Overview
The 2022 A8 sedan is Audi's response to the Mercedes-Benz S-class. Its roomy interior and abundance of luxuries and conveniences help to defend its nearly six-figure starting price. Fans of the smaller A4 and A6 sedans will find the A8 attractive because of the skillfully executed style that makes it look ritzy but understated.
Audi's other obvious challengers, the S-class, and BMW 7-series offer comparable space and features in their cabins, which is significantly more pleasant than those four doors. Both front and back passengers can have massaging seats, and Audi comes standard with several driver aids. The performance-focused S8 model should be considered by drivers looking for more oomph.
What has changed for 2022?
For 2022, the styling of Audi's flagship sedan is overhauled with a new grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, updated exterior lighting fixtures, and new wheel designs. Additionally, an S-line exterior aesthetic kit is now offered, which gives the A8 a somewhat sportier appearance. New interior trim options have been offered by Audi, and new back entertainment displays are also available.
Pricing of 2022 Audi A8
2022 Audi A8 Starts at $86,500. The Performance model 2022 Audi S8 is Priced at $116,900
Which one to Purchase?
If you choose to purchase Audi's top-of-the-line luxury sedan, order it with the Luxury package to get features like heated back seats with power lumbar and massage functions, a leather-wrapped dashboard, all-wheel steering, and more. Additionally, we recommend the Executive package, which includes interior ambient lighting, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and massaging front seats.
2022 Audi A8: Interior and Comfort
The A8 is known for its impressive passenger space, and the roomy back seats are made possible by the long wheelbase. Standard seating for the vehicle is for five passengers, but an additional four-passenger seating package eliminates the back center seat and adds two power-adjustable rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage features, as well as heated footrests and two personal entertainment tablets (while reducing power adjustments for the front passenger seat to make room for all that). You can request extended leather and a small forest's worth of wood inlays, and there are plenty of fine materials available. The inside atmosphere of the A8, however, is somber and less opulent than that of the Mercedes S-class, much like the A8's exterior. 13 cubic feet is a small amount for a large luxury sedan's trunk space.
2022 Audi A8: Connectivity
Both the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster and the 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch haptic center screens with the MMI Touch Response system are standard on Audi vehicles. Since most operations are handled via touchscreens, the audio system just has one volume knob.
Initial confusion may result, but the system is quick to respond and highly adjustable, allowing owners to select their dedicated buttons on the bottom screen while providing permanent buttons for radio, navigation, weather, and phone operations on the left side of the upper screen.
Just be aware that trying to remove fingerprints will wear out the supplied microfiber wipe. Two USB connections up front are equipped with both data and charging capabilities, and both Amazon Alexa and Android Auto phone connectivity are standard. Audi Connect Plus offers Wi-Fi for an extra monthly subscription price.
2022 Audi A8: Engine and Performance
The A8 has a 335-horsepower turbocharged V-6 engine that is supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system. All-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. The A8 we tested accelerated from 0 to 60 mph on our test track in 5.3 seconds. That places the A8 a few tenths slower than the BMW 740i and the Mercedes-Benz S500 among six-cylinder executive sedans. Although Audi's engine is smooth, there is no fanfare to its power delivery, and sound-deadening measures are so effective that the engine is nearly undetectable with the windows up.
The A8 offers a sporty yet comfortable ride that is highly reminiscent of Audi. Standard features include an adjustable air suspension and driver-adjustable adaptive dampers. This configuration separates you from road imperfections while still allowing the Audi A8 to rip down a back road when the mood strikes.