Discreetly refined: the 2022 Audi S8 facelift with 571 hp!

In the Audi model portfolio, the A8 has played the role of the brand's spearhead in the luxury sedan segment since 1994 as the successor to the Audi V8. The Audi A8 is a symbol and a pioneer for the status and prestige of the brand. The fourth generation of the luxury sedan that Audi presented in 2017 raised it to a new level in terms of performance, looks and equipment.

As the first series model, the A8 showed the future design language when it was launched and has thus significantly shaped the progressive face of the brand to this day. The refined design paired with established technologies and outstanding comfort in the rear area define Audi's understanding of premium in this segment. The sedan represents the symbiosis of superior driving comfort and sporty handling and thus covers the entire range of the driving experience. Thanks to the precision in all details and many intelligent functions, the new A8 stands as a high-quality technology carrier for user-centered and confident mobility.

Even more prestige and sovereignty: the exterior design

The Audi A8 is a sedan that represents status and exudes sovereignty - thanks to the redesign, its exterior looks even more representative, sovereign and athletic. The base of the single-frame grill has become wider; chrome-plated angles that grow larger and larger from bottom to top adorn its grille. The side air inlets are arranged more upright and just as redesigned as the headlights, the lower end of which creates a distinctive contour in the outer area. Overall, the newly designed and precisely orchestrated design elements in the front area clearly increase the presence and sovereignty of the A8 and sharpen the profile of the brand's top model.

When viewed from the side, the progressive character of the luxury sedan is particularly noticeable. The roof dome is flat. Stretched lines in the body emphasize the length of the car, while wide wheel arches indicate the standard quattro drive. In all model variants, the sill area is shaped as a hollow, a blade closes it off from the street. At the rear, wide chrome bars dominate, a customizable signature of the tail light with digital OLEDs and a continuous, segmented light strip. The diffuser insert in the bumper is finely accentuated and redrawn with horizontal bars. The Audi S8² presents - typical of the Audi S model - four flow-through pipes that lie under a circumferential contour. They are one of its signature sporty design details.

In addition to the basic exterior, Audi offers its customers the chrome exterior package and, for the first time, the new S line exterior package for the A8. The latter gives the front a dynamic touch and differentiates it even more from the basic model: striking blades in the area of ​​the side air inlets complement the front view - very similar to the S8². The look appears even more defined with the additional black optics package. The paint fan for the A8 contains eleven colors, including the new metallic paints District Green, Firmament Blue, Manhattan Gray and Ultra Blue. Five matt paint finishes are also new in the Audi A8 - Daytona gray, floret silver, district green, terrain gray and glacier white. In the Audi exclusive program, the car is painted in the color of the customer's choice.

5,19 meter long body

As a result of the product upgrade, the dimensions of the Audi flagship in the luxury sedan segment have only changed minimally. With a wheelbase of 8 meters, the A3,00 is 5,19 meters long, 1,95 meters wide and 1,47 meters high. The S8²is about an inch longer. The body of the A8 follows the principle of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) - it is made up of 58 percent aluminum parts. The passenger cell consists of hot-formed steel components, supplemented by an ultra-high-strength, extremely torsion-resistant rear wall made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Suspension strut strut struts made of magnesium complete the lightweight construction concept. The superior rigidity of the body lays the foundation for precise handling, excellent driving comfort and acoustic quiet on board.

Digital matrix LED headlights and OLED rear lights

Comparable to video beamers, the digital matrix LED headlights use DMD technology (Digital Micromirror Device). Each headlight has around 1,3 million micromirrors that break the light down into tiny pixels. This enables it to be controlled with the greatest possible precision. One of the new functions that this makes possible is the lane and orientation light for motorways. Here, the headlights emit a carpet of light that illuminates your own lane particularly brightly. The orientation light intuitively helps drivers to stay in lane, especially on construction sites. When unlocking and leaving the car, the digital matrix LED headlights can generate dynamic coming home / leaving home functions. They appear as projections on the floor or on a wall.

The upgraded A8 has digital OLED rear lights (OLED = organic light emitting diode) on board as standard. When ordering the car, there are two - for the S8² three - tail light signatures to choose from. When the Audi drive select "dynamic" mode is selected, the lights change to another signature that is only available in this mode.

In conjunction with the assistance systems, the digital OLED rear lights have proximity detection: if other road users approach the stationary A8 from behind within less than two meters, all OLED segments are activated. Further functions are the dynamic flashing light as well as coming and leaving home stagings.

Reduction as a design element: the interior

The interior of the A8 resembles a spacious, spacious lounge - it offers space for freedom and wellbeing. Its architecture is strictly horizontal to emphasize the space. The design language always remains reserved. In the dark, the Ambiente lights package plus (standard with the Audi design selection and in the S8² ) the interior in an elegant way, for the rear there are reading lights in Matrix LED technology.

The range of seats and seating equipment in the upgraded A8 is versatile, extremely comfortable and exudes a high degree of sovereignty - many options are available especially for the rear. The top of the range is the relaxation seat in the A8 L.³, which offers numerous adjustment options and a footrest on the back of the front passenger seat. Here, passengers can have the soles of their feet warmed and massaged in several stages. The reclining seat package includes a back massage with 18 pneumatic cushions, electrically adjustable comfort headrests, a full-length center console on request - optionally with folding tables, 4-zone comfort automatic air conditioning and the new screens in the rear. A cool box including a bar in the Audi exclusive range underlines the comfortable ambience.

The high quality of workmanship emphasizes the manufactured character of the A8 interior. This applies to the precise perforation of the seat covers as well as to the electrically opening and closing decorative panels above the air vents or to the velvety leather of the comfort headrests. The seats are covered with Valetta leather as standard. Alternatively, Valcona leather is available, for which the new color cognac brown is available. The sustainable microfiber material Dinamica is new to the range for the door panels, optionally also for the pillar panels and the headliner.

Another characteristic of the upgraded A8 is the wide range of interior configurations. These include the Audi design selection in pastel silver and the S line interior in black, Merlot red or cognac. Several leather packages and Audi exclusive leather upholstery complete the range. The optional air quality package includes an ionizer and aromatization.

Sensitive and intelligent: the operation

The MMI touch response operating concept in the Audi A8 relies on two displays (10,1 "and 8,6") ​​and natural voice control. The dialog is started with the call “Hey Audi!”. The fully digital Audi virtual cockpit with the optionally available head-up display completes the display and operating concept and emphasizes the driver-oriented orientation. Important information is displayed directly in the driver's line of sight.

New solutions: navigation and Audi connect

MMI navigation plus is standard in the revised Audi A8. Behind it is the third-generation modular infotainment kit (MIB 3). The online and Car-2-X services from Audi connect, which are also standard, complement the navigation. They are divided into two packages: Audi connect navigation & infotainment and Audi connect emergency call & service with Audi connect remote & control.

For modern demands: the new screens in the rear

There are also attractive options for infotainment hardware. The new screens in the rear are tailored to the expectations of today's rear passengers. These are two 10,1-inch displays with full HD resolution that are attached to the backrests of the front seats. They play back content from the passengers' end devices, and they can also receive numerous audio and video streams via casting, for example from well-known streaming platforms or from TV media libraries.

The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System is designed for discerning hi-fi lovers - it also brings the 3D sound with its height information to the rear seats. An amplifier controls 1.920 loudspeakers with an output of 23 watts, and the tweeter lenses extend electrically from the instrument panel. The rear seat remote, which is now firmly mounted in the center armrest, allows many comfort and infotainment functions to be controlled from the rear. The control unit with its OLED touch display is about the size of a smartphone.

Three packages: the driver assistance systems

Around 8 driver assistance systems are available in the revised Audi A40. Some of them - including the Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front safety systems - are part of the standard scope, the optional equipment is clustered in the "Parking", "City" and "Tour" packages. The assistance package plus combines the packages. Features such as the night vision assistant and the environmental cameras are available individually. The highlight in the “Parking” package is the Remote Parking Assistant plus: it can automatically drive the large limousine into and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Drivers don't even have to sit in the car.

The “City” assistance package contains the intersection assistant, the rear cross traffic assistant, the lane change warning, the exit warning and the Audi pre sense 360 ​​° safety system, which, in combination with the active suspension, raises the side of a crash.

The “Tour” assistance package, which is standard in Germany, is particularly well equipped. Its central system is the adaptive driver assistant, which regulates the longitudinal and lateral guidance in the entire speed range. Behind the assistance systems in the Audi A8 is the central driver assistance control unit (zFAS), which continuously calculates a differentiated image of the environment.

Confident and efficient: the engine range

The upgraded Audi A8 is initially available with three engines. The 3.0 TFSI as a V6 engine draws from three liters of displacement. The 4.0 TFSI, which is available for the A8 and S8² is available in different power levels, its four-liter displacement is distributed over eight cylinders with cylinder on demand technology.

The 3.0 TFSI drives the Audi A8 55 TFSI quattro⁴ and the A8 L 55 TFSI quattro⁵ with 250 kW (340 PS). A variant with 210 kW (286 PS) is available for China. From 1.370 to 4.500 revolutions, it applies 500 Nm of torque to the crankshaft. From a standstill, 100 km / h is reached in 5,6 seconds (L model: 5,7 seconds).

In the version for the A8 models, the 4.0 TFSI develops 338 kW (460 PS) and 660 Nm of torque, which are available between 1.850 and 4.500 rpm. They result in very sporty driving performance: The A1 8 TSFI quattro⁶ and the A8 L 60 TFSI quattro⁷ sprint uniformly from zero to 4,4 km / h in 100 seconds. A highlight of the V8 is the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which temporarily switches off four cylinders when driving at a moderate rate. The A8 will soon also be available as a diesel, a plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) will follow.

The Audi S8 - inspiring performance in the luxury class

The Audi S8 TSFI quattro is the sporty top model of the series. Here the biturbo V8 delivers 420 kW (571 hp) of power and 800 Nm of torque from 2.050 to 4.500 tours. The standard sprint is done in 3,8 seconds. The COD system also increases the S8² the efficiency. Sound flaps in the exhaust system sharpen the sound if desired. The most powerful model in the A8 family also comes off the production line with a particularly wide range of standard equipment. Among other things, it includes a unique combination of innovative chassis components. Only with the S8² the predictive active suspension, the sport differential and the dynamic all-wheel steering are installed ex works.

The sporty character is specifically highlighted with striking design elements in the interior and exterior. The Audi S8² only offered with a long wheelbase. The increase in vehicle length and height means a significant plus in comfort for the occupants thanks to increased head and legroom. All of the engines mentioned so far have mild hybrid technology (MHEV) on board as standard, which uses the 48-volt main electrical system of the A8.

tiptronic, quattro and sport differential: the whole range of the driving experience

All of the units in the Audi A8 are linked to a fast and gentle eight-speed tiptronic. Thanks to an electric oil pump, the automatic transmission can change gears even when the combustion engine is not running. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive with the self-locking center differential is standard; the sport differential can be added on request (standard on the S8² ). It actively distributes the drive torque between the rear wheels when cornering quickly, making handling even sportier and more stable.

Progressive technologies: the chassis

Even the standard chassis of the revised Audi A8 impresses with its balanced character. It combines sporty driving fun with superior comfort, also because of the different driving profiles provided by the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is standard. Another series feature is the progressive steering. Dynamic all-wheel steering is also available on request. With the Audi S8² it is part of the standard equipment.

The predictive active suspension

The highlight in the revised A8 is the predictive active suspension. It can load or relieve each wheel individually with additional forces via an electric motor and thus actively regulate the position of the body in every driving situation. The predictive active suspension gives the driving experience in the Audi A8 a fascinating range. When the dynamic mode is set in the Audi drive select system, the large sedan shows its sporty side. It steers tightly into the bends, the roll angles are low, and the body barely plunges when braking. In the comfort + mode, on the other hand, it hovers velvety over bumps. Here the control works together with the front camera, so it can detect unevenness within the system limits and regulate the actuators predictively.

In comfort + mode, the predictive active chassis has a special feature - the integrated curve tilting function reduces the lateral acceleration acting on the occupants. At the entrance to the curve, it lifts the body on the outside of the curve and lowers it on the other side, leaning up to three degrees into the curve. In the speed window between 80 and 130 km / h and in the range of up to 0,4 g of lateral acceleration, cornering is barely noticeable. When driving straight ahead in the comfort + profile, the predictive active chassis compensates for pitching movements in the body. It lifts the body up to 50 millimeters for easy entry and exit. The range of wheels for the revised Audi A8, which ranges from 18 to 21 inches, includes six new designs from Audi and Audi Sport. In the top versions like the Audi S8² On request, Audi can install carbon fiber ceramic brake discs.

A8 L Horch: especially for the Chinese market

In the Audi A8L Horch, the top version for the Chinese market, with a vehicle length of 5,45 meters, an additional 8 centimeters are added compared to the A13 L. In the interior, the expanded diamond quilting, an embossed logo on the rest cushions and the deep-pile floor mats in the rear underline the exclusivity of this derivative. On the exterior, the specifically designed single frame with vertical struts reveals the luxury model. There are also chrome applications, for example on the mirror housing, a specific light signature on the rear, a larger panoramic roof, badges, a Horch badge on the C-pillar, the “H-crown” rim design and a wide range of standard equipment including a relaxation seat. For the first time in the D segment, the top model is offering a two-tone paint job for customers in China who want to give their vehicle a particularly elegant look.

Three color combinations, which are applied by hand, are possible: mythos black and floret silver, floret silver and myth black as well as firmament blue and ultra blue. Audi uses the first-mentioned color under the light edge, the so-called tornado line. In this way, the Audi A8 L Horch, with its prestige and status-oriented features, stages the Audi understanding of a progressive luxury sedan with maximum customer orientation.

The basic prices: from 99.500 euros

The revised Audi A8 will be launched in European markets in December. In Germany, the base price for the A8 is now 99.500 euros. The Audi S8² can be ordered from 144.800 euros.