When it comes to Audi's top executive sedan, everyone must think of the A8, but just as BMW has the M760i, Mercedes-Benz has the S-class AMG, the Audi A8 naturally has its high-performance model, it is the Audi S8. The regular A8 model has already undergone the 2022 model update, and the S8 is no exception.
Recently, overseas media preemptively test drove to the 2022 Audi S8, let's see how they evaluate the new Audi S8!
Although it is the new S8, the appearance has not been greatly changed, and the details have been adjusted, and it still looks like a low-key suit thug. Compared with the 21 models, the front face grille has changed from the original horizontal chrome strip style to the chrome mesh style, which is also exclusive to Audi Sports cars.
As a well-known lamp factory, headlights are naturally the latest version, the front and rear light groups are all digital OLED headlights, but also can be equipped with the top digital matrix system, they are equipped with millions of microscopic mirrors, can concentrate powerful beams into graphic patterns and light shows, project beams farther and wider to illuminate the danger of the road surface, and actively avoid making other road users feel dazzled.
Entering the car, the interior did not bring too many surprises, because the interior layout of this triple screen has been used for several years on the lower A7 and A6, and it does not look new, especially compared to the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi's interior is not too attractive to users.
In terms of materials, compared with the elegant and low-key A8, S8 uses a more advanced piano paint panel and a glossy carbon fiber panel mix, and the sports atmosphere has indeed been improved, but it cannot be compared with the RS model that focuses on sports and high performance.
The seat material, which is made of a mix of leather and suede, is excellent in the real experience, especially in terms of lumbar support. However, for drivers with higher heights, the thighs may be prone to fatigue during long-distance driving.
The new S8 is powered by the same 4.0T twin-turbo V8 engine as the Audi RS6 and is equipped with a light hybrid system with a maximum output of 563 hp and 800 Nm. Such power data brings the ultimate speed, the official 0-100km/h acceleration time is only 3.8 seconds, for a 2.2-ton luxury executive class sedan, it is already a very terrifying performance! However, Audi officially limited its maximum speed to 250km/h.
Despite the variable cylinder technology, you don't have to expect it to be very fuel-efficient, bringing better interior silence, when you want it to be quiet, you can hardly hear any engine noise in the car, but when you accelerate, it will erupt into a rough and thick V8 sound wave.
It is worth mentioning that when driving on the highway, the car still maintains excellent quietness, almost no road and wind noise can be heard, and the high-speed stability in the crosswind is also reassuring.
The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission can fully exert the power of this engine, whether automatic or manual, the shift is smooth, and the use of paddle shifts provides relatively early downshifting.
Not only that, but the S8 is equipped with a Quattro four-wheel drive system with a self-locking central differential, a mechanical "Quattro Sport" differential at the rear that makes it more flexible than the regular A8, and Audi has made exclusive adjustments to the S8's air springs and adaptive dampers. They are associated with a sophisticated "predictive" active air suspension system that, in Comfort Plus driving mode, prevents body rolls through electromechanical actuators in every corner, changing the pressure on each wheel for the smoothest ride possible and minimizing body roll.
Overall, the Audi S8 has not lost the comfort it deserves because of its stronger performance, whether it is riding in the rear row or driving alone.
With its advanced chassis technology, highly technological interior and powerful power, the Audi S8 can't hide its sportiness even though it's a sprawling executive sedan. However, the overly low-key appearance and interior may be its biggest disadvantage when competing with mercedes-Benz-class AMG and BMW M760i, and perhaps it can only wait until the A8 series can bring more surprises