2022 Audi S8

For petrol heads with a penchant for a taste for luxury and opulence, there are not many luxury-sports sedans proving a deal as good as the 2022 Audi S8. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 quietly toiling away under the hood, the S8 can effortlessly leave the race for the ordinary behind with its effortlessly agile and smooth acceleration. And when the going gets unevenly bumpy the S8 effortlessly engulfs all the minor and major imperfections on the freeway with its 4-wheel independent air suspension and intelligent torque vectoring.

Based on the more mellow A8 luxury sedan, the S8 receives a performance suspension, upgraded brakes, and a punchier powertrain, with its exterior also properly complementing its overall aggressive demeanor—which makes it a stealth bomber of a sports sedan for the road. Inside, the S8 offers just as much space and as many creature comforts as rivals such as the BMW 760i and the Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive, including massaging front and rear seats, the latest in infotainment features, high-quality materials, and excellent fit and finish.

Though most of the features are expected to be continued with the 2022 S8, it is expected to be coming off a complete redesign for the 2021 model year so it sees few changes for 2022. New standard equipment includes 21-inch wheels, summer tires, and heated armrests for the front-seat passengers. The Black Optic package receives a new 21-inch wheel design.

Notable specification and features of the 2022 Audi S8 include:

• Full Matrix HD LED Headlamps and Piano Key Taillamps as standard
•  21” Alloy Wheels with optional red calipers
• 22-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functionality
• 12.3” and 10.1” touch infotainment system with voice assistance, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and navigation as standards
• Panoramic tinted sunroof

Release Date

No official statement has been released from Audi regarding the launch of the 2022 Audi S8, but with no drastic improvements over the previous generation, the Audi S8 range is expected to start at around $132,000.

The 2022 Audi S8 sedan gets a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 mated to an 8-speed ZF dual-clutch transmission which is the same powertrain as in the Lamborghini Urus and Audi RSQ8. The 4.0-liter V8 along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system produces a mouth-watering 563 bhp of power and 590 lb-ft of torque. The immense size and weight of the S8 don’t seem to be taking a toll on its performance as the burly sedan sprints from 0-60 MPH in just 3.8 seconds as claimed by Audi, but actual real-world tests reveal it to be around 3.5 seconds. Top speed will get electronically limited to 155 MPH, but this luxury sedan offering from Audi is way more than just outright acceleration as the S8 offers an even greater ride quality and drivability. Thanks to a sport rear differential with active torque vectoring on the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the S8 handles remarkably well and sends power to individual wheels according to the requirement. An active air suspension capable of controlling all 4 wheels independently to improve high-speed stability by beautifully leaning into the corners and reducing the body roll to a great degree.

The Audi also comes with all-wheel steering which turns the rear wheels in the direction of the front wheel at high speeds to elongate the wheelbase and increase cornering stability at high speeds and turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at lower speeds to shorten the wheelbase and make the LWB limousine nimble to drive.

The S8 gets 4 driving modes to choose from in form of Auto, Dynamic, Comfort+, and Individual settings which customize the steering, transmission, suspension, and exhaust note according to the driver’s preference, with comfort+ mode being the best as the suspension is set at its softest settings and the steering lightens up to a point where it almost feels like a hot knife cutting through butter. With o major changes expected for the Audi S8, the figures will likely remain similar to the 2021 model.

Models	2021 Audi S8	2021 BMW M 760 i	2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
Starting MSRP	$132,000	$158,795	$163,300
Engine	4.0-liter Twin-turbocharged V8	6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12	4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission	8-speed shiftable torque converter automatic	8-speed dual-clutch transmission	8-speed auto-shifting manual transmission
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD
Power (bhp @ rpm)	563 @6000	600 @5500	550 @5750
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	590 @2000	672 @1500	567 @1960
0-60 MPH (secs)	3.8	4.4	3.4
Quarter Mile (secs)	12.5	13.1	11.9
Top Speed (MPH)	155	155	188

The Audi S8 has some serious legs as it covers a quarter-mile lap of 12.5 seconds and a sprint to 0-60 MPH in a staggering sports car level 3.8 seconds whereas the BMW and Porsche take 4.4 seconds and 3.4 seconds. Yes, it might seem 0.4 seconds slower than the Porsche but in a real-world situation, it's hardly noticeable. What stands out for the Audi is how linear the acceleration is.

The EPA has not yet released estimates for the 2022 S8’s fuel economy, but we're expecting decent results given the 2021 model was rated as high as 13 MPG in the city, 22 mpg in highway driving, and a combined average of a very respectable 16 MPG.

Models	2021 Audi S8	2021 BMW M 760 i	2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
MPG (city)	13	13	18
MPG (highway)	22	20	25
MPG (combined)	16	16	21
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)	21.7	20.6	21
Range (miles) (city/highway)	288/ 477	268/ 412	378/ 441

The powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 takes a toll on the EPA figures of the Audi S8 and that is visible for everyone to see. Though the BMW M 760i performs pretty similarly with comparable MPG figures on both the city and the highway, the Porsche Panamera takes the cake with an impressive 16 MPG in the city and 21 on the highway, and a maximum range of up to 441 miles

The 2022 Audi S8 interior is a perfect mix of sporty and luxurious, being a six-figure luxury sport sedan the S8 proves to be the ideal flag-bearer for Audi. Being an Audi interior it eels and looks a class apart, with a sumptuous mix of exotic and high-quality materials covering nearly every inch of the cabin. Starting with a fully digital gauge cluster seamlessly integrates with the standard 4-zone climate control system which is entirely controlled by the dual-screen touch infotainment system in the center. As already mentioned the S8 cabin is wrapped in swanky materials. The standard upholstery sports a luscious Valcona leather with multi-colored accent stitching options. The Interior comes with bespoke color options to choose from, giving the Audi S8 a unique touch. 

Being the Sportier sibling of the rather luxurious A8, the S8 gets a generous helping of carbon-fiber accents on the dashboard and door panels to spunk up things. The Audi S8 seats five in its standard configuration, offering plenty of headroom and legroom for all occupants. Those in the front benefit from more than just a spacious cabin, though. There's also a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and sport seats that feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Comfort is the name of the game, yet you still feel supported in the corners. If those in the back want some of that lavish lifestyle, a four-seat configuration is available.

Does the 2022 Audi S8 come loaded with Tech inside?

Audi truly embodies its brand tagline when it comes to the latest state of the art technology with "Vorsprung Durch Technik" which translates for Progress through technology in English. The infotainment system of the 2022 Audi S8 comprises two 12.3" HD touchscreen infotainment systems in the front aided with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Bluetooth and USB connections are also enabled along with wireless charging and navigation. The rear bench of passengers gets their dues of entertainment with the dual 10-inch infotainment system. The S8 gets a 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium high-quality surround system for an immersive musical experience onboard. 

In addition to these features, the Audi S8 also gets a wide array of technological features like those of the heated steering wheels, 22-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions as standard features. You also get power-folding heated mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, power rear sunshades, active noise cancellation, multicolor ambient LED interior lighting, cruise control, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and a power trunk lid, along with park assist, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert with autonomous emergency braking. 

Models	2021 Audi S8	2021 BMW M 760 i	2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
Passenger capacity	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/ 59.1/ 41.5	39.9/ 59.9/ 41.4	N/A
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.5/ 57.6/ 44.3	38.9/ 57.7/ 44.4	N/A

The 2022 Audi S8 comes with:

• 22-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, heating, and massaging functionality.
• 12.3” touch-infotainment with a 10.1” smaller multi-information display with all the track telemetry and powertrain information on demand
• Panoramic tinted sunroof with the power-folding sunroof 
• 17-color ambient lighting options.
• Back-up Camera with adaptive guidelines and 3D projected surround vision 

The design of the 2022 Audi S8 is a little underwhelming, but in no way ugly, the exterior looks pretty classy and well put together and carries on most of the design elements from the previous generation. The optional black optic package blacks out the front radiator grille, exterior mirror, and window frames giving the Audi a perfectly sinister look. Though there is nothing extravagant about the 2022 Audi S8's design language it offers a great choice if you don't want to stand out.

The long wheelbase and the slender elegant design language of the limousine are sure to grab this Audi some serious attention.

Models	2021 Audi S8	2021 BMW M 760 i	2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
Curb weight (lbs.)	5302	5159	4398
Length(inches)	209.0	207.4	198.8
Width(inches)	76.6	74.9	76.3
Height(inches)	58.6	58.2	56.1
Wheelbase (inches)	123.2	126.4	116.1
Ground clearance (inches)	4.5	5.3	4.4

The S8 is a big car with big dimensions. Including the mirrors, its width measures well over 80 inches, and the measurement without them is an expansive 76.6 inches. Height measures 58.6 inches while the entire car is 209 inches in length with a wheelbase of 123.2 inches. Curb weight is unsurprisingly high, with the S8 tipping the scales at a monumental 5,302 pounds.

Exterior Features:

• LED head and tail lamps with pattern animations.
• Rain-sensing wipers integrated with washer liquid sprayer.
• Soft-touch closing doors.
• Electronic automated suspension to raise and lower the car to improve egress and ingress
• LED piano key tail lights
• Gloss black-themed front radiator grille
• Massive 21.0” machined aluminum-alloy wheels
• Sweeping headlamps with full LED DRL headlamps
• Power-folding heated side mirrors

The 2022 Audi S8 will keep on the tradition of exceptional build quality and ample safety features that are intune with the German Automaker. The Audi S8 equips itself with the latest driver aids and safety features. 

Some of the most noteworthy safety features that the S8 has to offer are: 

• Advanced Airbag Protection System with 9 airbags
• Safety package front, with front center airbag and illuminated safety belt buckles
• Front passenger occupant detection for airbags
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in rear seats
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
• Rearview camera
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Electromechanical parking brake

2022 Audi S8 vs 2021 BMW M760i

The BMW M760i is more powerful and expensive than the Audi S8. The BMW comes with a 6.6L Twin Turbo V12while the Audi S8 features 4.0L Twin Turbo V8. Both the cars are well known for their build quality and engineering. The Audi features a much more intuitive infotainment system when compared to the beemer. 

2022 Audi S8 vs 2021 Porsche Panamera Executive

The Porsche Panamera Turbo is well appreciated for its fast throttle response and nimble handling. The front-engine sport luxury sedan has heaps of power at its disposal and with its compact styling is quicker and much more economical when compared to the Audi S8. 

The 2022 Audi S8 is an extremely well-balanced sports sedan offering from the German Automotive giants Audi. It belongs to a rare breed of cars that combines speed, acceleration, driving engagement with outright opulence and luxury. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a 48-volt mild electric motor mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission generating a healthy 563 bhp of power, the S8 is a legitimate sportier makeover of the much loved Audi A8. The Audi S8 gets a rather extravagant MSRP price tag of $132,000.