After the S-Class redesign, it seems that Audi had its plans to renovate the existing A8 for the 2022 model year with more modern lighting tech for both the front and rear, along with subtle improvements on the inside to make way for the younger buyers who love tech. Audi sells the A8 L, which is the long-wheelbase version of the standard A8, in the U.S. for added comfort for the rear row. So, is it the ultimate full-size luxury sedan for its asking price of $86,500? Let’s find out.

2022 Audi A8

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2022 Audi A8
• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 453
• Torque: 487
• Transmission: Eight-speed Automatic

2022 Audi A8

Specifications

• Engine/Motor: V8
• Horsepower: 453
• Torque: 487
• Transmission: Eight-speed Automatic
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

Audi recently announced its facelifted A8 flagship sedan with the sportier S8 model and the top-of-the-line A8 L Horch, which is a China-exclusive model. We wouldn’t state the outgoing model as outdated or something, but the refresh made it look more handsome, especially with the wider and sportier front fascia. However, Audi sells the A8 with a long wheelbase in the States, which is a nice thing, especially for the rear passengers as the legroom increases significantly. That said, the facelift brings exterior design changes which include the redesigned headlamps, taillamps, intake grille, and wheels. The interior is left untouched except for the optional front seat-mounted FHD displays for the rear passengers. Audi also added a couple of advanced driving assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, advanced collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert system as standard for the 2022 A8. The powertrain remains the same with the 55 TFSI trim powered by a 3.0-liter V-6, and the 60 TFSI with a more powerful 4.0-liter V-8. For its flagship-grade drive and quality, it goes up against a couple of other German full-size luxury sedans, like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series. But, the competition gets more prominent with the upcoming Genesis G90, along with the already impressive Lexus LS and the Maserati Quattroporte.

Trims and Features

Similar to the pre-facelift model year, the 2022 A8 comes in the form of three trims: 55 TFSI, 60 TFSI, and 60 TFSIe. We will talk more about the first two as the 60 TFSIe is reviewed separately. The 55 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 while the 60 TFSI has a bigger and more powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. Both engines are supported by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Here is the list of features available along with the packages in accordance with the outgoing model year:

55 TFSI } }

Price: $86,500.

- Matrix LED headlights and OLED taillights

- 19-inch alloys

- Adaptive air suspension

- Soft-close doors

- 18-way power-adjustable front seats

- Heated and ventilated front seats

- Quad-zone automatic climate control

- Alcantara headliner

- Leather upholstery

- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration

- 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio unit

- Panoramic sunroof

- Massage feature for the front seat

- 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit

- 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch touchscreen displays

- Wireless charging pad

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Standard driver assistance features available with the 2022 Audi A8 would be:

- Adaptive cruise control

- Blindspot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert system

- Forward collision mitigation

- 360-degree camera view

- Lane-keeping assist

Executive Package } }

- Heated steering wheel

- Heated rear seats

- Heated armrest

- Ambient lighting

- 20-inch alloys

- Heads-up display

- Traffic sign recognition

- Dual-pane acoustic windows

Luxury Package } }

- Premium leather upholstery

- Heated and ventilated rear seats

- Massage functions for the rear seats

- Power-adjustable rear seats with power lumbar and memory functions

- Heated rear armrest

- Faux-leatherette headliner

Black Optic Plus Package } }

- 21-inch alloys

- Black exterior trim

- All-wheel steering

S Line Exterior Package } }

- S8 inspired front and rear bumpers

60 TFSI } }

Price: $100,000 (Expected)

- All the standard features of the 55 TFSI

- 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio unit

Exterior: Thanks to the facelift, the A8 looks more rich and modern

As we have mentioned earlier, the outgoing 2021 model year of the A8 never felt outdated, especially with the way it looked. But, the facelifted 2022 model year takes the design dynamics to another level with a more angular approach on the body to elevate its athletic nature. At the front, there is the newly designed and wider Singleframe intake grille with small L-shaped mesh designs on it. The side vents are more angular with chrome surrounds. The headlamp design has drastically changed with a sleeker approach and houses the Matrix LEDs as standard. At the rear, the taillights are now OLED ones, which means they are highly customizable. The continuous light bar is present from the outgoing model year. But, the new A8 couldn’t get rid of the fake exhausts on both sides. The S8, however, has quad exhaust tips which are genuine ones.

The S Line exterior package, however, adds more dynamic looks to the standard A8 with more aggressive front and rear bumpers to mimic the original S8. For the 2022 model year, the A8 comes with new additions in the color palette, which include Floret Silver, Daytona Gray, Terra Gray, District Green, and Glacier White. All of the five new colors are available in matte finishes. As standard, the A8 comes fitted to a set of 19-inch wheels. If you want bigger wheel options, the Executive package will unlock the 20-inch ones while the Black Optic Plus package will offer the 21 inchers with the newer wheel design. To sum it up, the overall exterior design of the A8 presents an authority over the brand’s flagship approach.

As for the exterior dimensions, the 2022 A8 should remain familiar to the outgoing model year. So, you are looking at about 4,700 pounds of curb weight, and is quite heavy compared to the Quattroporte and even the 7 Series. The reason behind this is the default AWD system whereas both the 7 Series and the Quattroporte are rear-wheel-drive cars as standard. Since the A8 sold in the U.S. is the long-wheelbase one, the A8 L, the length is a massive 208.7 inches and the wheelbase is set at 123.2 inches. Now, for a sedan, the wheelbase length is quite long but it surely falls short when compared to the S-Class and the 7 Series for about three inches. The A8 L is 76.6 inches wide and 58.6 inches tall; quite standard for its class. It seems that the LS 500 is the most compact in the segment followed by the Quattroporte.

2022 Audi A8 Exterior Dimensions

*Figures taken from the 2021 model year

Interior: Little has changed, yet it is still a wonderful place to be in

Here is where you will leave all the exterior design compliments at the doors, which are soft-close ones by default, and appreciate the beautifully crafted cabin that the new A8 has. The cabin of the 2022 A8 seems to be the best that Audi has to offer, and as it is a flagship executive sedan, the materials used are ultra-high quality. The dashboard and the door panels have Dark Brown Walnut Natural Wood trim on them along with leather and brushed aluminum parts. Everything you touch will feel well made and simply executed. The dual infotainment displays are retained from the outgoing model year, and so is the 12.3-inch driver information display. The center console in the front row has shiny black trim which is a fingerprint magnet but looks premium.

There is four-zone automatic climate control as standard along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that can be equipped with heating options. We expected that Audi would change the steering wheel design but, it is what it is. As standard, you will get a nice Alcantara headliner and a panoramic sunroof for allowing a bit of roomy feeling inside the cabin. The front seats get up to 18-way power-adjustability along with heating and massage functions as standard. For the rear seats, power-adjustability, heating, and massage functions are available via the Luxury package. So, if you want to be chauffeured, the Luxury package should be the one to go for.

Now, let’s talk about seating comfort which will be very similar to the outgoing model year. The default seats are Valetta leather ones, just like the last year, and will be available in beige, black, or brown. The seating comfort is just top-notch. However, as it is a luxury sedan, you will sit quite low but the outward visibility is not troublesome and the air suspension soaks up almost all the overlooked potholes. The bigger wheelbase has contributed to a spacious rear row, especially the rear legroom which is set to 44.3 inches, while the headroom is a decent 38.5 inches. The front row offers 38.3-inch headroom and 41.5-inch legroom, and it is quite the segment standard. The LS 500 is the only competitor which has a slightly shorter headroom and about four inches less legroom at the rear. The Quattroporte, though it has no detailed interior dimensions, will be no different than the LS 500. If you want great comfort, all three German sedans will provide the best they can. As for the seating capacity, we recommend up to four people for the utmost comfort.

Practicality issues are present with the A8, especially with its 12.5 cubic feet cargo capacity, which is the smallest among the leading luxury sedans. That said, here is a list of all the important interior features of the 2022 Audi A8, for your reference.

- Four-zone automatic climate control

- 18-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and massage functions

- 18-way power-adjustable rear seats with heating and massage functions (Optional)

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel

- Heated steering wheel (Optional)

- 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit

- Alcantara headliner

- Dark Brown Walnut Natural Wood trim on the dash and door panels

- Leather and aluminum trim

- Dual-pane acoustic windows (Optional)

- Heated armrest (Optional)

2022 Audi A8 Interior Dimensions

*Figures taken from the 2021 model year

Audi’s latest iteration of the MMI system comes equipped with the 2022 A8. *Figures taken from the 2021 model year} We wouldn’t complain much about the infotainment system but it is not the most intuitive in the segment. But given the class of the car, a bit of sophistication isn’t bad. The lower screen is for adjusting the HVAC system while the upper 10.2-inch screen has all the necessary settings and menus. The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit shows the navigation for driving intuitiveness. As Audi’s flagship sedan, there is

- SiriusXM

- Built-in navigation system

- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa

- USB connection

- 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio unit

For the 2022 model year, Audi has added two optional 10.1-inch displays as part of the rear-seat entertainment package, to the A8. These displays can be controlled via the armrest-mounted tablet and passengers can even use the cast screen feature to stream their favorite OTT platforms.

Performance and Handling: Strong performer even if you get the base trim

For the 2022 model year, you will get the same mild-hybrid engines for both the 55 TFSI and the 60 TFSI, like the outgoing model year. The former trim is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine which puts out 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine is quite capable of both city and highway driving with enough power available in the lower part of the rev range. A more powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, found in the 60 TFSI, pumps out 453 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The V-8, as you would expect, is a giant powerhouse. Bury the throttle and you will get into triple-digit numbers in a matter of seconds. Both, the V-6 and the V-8, are assisted by a 48-volt electric motor for better fuel economy. An eight-speed shiftable automatic gearbox and Quattro AWD system come as standard with both engines. If you compare the power figures of the A8’s rivals, it is sad to say that the A8’s base engine is not as powerful as the S 500, even the LS 500.

However, both the Quattroporte and 740i’s power figures are nearly similar to the base A8. But if you want more performance, then the 60 TFSI is always available. The sportier S8 features a more powerful version of the V-8 engine with an over 500 horsepower rating. The 3.0-liter V-6 equipped A8 will do a 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and a standing quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds, which is definitely fast for a luxury sedan. The more powerful 4.0-liter V-8 will do a 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, according to independent tests. So you see, the on-road acceleration is quite good with the A8.

The handling characteristics of the facelifted A8 will be very similar to the outgoing model year as you will get the same adaptive suspension and braking system for the facelifted model year. Although we have come to appreciate how nimble the S-Class feels for a few years now, the A8 is no slouch. The adaptive air suspension coupled with the intelligent Quattro system makes the A8 feel a lot sportier than it really is. If you want more flexibility, you can opt for the optional rear-wheel steering for better taking down fast corners. The steering wheel is adequate for a sedan this big. We drove the pre-facelifted A8 a few months ago, and it's a thrilling experience.

2022 Audi A8 Performance Stats

*Figures taken from the 2021 model year

*Figures taken from the 2021 model year0}

Both the 55 TFSI and the 60 TFSI will cost you a lot of money for their non-frugal nature. The EPA has rated the former with 17 miles per gallon in the city, 26 miles per gallon on the highways, and 21 miles per gallon combined. The 60 TFSI got even worse ratings: 15 miles per gallon in the city, 23 miles per gallon on the highways, and 18 miles per gallon combined. Audi has added a 21.7-gallon gas tank which will give you about 450 miles combined with the V-6 and about 390 miles combined with the V-8. The numbers are rather on the lower side if you compare them to the segment leaders. The LS 500 produces very similar mileage figures but its 416 horsepower V-6 engine is more powerful than the A8’s V-6.

Audi A8 Fuel Economy

*Figures taken from the 2021 model year

*Figures taken from the 2021 model year0}

It is unlikely for any low-volume luxury cars to get checked for crash resistance and the A8 is no different. But given the brand’s reputation, the A8 would be a safe car, without any doubt. For the 2022 model year, Audi has expanded the list of standard driver assistance features including

- Adaptive cruise control

- Blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert system

- Forward collision mitigation

- Lane-keeping assist

- 360-degree camera view

Other important safety features include

- Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags

- Front and rear head airbags

- Self-levelling headlamps

- Tire pressure monitoring

- Traffic sign recognition

How safe is the 2022 Audi A8?

The facelifted Audi A8 is a really good option among the famous German trio (S-Class, 7 Series, and A8) in the luxury world. But the price tag is not the best for what it offers. We would recommend the 7 Series for a better value for money proposition which also has a long wheelbase. The updated A8 definitely looks a lot sportier and we even prefer the A8’s interior styling. The Lexus LS 500, on the other hand, has a substantially lower starting price and packs almost identical features to the A8. Audi has kept the starting price of the facelifted A8 at $86,500, which is the same as the outgoing model year. It is slightly cheaper than both the 7 Series and the S-Class.

Is there a new Audi A8 coming out?

What is the starting price of the 2022 Audi A8?

How powerful is the A8?

Is the A8 a luxury sedan?

FAQ

Q: Is there a new Audi A8 coming out?

Yes, Audi has launched the facelifted A8 for the U.S. market.

Q: What is the starting price of the 2022 Audi A8?

Audi recently announced the starting price of the A8 which is $86,500.

Q: How powerful is the A8?

The base 55 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-liter single-turbo engine that puts out 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 60 TFSI packs a more powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that cranks out 453 horsepower and 487 pound-feet.

Q: Is the A8 a luxury sedan?

Yes, the A8 L is the only full-size luxury sedan from Audi that currently sells in the U.S.