2022 Audi A8 and S8 revealed

German manufacturer Audi has released its latest A8 and S8, the flagship sedan models to come off its production lines.

A facelift to the fourth generation A8 which first launched in 2017, the 2022 model features styling updates to the single-frame grille, Matrix LED headlights and lower elements of the front bumper, while the rear end now has digital OLED taillights.

For the first time in the A8 range, Audi will offer its S-Line trim package to the flagship model, adding optional 21-inch wheels, an S-Line specific lower valance, special embossed seats, piano black and carbon fibre trim plus a three-spoke steering wheel.

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As with the outgoing model, the A8 will be available in standard or A8 L guise, with the limousine gaining Valetta leather rear reclining seats for its passengers, or rather owners if they prefer to be chauffeur-driven.

A relaxation seat package adds a back massage with 19 pneumatic cushions, electrically adjustable comfort headrests, four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning and two 10.1-inch screens for dedicated infotainment in the rear.

On top of the 12.3-inch digital dash, the front occupants score two more screens in the middle of the dashboard, with the 10.1-inch display on top controlling the infotainment system while the 8.6-inch screen below provides HVAC controls.

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Under the bonnet, there’s no change for either the A8 or A8 L in Australia, with local buyers likely only being offered the 210kW and 600Nm 3.0-litre, turbo diesel V6 engine.

Although international markets can purchase a 3.0-litre, supercharged petrol V6 – with outputs of 250kW and 500Nm – or a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo petrol V8, punching out a hefty 338kW and 660Nm.

It’s no surprise that the range-topping S8 will pack the biggest punch of the lot, retaining its current 4.0-litre V8 setup which continues to develop 420kW and 800Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.8 seconds.

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While Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox will remain unchanged, the addition of a new electrified power unit provides greater economy and power on top of the existing range.

The A8 and A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro retains the existing 3.0-litre petrol engine but with a compact electric motor providing support, as its 14.4kWh battery pack boosts peak power and torque to 340kW and 700Nm respectively for the plug-in hybrid models.

Four drive modes are offered in the PHEV variant, allowing drivers to choose between an all-electric setting, standard hybrid operation, a hold function or charge where the internal combustion engine puts energy back into the battery pack.

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Under the skin, the A8’s adaptive air suspension system is standard, as is progressive steering, although all-wheel steering is only standard on the S8, instead an optional extra for the A8 variants.

With a kerb weight of over 2200kg even in short wheelbase guise, Audi has introduced a new predictive active suspension system on the A8, coupling the car’s cameras with the adaptive dampers to increase or decrease stiffness depending on road conditions and on-board settings.

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Audi A8 L Horch

With a whopping 60 per cent of global A8 sales coming thanks to the Chinese market, Audi has rewarded those buyers with an exclusive edition known as the A8 L Horch – an uber-luxurious variant which aims to take on the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Bentley’s Flying Spur.

Featuring an extra 13 centimetres in length over the 5.19 metre-long A8, the A8 L Horch is set apart from the donor vehicle by its single frame grille with vertical struts and H Crown design wheels.

Despite only becoming available in China, Audi expects one-fifth of A8s sold in the country to be Horch derivatives, hinting at plans to restart the luxury arm in the future across other models.

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2022 Audi A8 and S8 pricing

The first examples of the revised A8 will be rolling out across Europe throughout December, with Audi Australia confirming local pricing and specs will be released close to the local launch.

Prices exclude on-road costs:

• A8 50 TDI quattro – €97,800 (AU$151,440)
• A8 60 TFSI e quattro – €108,950 (AU$168,705)
• S8 – €144,800 (AU$224,220)