- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
Audi A8 Sedan. 4th generation, 2021 restyling
The first Audi A8 was unveiled back in 1994. Almost three decades have passed since then, but it still remains the most advanced representative of the Audi model range and not only competes with the Mercedes S-Class for the title of the most technically advanced luxury car, but even surpasses it in some characteristics. The top-end Audi A8 luxury sedan is constantly evolving and improving. This progressive model comprises the newest technical solutions, including LED optics, a hybrid system and a tactile touch-based operating system. Therefore, even the next restyling has touched the exterior, interior and technology.
Of course, we all were waiting with anticipation for the restyling that could bring us a full-fledged level-three autopilot, for which there was even a button on the console of the old A8. Such a robocar will be able to start off, move, maneuver and stop by itself without ‘backup’ or control from the driver’s side. But… no miracle happened, and we have not received such an autopilot. On the other hand, we have received a lot of other things. Let’s talk about the innovations, improvements and new features of the car restyled at the end of 2021. As a reminder, Israeli buyers can purchase the 2017 fourth generation Audi A8. First, presumably in December 2021, the restyled Audi A8 will appear in Germany, and then in other European countries. The approximate cost is from 99,500 euros.
The new Audi A8 is delivered to Israel as the 55 TFSI quattro modification equipped with a 3-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline engine with 340 hp. The all-wheel drive sedan accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. It is a "mild hybrid", that is, a belt-driven starter-generator and a new 8-speed automatic transmission by ZF with an electric oil pump allow the engine to be turned off not only in a traffic jam, but also when driving at speeds from 55 to 160 km/h, when the Audi A8 goes into roll-forward mode, which allows saving fuel.
‘The A8 was the brand’s first step into the luxury class. At the same time, with its many technical innovations and progressive design, it sent a strong message to customers and the competition: Audi is also a leading brand and a real force in the traditional luxury sedan segment. I find that particularly fascinating about the A8,”says Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport GmbH. And we agree with him, we believe that the Audi A8 is perhaps the best business sedan with an ultra-modern exterior, luxurious interior and excellent reliability and safety indicators.
Exterior
The new 2022 Audi A8 has received an upgraded radiator grille featuring a ‘three-dimensional’ openwork pattern (it is wider than the previous one), completely new optics and other bumpers, due to which the body length has grown to 5,190 mm (against the previous 5,172 mm). The body of the car is 58% aluminum. The head optics have not only changed their shape (there is now a ‘step’ in the outer lower corners of the headlights), but also have changed inside: each headlight contains 1.3 million tiny mirrors that not only break the light flux into pixels that can be controlled with the highest precision, but can ‘draw’ navigator tips right on the road. This technology is called DMD (Digital Micromirror Device). The taillights feature digital OLED displays as standard (OLED = organic light-emitting diode): when ordering a car, you can choose one of two patterns, and if another car is too close to the stationary A8 (less than two meters) from the rear, all OLED segments will flash, and they are very bright. The optics of the upgraded A8 comprises dynamic turn signals, as well as illumination for the driver when returning and leaving home.
The Audi A8 is perhaps the best business sedan with an ultra-modern exterior, luxurious interior and excellent reliability and safety indicators.
The new A8 can have a sporty image, which is provided within the S line package, which makes the car look like the ‘hot’ S8 (bumpers and a radiator grille). There are also chrome or black decorative packages. The color palette of the restyled A8 comprises eleven shades, including new metallic colors (green, sky blue, Manhattan gray and ultra-blue) and five matte finishes (Daytona Gray, Floret Silver, District Green, Terra Gray and Glacier White). Plus, the 2022 Audi A8 will delight you with new wheel rims with a diameter of 18 to 21 inches.
Interior
The interior of the 2022 Audi A8 has not changed much. It offers new media system displays for rear passengers. The 10.1-inch screens have Full HD resolution and new matrix ‘reading lamps’ with Matrix LED technology. A couple of screens on the front panel are the same, and even the menu graphics are still the same. But the trim combinations have been revised: the seats are upholstered in Valetta leather as standard or in optional Valcona leather in a new color of cognac brown. There is also a new environmentally friendly Dinamica microfiber material (can be used to trim door panels, pillars and ceiling). How about the new version in pastel silver or the S line interior in black, merlot red or cognac?
An optional air quality control package includes an ionizer and air freshener. The relaxation seating package captivates the imagination with a back massage function with 18 pneumatic cushions. The highest comfort of the head restraints is ensured by electric adjustment.
Powertrains
The only thing that’s different in terms of engines is the power of the Audi A8 60 TFSI e rechargeable hybrid. The output of the powertrain has been increased from 449 to 462 hp. It is based on a 3-liter V6 gasoline engine. The rest of the engines (3.0-liter turbocharged V6 TFSI gasoline engines with 340 hp and 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 TFSI gasoline engines with 460 hp, as well as the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 TDI diesel engines with 286 hp) are the same. The car is still equipped with an 8-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission and has permanent four-wheel drive. The options now include active suspensions that “know how” to suppress body roll when cornering (for the comfort of passengers) and steerable rear wheels. Audi’s most powerful sedan, the S8, is still powered by an uprated 4.0-liter V8 TFSI engine with 571 hp engine and can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Equipment
The Bang & Olufsen premium sound system providing 3D sound in the rear seat has been upgraded. The 1,920-watt amplifier powers 23 standard speakers, and there is a remote control on the center armrest at the rear. It enables rear seat passengers to operate many comfort and infotainment options.
Audi offers 40 different driver assistance systems on its flagship, some of which are standard equipment, and the options have been united into Park, City and Tour packages.
- The Park package, as the name suggests, includes remote parking assistance.
- The City package is an intersection and lane change assistance system as well as various security systems.
- The Tour package is standard in Germany and includes adaptive cruise control and more.
