Audi has given the A8 a subtle facelift and a few innovations

After four years, it’s time for a facelift for the Audi A8. This comes with visual changes as well as more technology and comfort. Changes were also made to the S8.

Finally, Audi has given its A8 a facelift. There will not be a classic successor with combustion engines and so they are trying to say goodbye to the flagship in Ingolstadt. The luxurious Audi starts at 99,500 euros. The facelift of the Audi A8 has been available on the market since December 2021.

Appearance: Audi discreetly screwed up the exterior of the A8

So that the last appearance of the 5.19 meter long A8 can happen in the right light, the technicians give the Audi new digital matrix LED headlights. Strictly speaking, there is nothing behind it other than a kind of video projector that rolls out a carpet of light in front of the car with over a million tiny pixels. And of course it can adapt this much more precisely to the driving situation than before. However, this light show for the night costs extra in the A8.

Technology and features: Particularly comfortable as a long version

All-wheel steering (standard in the S8) and an active chassis that can adapt to the road and even take corners are available on request. The color of the interior has changed: the cognac shade was previously reserved for Audi Exclusive customers only. The real highlight in the leather-covered luxury bedroom is, as usual, the seat in the back on the right.

The long version, which is 13 centimeters longer, is still available with a sleep and massage function. With the Audi A8 L Hoch, the Bavarians are also bringing a Maybach competitor with even more luxury to the facelift, but this luxury liner is only for the Chinese market.

Top model: The S8 retains its V8 and 571 hp

The top model is and remains the S8. Nothing has changed in its technical data. So it stays with the 571 hp 4.0-liter V8 biturbo. 800 Nm take the S8 from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. After the facelift, the S8, like the new A3, has hook-shaped headlights and a larger radiator grille. The four exhaust tailpipes remain the S8 and have a flap control so that the sound can be sharpened – if desired. A little more change is required for the S8 facelift than for the A8: customers have to put a whopping 144,800 euros on the table.

Engines: More power for the A8 than PHEV

Compared to the pre-facelift, nothing has actually changed in the engines. A V6 as a petrol engine (340 hp) or diesel (286 hp) is on the list, plus a V8 in two different power levels (460 hp in the A8, 571 hp in the S8) and a plug-in hybrid with slightly more power than so far (462 instead of 449 hp). Always coupled to an eight-speed automatic.