Just a few days after the long-rumored A8 L Horch debuted exclusively for the Chinese market, Audi has lifted the covers off the refreshed A8 and S8. Considering that the A8 debuted way back in 2017, the time is right for the flagship sedan to get a facelift. With sharper styling and new cabin technology, the 2022 Audi A8 is ready to take on the newer BMW 7 Series facelift and the all-new Mercedes S-Class.
At the front, the Audi A8 features a wider Singleframe grille with chrome surrounds and larger air intakes on the front bumper, giving the luxury sedan more presence than the pre-facelift model. Elsewhere, the redesigned headlights look sharper and can incorporate Audi's optional Digital Matrix LED technology with 1.3 million micromirrors. At the back, OLED taillights are fitted as standard with revised graphics, and the rear bumper diffuser insert is redesigned with horizontal bars. For the first time, the A8 is available with an optional S-Line exterior package, which adds sporty design cues inspired by the high-performance S8.
The styling changes have slightly altered the A8's dimensions: the facelift model has a 9.8-foot wheelbase and measures 17 feet long, 6.4 feet wide, and 4.8 feet high. The S8 is around 0.3 inches longer.
New exterior colors available for the 2022 A8 include Metallic District Green, Firmament Blue, Manhattan Gray, and Ultra Blue. Five new matte finishes are also available: Daytona Gray, Floret Silver, District Green, Terra Gray, and Glacier White. Six new wheel designs are also available ranging from 18 to 21 inches, while the S8 can be fitted with carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs.
Like the pre-facelift A8, the interior is equipped with a dual display including a 10.1-inch upper screen and an 8.6-inch lower screen running the latest MMI software, as well as a 12.3-inch digital dashboard. In addition, two 10.1-inch displays can be added to the back seats that can stream media from smartphones to keep rear passengers entertained. A swanky 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is also available.
Around 40 driver assistance systems are available in the 2022 Audi A8. The Audi pre-sense basic and Audi pre-sense front safety systems are offered as standard and optional Park, City, and Tour packages are available. Included in the Park package, Audi's remote park assist plus can automatically maneuver the luxury sedan into and out of tight parallel or bay parking spaces. The City assist package includes intersection, cross-traffic, side, and exit warning assist, as well as the Audi pre sense 360-degree safety system, while the Tour assist package features adaptive cruise control.
Engine options from the pre-facelift model carry over to the 2022 A8. These include a 3.0 TFSI V6, 4.0 TFSI V8, a twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI V8, and a 3.0 TDI turbodiesel with a 48-volt hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid variant will join the lineup later. In Europe, the A8 55 TFSI 3.0-liter gasoline engine produces 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.
The more powerful 4.0-liter V8 in the A8 60 TFSI quattro generates 453 hp and 486 lb-ft, allowing the luxury sedan to sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds. Topping the range, the Audi S8's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 produces 563 hp and 590 lb-ft, and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds. Each engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Audi's standard quattro all-wheel-drive system.
In Europe, sales of the 2022 Audi A8 will start in December, with pricing starting at €99,500 ($115,540) for the base A8 50 TDI and €144,800 ($168,135) for the S8, which will be offered exclusively with a long wheelbase in the US, Canada, China, and South Korea. US pricing and specification will be determined closer to the local launch.