The 2022 Audi S8 is probably not noticed much compared to more popular rivals, like the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it’s definitely worth some attention. While its exterior is a bit conservative, the S8 has a great V8 engine, good driving dynamics and a top notch interior.
Audi has updated the A8/S8 lineup for the 2022 model year, which includes new headlights and updated grilles. Inside the updates are smaller with the only big change being a faster processor for the infotainment system.
To improve its performance, the 2022 Audi S8 is available with a new Predictive Active Suspension, which is basically an air suspension with an electromagnetic system that uses a front facing camera to monitor any imperfections in the road ahead. The 48-volt tech can react within 300 seconds to make sure the ride stays as smooth as possible and that you aren’t disturbed by potholes. The 48-volt system also can raise or lower the suspension on each side of the S8 to reduce body roll when cornering, making the S8 even more fun to drive.
The S8 also gets standard rear steering, which lets the back wheels turn up to 5 degrees. This reduces the S8’s turning radius by 3.6 feet to 38.7 feet. The rear steering system makes the S8 feel more agile and easier to park. The S8 is quite a large sedan, but thanks to the adaptive suspension and rear steering, it drives like a smaller sedan.
Under the hood the S8 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which carries over unchanged. The V8 generates 563 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are also there. Audi says that the S8 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a quick 3.8 seconds on its way to a 155 mph electronically limited top speed. The V8 packs a nice punch and the transmission shifts quickly.
The S8’s steering is a bit light, even in the sportier Dynamic drive mode, but the brakes do a good job of bringing you to a stop, quickly. When you want a comfier ride, there’s the Comfort+ drive mode that makes the steering lighter, softens the suspension and reduces the throttle response.
Inside the cabin comes standard with the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster and Audi’s MMI Touch multimedia suite. The system features a 10.1-inch upper screen for the infotainment functions and an 8.6-inch lower screen for the climate system and other controls. The S8 comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most of the functions are operated via haptic controls, but the good news is that they are really good.
On the safety front, the S8 features the typical active driver assistance tech, like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beams. The Executive package adds a semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control system, side and rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. The Predictive Active Suspension can also add a unique safety feature where it can increase the ride height by 3.1 inches in 0.5 second if a T-bone side impact crash is about to happen.
The pricing for the 2022 Audi S8 starts at $117,995.
At the end of the day, the S8 amps up the performance of Audi’s flagship sedan without sacrificing the comfort you get with the regular A8. The S8’s engine is a gem and its suspension does a great job of finding a balance between sport and comfort.
