Somehow, the Audi S8 has become an underappreciated model in the Audi lineup. Maybe it’s the way SUVs have dominated the market over the last decade, but we remember a time when a big luxury barge with a twin-turbo V8 would’ve rustled a few more feathers amongst the enthusiasts and general appreciators.
Notwithstanding the fact that it’s far from the biggest seller in the range, the 2022 Audi S8 has officially arrived in Australia and will be priced from $273,400 plus on-road costs – an increase of $13,000.
In this article, we’ll be breaking down all the features and specifications for the 2022 Audi S8, including everything you get for the money before we have a chance to jump behind the wheel and put the car through its paces ourselves next year.
Related: 2022 Audi S3 Sedan Review
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
What Powers the 2022 Audi S8?
Of course, being an ‘S’ performance model you’ll be happy to know that Audi has retained the tried and true 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine. It’s the same motor you’ll find in performance models such as the flagship Audi RS6 (441kW) and RSQ8 (441kW) but with a little less oomph.
In this configuration, the motor produces 420kW and 800Nm of torque from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm and is equipped with mild hybrid technology (MHEV), which uses the vehicle’s 48-volt main electrical system to further enhance the engine’s performance alongside the standard cylinder on demand technology (CoD).
In our books, it’s the 48v (MHEV) system that makes the biggest difference in practical terms. Audi quotes a fuel saving of 0.8-litres per 100km thanks to a seamless stop-start system. A figure that’s further enhanced by cylinder-on-demand (CoD) technology that shuts down four cylinders under light throttle load for further fuel savings, resuming within milliseconds when required.
And for the Transmission?
The 2022 Audi S8 features the brand’s eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. This directs power through Audi’s famous quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
In this configuration, the torque is distributed asymmetrically with a 40:60 bias, front to rear. During sporty driving, up to 85 per cent of the power can be sent to the rear wheels – a fact we tested in the latest generation Audi RS3, check out our review here.
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Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
How Advanced is the Suspension in the Audi S8?
It’s pretty clear that we’ve reached peak petrol thanks to strict emissions rules that dictate just how far a manufacturer can push the boundaries of internal combustion engines. That research and development is now being pushed through other channels, including suspension, and the result is some of the all-new Audi S8 receiving one of the most advanced systems in the world.
Audi’s ‘Predictive active suspension’ technology works in combination with the sensors throughout the car (including the video cameras) to control the vehicle’s body by reading the road ahead. Each wheel is individually controlled via. an electric motor and can be loaded or unloaded to suit the conditions ahead.
When driving ‘sporty’ the system can lower the car and adjust the suspension angle up to three degrees on turn-in while loading the outside wheels to control the lateral load. If comfort is the requirement, the system works in the opposite way by softening the blow of upcoming road undulations.
The system will even drop the car 50mm when entering or exiting the car to make it more comfortable for the driver and passenger.
Related: Audi is Officially Entering Formula 1 from 2026
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
How Does the 2022 Audi S8 Look?
We think this is one of the main selling points of the 2022 Audi S8, it’s neither showy nor too pretentious in a world filled with over-the-top laptops on wheels. The front grille is large, but it’s nowhere near the gargantuan monstrosity on the front of the new BMW 7 Series.
Our favourite angle has to be the rear three-quarter view that shows off the car’s quad tailpipes, sculptured rear bumper, rhomboid pattern insert and contrasting diffuser. The roofline is coupe-like and the side profile features one gorgeous crease that runs from the rear over the front bonnet.
The 21-inch Audi Sport, 10-Y-spoke wheels are accentuated with red brake calipers, black exterior styling, metallic paint and privacy glass for the rear windows as standard.
In terms of exterior technology, Audi has included standard digital matrix headlights and OLED tail lights. Each headlight is made up of approximately 1.3 million micromirrors that break down the light into tiny pixels and allow it to be controlled with incredible precision. It’s by and large the best headlight technology we’ve tested in any car, more on this system can be found in our Audi e-Tron GT review here.
Related: Audi A4 Modified to Look Like Audi R8 Gives ‘Stealth Wealth’ a New Meaning
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
Is the 2022 Audi S8 Nice on the Inside?
Step inside the new S8 and you’ll find plenty of Valcona leather complete with carbon vector and dark brushed aluminium inlays. The steering wheel is the classic leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel that offers both heating for cooling functions and the same can be said for the front seats that also feature heated armrests.
What About the Infotainment and Tech?
Step inside the all-new Audi S8 and you’ll find it houses most of the tech found in the 2022 Audi e-Tron GT we drove earlier this year, a good thing considering it’s one of our favourites.
The usual wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto options are there alongside Audi virtual cockpit plus with a head-up display and the high-resolution MMI touch response system.
The rear is where the business happens and executives will find dual 10.1-inch screens with full HD resolution (we’d like to see OLED) as an option. Streaming to these is seamless via casting from all well-known streaming platforms or TV media libraries.
Related: Only 23 Audi RS 7 Exclusive Editions Will Be Sold
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
What Safety Features Does the Audi S8 Have?
These are the standard safety features of the new Audi S8.
- Park assist.
- 360-degree cameras.
- Adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist,
- Exit warning and rear cross-traffic assist.
- Lane change warning detection.
- Side assist, turn assist, collision avoidance assist and efficiency assist.
The system is so advanced that the vehicle will elevate itself in case of a side impact. This works in conjunction with a centre airbag that splits the front two passengers to avoid excessive injury. The new S8 also gains night vision assistance with marking lights.
How Much Does the 2022 Audi S8 Cost?
The 2022 Audi S8 is priced at $273,400 plus on-road costs and is available to order now.
More information on the new S8 can be found via the link below.
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
2022 Audi S8 Standard Equipment List
A list of standard equipment in the new S8 includes the following.
- Digital matrix LED headlights.
- OLED digital tail-lights.
- Night vision.
- 21-inch alloy wheels.
- Performance brakes with red calipers.
- Black S-specific exterior styling.
- Rear privacy glass (tinted windows).
- Adaptive air suspension.
- Active anti-roll stabilisation system.
- Metallic paint.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
- 360-degree camera.
- Automatic parking.
Interior features include:
- 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 8.6-inch lower climate control display.
- 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster.
- 23-speaker, 1920-watt Bang and Olufsen 3D premium sound system.
- Valcona leather upholstery.
- ‘Carbon vector’ and brushed aluminium interior inlays.
- Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel.
- Leather-wrapped centre console and door trims.
- Heated and ventilated electric front seats with massaging.
- Heated front armrests.
- Heated power-adjustable outer rear seats with memory.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Rear electric sunblinds.
- Colour ambient interior lighting.
- Stainless steel sports pedals.
- Matrix LED rear reading lights.
Safety features include:
- A suite of airbags, including front centre airbag.
- Autonomous emergency braking with intersection detection.
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go.
- Traffic jam assist.
- Lane-keep assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
- Safe exit warning.
- Audi pre-sense system (the system that lifts the side of the car when a crash is detected).
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
Image: Supplied | Audi Australia
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