too similar to the standard A8, in our opinion. Perhaps that's not the worst thing, as the S8 remains one of the very last true sleeper sedans in existence, which makes it perfect for blasting past unassuming rivals like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Genesis G90. In terms of comfort and convenience, the S8 is packed with all the things that go beep and can be specced to the moon. Long live the sleeper sedan. Long live luxury.
2022 S8 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 209.0 in | 123.2 in | 58.6 in | 76.6 in | 64.1 in | 63.7 in | 5,302.0 lbs |
2022 S8 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Audi has the ability to make large cars handle uncannily well. This is partly due to a deep understanding of chassis engineering and suspension geometry and decades of AWD tech development. Combine this with modern systems such as all-wheel steering and advanced adaptive air suspension, and you get a heavy sedan like this to handle like a much lighter car. Give the S8 even the slightest steering input, and it will react in a measured yet responsive manner, contributing to its ability to feel effortlessly fast. As a luxury sports car, the S8 will be driven in comfort mode most of the time, and in its most relaxed driving mode, the air suspension makes the S8 soak up bumps and glide across the freeway. It's a massively comfortable car.
Tighten up the suspension, and the S8 becomes eager to please. Its weight becomes noticeable in tight corners, but any pace lost here is more than made up for by sheer grip and power at corner exits. Audi offers a predictive suspension system that further increases comfort for $6,000. Audi has nailed this aspect of the S8.
2022 S8 Interior
2022 S8 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi S8 A Good car?
Most shoppers in this class will want something that shouts performance, and if that's your vibe, we'd suggest looking elsewhere. The 2022 Audi S8 is the mature choice when it comes to ridiculously fast luxury sedans. Yes, it can sprint to 60 mph in under four seconds, but it won't turn many heads, especially when parked next to something with an AMG or M badge. This is precisely why we love this car: it doesn't shout at anyone yet delivers a knockout blow in terms of performance. The interior of their S8 is a stunning space to sit in, and as a daily driver, this car feels exceptionally comfortable. Despite its weight, the S8 feels light on its feet, and when cruising down the highway, there's a ton of tech to keep you entertained. The S8 is a luxury sleeper in the truest sense of the word, quietly holding its space in a crowd of fast cars that like you to know they're fast.
2022 Audi S8 Comparisons
2022 Audi S8 vs Audi A8
The A8 is Audi's premier luxury sedan and comes with all the luxury and tech features on offer in the S8, sans the powerful V8 engine option. If you're looking for the ultimate in Audi luxury but don't have the need for sub-four-second 0-60 mph sprints, then this will be the perfect option. Under the hood, the A8 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing an ample 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The A8 is more than quick enough around town and is just as comfortable on the open road, and an added benefit of having a smaller engine is better fuel economy. Interior space, cargo capacity, and safety features are all similar. If you're simply after a comfortable time, the A8 is just as good as its performance-focused sibling, and at only $86,500, it's way more cost-effective.
2022 Audi S8 vs BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series has been a go-to in the full-size sedan market for decades and delivers an excellent balance of performance, handling, and comfort. The trim that comes closest to the S8 in terms of performance specs and price is the 750i xDrive. It goes on sale for around $103k, the 750i is less expensive and offers similar performance figures. Its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine produces 523 hp and 553 lb-ft, slightly down on the Audi, but in the real world, it feels just as quick, and the BMW is just as willing around the corners. Interior space is similar, but the BMW has a significantly larger trunk at 18.2 cubic feet. Tech and comfort features are also comparable. The BMW 750i xDrive is a brilliant thing to drive, and with such a big price difference, the choice is simple.