Audi has unveiled the all-new A8 in a multitude of guises, but what underpins each is the next-level technology that’s sure to filter into the rest of the German marque’s line-up in 2022 and beyond.
Available as a three-liter V6-powered A8 55 TFSI Quattro, as well as a four-liter V8 version that comes in the A8 60 TSFI Quattro and the A8 L 60 TFSI Quattro — with these latter two both hitting 62 MPH in just 4.4 seconds regardless of their size differences — Audi offers an A8 for almost anyone looking for their next luxury sedan. The V8 is also capable of utilizing just four of its eight cylinders to reduce fuel consumption when required, and for those that are more concerned about economical driving, a diesel engine and a plug-in hybrid iteration are set to come soon.
Of course, you’re more interested in the top-spec S8 offering. Powered by a Biturbo V8, this car produces 571 PS and 800 Nm of torque, sending it to 62 MPH in just 3.8 seconds. The car comes fitted with a valve-equipped sports exhaust as well as an enhanced suspension geared towards sportier handling, harnessed with a predictive active suspension, sport differential, and dynamic all-wheel steering. All engine variants come with mild-hybrid technology powered by a 48-volt main electrical system that can set the car off in its electric mode, and in markets such as China, the S8 will also come in a long-wheel-base guise.
As for the tech found in the A8, Audi has fitted the car with customizable taillights with digital OLEDs on a continuous light strip, futuristic Digital Matrix LED headlights that sees approximately 1.3 million micromirrors fitted into each light to break down the light evenly, while inside passengers can now have their feet warmed and massaged to various degrees. This comes under the new “Relaxation” pack, which also includes 18 pneumatic cushions, electrically adjustable comfort headrests, an optional continuous center console with optional fold-out tables, four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, and new entertainment screens in the rear.
For the drivers, they’ll experience two screens measuring 10.1″ and 8.6″ that both utilize “Hey Audi!,” the car’s virtual personal assistant, alongside a virtual cockpit for improved driving information, connectivity, and user experiences. 3D sound comes courtesy of a 1,920-watt amplifier driving 23 speakers inside the car, while various optional packs make the driving experience more user-friendly, adding stuff such as extra cameras and sensors.
The exterior design is also refined and modernized using wider parts and more angular shapes. The “Singleframe” grille is wider and shinier, air intakes are more upright and sporty-feeling, while lights at the front are equally sharper. Wider wheel arches and a flatter roof make the car look squatter, again feeling sportier, while a redesigned diffuser sits alongside four flow-optimized pipes for a car that looks, yes you guessed it, sportier.
Audi is going to release the all-new A8 in all the various specs from December 2021 in Europe for €99,500 EUR (approximately $115,000 USD). The S8 will start from €144,800 EUR (approximately $168,000 USD).
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