√2022 Audi S8 review: First international drive

While the revisions may only be mild on the surface, the Audi S8 – subtle as ever – steps up to face new prestige rivals.

What we love

Smooth and hugely potent V8 engine

Electric mild-hybrid boosting properties make for impressive economy

Outstanding agility for such a large car and sheer traction and grip

What we don’t

Facelift measures far from exactly game-changing

Ride on the sporting S8 not as forgiving as some upmarket performance rivals
Steering feel and feedback lacking

Consider it a tribute to Audi’s engineering prowess and confidence in creating a car with enduring qualities that the Audi A8 sees so few changes halfway through its current model cycle.

The facelifted 2022 Audi A8 and S8 range, set to see Australian showrooms in July, arrives four years after the current A8 was first launched in Australia as an all-new rival to the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Interestingly, Audi says it has sold over 87,000 fourth-generation A8s worldwide in that time, which goes to prove that there remains strong demand for upper luxury sedans despite ever-increasing sales of large SUVs.

You’ll have to look hard to spot the differences to the new flagship four-door. As we’ve become used to at Audi when it comes to facelifts of existing models, this one is very subtle indeed.

But while the exterior changes to the A8 are hardly significant, they do help to give it a freshened appearance, if not a whole new lease of life.

Included is a redesigned grille with a wider chrome surround and a revised insert featuring further chrome highlights. The front bumper has also been lightly reworked with newly designed air ducts and chrome-look touches within the lower section too.

The headlamps retain the same angular shape as before, but they now receive new DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) functionality. Each unit houses a claimed 1.3 million micromirrors. They divide the light produced by the main projectors to provide automatic properties.

Further back, there are new-look sills beneath the doors, while the rear receives revised tail-lamp graphics and a revised light bar that runs across the rear of the boot lid with new OLED (organic light-emitting diode) graphics. They are all programmed to light up when other road users approach the new Audi model from behind to within two metres.

For the first time ever, the new A8 also comes with an optional S-Line styling package. It includes individual design touches usually reserved for the Audi S8, including a uniquely styled grille, bumpers, exterior mirror housings, sills, and wheels ranging from 19-inch up to 21-inch diameter.

As before, buyers A8 can choose between the standard-wheelbase model with a length of 5190mm and a roomier long-wheelbase variant that stretches to 5320mm. The S8, befitting its more sporting positioning, is available with the shorter wheelbase only.

The new range-topping Audi can be ordered in four new metallic colours: District Green, Firmament Blue, Manhattan Grey and Ultra Blue. There are also five new matte colours: Daytona Grey, District Green, Floret Silver, Glacier White and Terra Grey. Additionally, buyers can further individualise the 2022 model with both Chrome and Black exterior design packages.

While Audi has developed a new super luxury variant of the A8 with an even glitzier appearance named after the German carmaker’s historical founder August Horch, it is only planned for sale in China. Bold is good for Australian tastes. Glitz not so. Or so we’re told.

The existing fourth-generation A8 hardly lacks for interior luxury. However, this hasn’t deterred Audi from attempting to lift its appeal even further to keep it looking and feeling up-to-date against rivals like the 7 Series and S-Class.

Changes to the facelifted model include revised versions of the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument and dual 10.1 and 8.6-inch centrally mounted infotainment displays. They are controlled by the latest MMI (Multi-Media Interface) operating system, which now features Navigation Plus with WiFi hotspot functionality as standard.

There are also two new 10.1-inch touch displays in the rear of the front seats as part of a updated optional rear-seat entertainment system. It now operates via a new touch display controller mounted into the central rear-seat armrest.

Further highlights include a new-generation Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Surround Sound System with a 1920-watt amplifier and 23 speakers.

There is an inviting opulence and roominess to the interior, which features suitably high-quality materials and trims throughout. It is terrifically well-built and the controls operate with a wonderfully precise action, including the touchscreens that offer haptic feedback on the various displays.

Audi’s range-topping sedan also receives a wide range of driving assistant functions as standard. Included is parking assist with 360-degree cameras and bird’s-eye view for precise manoeuvring in tight spaces, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, exit warning, rear cross-traffic assist, adjustable speed limiting and lane-change warning.

The promised Level 3 autonomous driving function, however, has failed to materialise. Despite being developed through to production maturity and being showcased on early fourth-generation A8 prototypes, Audi says legislative conditions and testing findings are behind a decision to delay its introduction further.

The facelifted A8 is produced in four distinct models at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory in southern Germany: the 50 TSI, 60 TSI, 50 TDI and S8. Australia is once again set to receive two of these in a continuation of the sales strategy in place since the fourth-generation model arrived here back in 2017.

They include the 50 TDI in both standard- and long-wheelbase body styles running a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 210kW and 600Nm of torque.

It is the S8 with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid properties developing 420kW and 800Nm taking the performance honours, though.

As before, both engines come mated to a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic manual shifting via steering-wheel-mounted paddles and Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system offering variable apportioning of power. Up to 70 per cent can be provided to the front wheels with 85 per cent able to be sent to the rear.

A standard Sport differential on the S8 also provides torque-vectoring properties that see the amount of power sent to each wheel vary depending on traction and other factors, including lateral acceleration, for improved handling balance.

Overall, there are four driving modes: Efficiency, Auto, Dynamic and Comfort Plus. You can also tailor various aspects of the new Audi in an additional Individual mode.

Stepping into the Audi S8, you’re immediately aware this is the more sporting of all A8 models. Even before you take your place on the contoured sport seats behind the multi-function steering wheel, you notice the S8 signage on the chrome sill plates. The theme continues to the digital instruments and unique trims.

The truth is that there was very little to criticise about the A8 and the more sporting S8 prior to this facelift, which is why Audi has decided not to make too many changes to either its engines or chassis. There are detailed tweaks here and there, but nothing of major consequence to alter their character in any great way, says the German carmaker.

The result, in the case of the 2022 model year S8 driven here, is a car that delivers supercar-like pace together with the all-imbibing smoothness of a high-end limousine. Its engine is massively effective, spinning with great eagerness and, with a rich seam of torque between 2050 and 4500rpm, plenty of punch on a load throttle out. It is the same unit used in the RS6 and RSQ8, albeit in a lesser state of tune.

Audi’s official performance figures point to a 0–100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, which is the same as that quoted for its predecessor. The slick shifting qualities of the gearbox, a ZF-produced unit featuring a traditional torque converter, along with the variable qualities of the Quattro four-wheel-drive system play an important role here, helping the S8 to place its generous reserves to the road cleanly and effectively.

Traction is a real strong point, providing the driver with great confidence. There is potent acceleration and tremendous straight-line stability, whether in dry or damp conditions. Top speed continues to be limited to 250km/h.

A sound generator that operates through the speakers delivers a remarkably realistic soundtrack depending on the driving mode. It is particularly convincing in Dynamic mode, where the electrics simulate a deep woffle of exhaust when you dig into the deep reserves of the engine.

Knocking the pace back reveals an altogether more serene side to the S8 in Comfort Plus. At a steady cruise, it is deliciously refined and super relaxing to drive and travel in. There is a distant hum from the engine in taller gears at typical highway speeds. However, a noise-cancelling device similar to those used in headphones helps provide it with tremendously tranquil properties out on the open road, damping prevailing wind noise and tyre roar to a point where they are hardly noticeable.

As before, a cylinder-on-demand function steps in to boost efficiency in city driving. It effectively turns off one bank of cylinders at low speeds for added fuel savings and reduced emissions when you dial up Efficiency mode. The 48-volt mild hybrid properties also see engine-off coasting in various driving modes. For the record, Audi quotes a WLTP test average of between 10.7 and 10.8L/100km, which equates to 246g and 245g of CO2 per kilometre.

Fuel Usage	Fuel Stats
Fuel cons. (claimed)	10.7-10.8L/100km
Fuel cons. (on test)	Not recorded
Fuel type	98 octane premium unleaded
Fuel tank size	82L

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The multi-faceted performance and impressive economy are only part of the story here, though. The S8 also delivers compelling dynamic properties and a ride that, while inherently firm in keeping with its sporting aspirations, is tremendously well-controlled.

The foundation for this is what Audi calls Predictive Active Suspension, an advanced air-sprung suspension that uses cameras mounted within the windscreen to scan the road and alter the damping to suit any given driving situation.

The S8 also receives Audi’s Dynamic All-Wheel Steering system. It provides a steering angle to the rear wheels, enhancing its manoeuvrability and agility at lower speeds, while improving overall stability and feeling of security at higher speeds.

The combined properties of these two advanced systems endows the S8 with poised and precise handling. Steering response is particularly impressive with ultra-sharp response and an eagerness to change direction.

There is not much feedback through the electro-mechanical steering system, and it is very light. However, the most powerful of the new range of A8 models headed for Australia later this year is very consistent and exceptionally agile for such a large car that tips the scales at 2230kg in the specification driven here.

Key details	2022 Audi S8
Engine	4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol
Power	420kW @ 6000rpm
Torque	800Nm @ 2000–4500rpm
Drive type	All-wheel drive
Transmission	Eight-speed torque convertor automatic
Power to weight ratio	188.3kW/t
Weight (kerb)	2230kg
Turning circle	11.4m

The predictive properties of the suspension and active anti-roll bars do an excellent job of keeping body movement in check and suppressing lean before it begins to build. This helps maximise grip and, in combination with the Quattro four-wheel drive and torque-vectoring effect of the Sport differential, makes for very neutral cornering properties. There is an agreeably unruffled feel to the whole car.

There is a price to pay for it, though. It comes with a firmer ride than other A8 models. The S8 is anything but harsh, but its high-tech underpinnings are not always able to sponge away larger potholes and broken sections of bitumen with the same authority as its less powerful sibling or some rival performance sedans.

Still, this is a successful update of what was, and still is, a compelling car to drive. The changes made to the S8 in this midlife facelift are indeed subtle. However, it continues to offer a great deal of luxury, contemporary connectivity functions, bank-vault-like build quality, huge performance, and all the dynamic prowess it has become renowned for down through the years.

Australian pricing is yet to be announced, though Audi Australia says increased levels of standard equipment will see an incremental increase to the $260,000 price tag of the four-year-old model it replaces.