Refreshed 2022 Audi S8 touches down in Mzansi

The updated Audi S8 is now available in South Africa. Perhaps one of the most understated performance offerings in the firm's catalogue, this luxury saloon merges under-the-radar aesthetics with the same powerhouse engine as in the RS6 Avant and RSQ8, albeit with a slight detune. Still, 420kW and 800Nm is nothing to sneeze at, with Audi saying the S8 will go from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 250km/h.

Cog-swapping duties are handled by an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox while a variable Quattro all-wheel drive system equipped with a self-locking sport differential provides traction in all conditions. Up to 85% of available torque can be sent to the rear wheels, which should make the S8 — like its RS3 sibling — entertaining through corners. 

Another notable feature standard on this saloon flagship is Audi's predictive active suspension system that “reads” the road ahead via a host of advanced sensors and video cameras and then adjusts the car's dampers, ride height and 48v active roll system to better suit whatever is coming their way. When set to Dynamic mode this system will focus on maximising handling performance; when dialled back to Comfort+ mode the S8's digital brain will do everything to deliver maximum ride comfort. 

To aid slow-speed manoeuvrability and boost high-speed stability the S8 is equipped with dynamic all-wheel steering, and 21-inch five-double-spoke star style wheels are standard. 

Compared with the outgoing model, the 2022 S8 sports a host of cosmetic updates including a refreshed front end that boasts a single-frame radiator grille with a wider base and new chrome-licked grid accents. This is flanked by a fancy pair of upgraded digital matrix LED headlights that offer the ultimate in night-slaying lighting technology. Other subtle tweaks include more upright side air intakes and, at the rear, a pair of OLED taillights. 

Audi has gone to town on the S8's cabin with a plethora of enhanced technologies including the German marque's latest MMI Navigation plus infotainment system supported by the third generation modular infotainment toolkit (MIB 3). Connected to a duo of high-definition displays (a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.6-inch touchscreen), this set-up supports smartphone mirroring, voice commands as well as a range of online services including Audi connect safety and service.

A heads-up display is fitted as standard as is adaptive cruise control, Valcona leather upholstery with diamond stitching, heated power adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage function, a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, and Audi virtual cockpit. Available as a cost option is the rear seat package that installs a three-seat system with two electrically adjustable individual seats. Infotainment is also available for rear seat passengers with two 10.1-inch HD displays mounted to the backs of the front seats.

Pricing for the 2022 Audi S8 starts at R2,759,000. This includes a five-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan.