Overview
If a full-size luxurious sedan is what you are after however you discover Audi’s A8 too sedate, the 2022 S8 turns up the warmth with a 563-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine and a tautly tuned suspension. Dealing with is sharp by big-sedan requirements, and the S8 affords extra driving enjoyment than rivals such because the BMW 7-series and the Maserati Quattroporte. The cabin is spacious and comfy, with plentiful customary tech and luxurious options together with out there massaging seats and sufficient screens to maintain everybody entertained for lengthy drives. The S8’s design is purposefully low-key for a efficiency automotive, which permits it to stay comparatively inconspicuous, for higher or worse.
What’s New for 2022?
Like the A8 on which it’s based, the S8 sedan receives an exterior styling makeover which sees a revised entrance grille, up to date entrance and rear bumpers, reworked exterior lighting, and new wheel designs. The inside positive aspects a brand new rear-seat leisure choice and some different tweaks to the automotive’s out there trims. A number of driver-assistance options is customary.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
That six-figure beginning value is steep, however the S8 comes well-equipped even by luxurious automotive requirements. We might counsel the Chilly Climate bundle to consumers in northern climes because it provides heated rear seats and adaptive windshield wipers; the Government bundle can be interesting and comes with Audi’s cool laser headlamps, automated high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It additionally consists of Audi’s OLED taillamps, which stage a fast mild present if you unlock the automotive with the fob.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The S8’s sole engine alternative is a potent one: a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine making 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is customary, and the transmission is an eight-speed automated. Audi claims a prime velocity of 155 mph, and there are fuel-saving techniques, too, together with cylinder deactivation and a mild-hybrid setup with a small electrical motor and battery. At our check monitor, the S8 blasted to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. An lively suspension system can management every wheel individually to enhance trip high quality, and it’s tuned in a different way than that of the usual A8, promising improved cornering prowess because of decreased physique roll. Audi additionally consists of tools corresponding to a torque-vectoring rear differential and rear-wheel steering to extend agility; highly effective carbon-ceramic brakes are non-compulsory.
Audi
Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG
Despite the fact that the S8 is technically a hybrid, consumers should not anticipate Toyota Prius-level gas effectivity. The EPA estimates that the most effective we will anticipate is 22 mpg on the freeway, with the town score dropping down to only 13 mpg. Ouch. We have not had the prospect to check the S8 on our 75-mph freeway gas financial system route, however once we do, we’ll replace this story with outcomes. For extra details about the S8’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s website.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Nice supplies line almost each sq. inch of the S8’s cabin, together with diamond-stitched leather-based upholstery, a faux-suede headliner, and a stitched leather-based sprint cowl. The entrance seats supply customary heating, cooling, and therapeutic massage, whereas the rear cabin affords tons of area for passengers to stretch out. To pamper these within the again seat much more, take into account the Rear Seat Consolation bundle, which provides power-adjustable outboard seats with warmth, air flow, and therapeutic massage, plusher headrests, heated armrests, and a distant management for the automotive’s infotainment system. 4-zone automated local weather management is customary, as is a multi-color ambient inside lighting system. The trunk is generously sized and equivalent to that of the A8, which proved its mettle in our testing by holding six carry-on suitcases. For comparability the S-class held 5 and the 7-series held simply three.
Audi
Infotainment and Connectivity
As with the usual A8, the S8’s inside is a rolling tech showpiece. A number of touchscreens management local weather, audio, navigation, and myriad connectivity features. Audi’s 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit digital gauge cluster is customary, as is a ten.1-inch higher infotainment system and an 8.6-inch decrease show. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, and in-dash navigation are all customary, and occupants can cost their suitable smartphones wirelessly utilizing the S8’s charging pad. Audiophiles will probably be completely happy to search out {that a} 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen system is customary; as an choice Audi will substitute a 23-speaker setup.
Security and Driver-Help Options
Audi affords a number of security options as customary, however extra fascinating driver-assistance technologies corresponding to adaptive cruise management and lane-keep help are non-compulsory. For extra details about the S8’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
- Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Customary lane-departure warning
- Accessible adaptive cruise management with semi-autonomous driving mode
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Like its stablemates, the S8 is roofed by a four-year/50,000-mile guarantee coverage. Patrons might discover extra worth within the BMW 7-series’ or Volvo S90’s three-year complimentary upkeep plans.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
