2022 Audi A8

　　

2022 Audi A8 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　, rating written byCameron RogersSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Audi's flagship large luxury sedan comes in for midstream changes three years after the debut of this current-generation model. The 2022 Audi A8 is refreshed with a larger grille, restyled headlights and taillights, and the standard application of last year's S line appearance package. Interior changes are limited to new wireless connectivity for Android Auto, which allows Android users to ditch the charge cable but maintain control of various smartphone functions through the car's infotainment system.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Audi A8 L 4dr Sedan AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$205/mo  for A8 L

　　A8 L

　　L 4dr Sedan AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $86,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Unfortunately as the Volkswagen Group gods giveth, they also taketh. The V8-powered 60 TFSI model and 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid have both been axed from the lineup. The only way to get a more powerful engine is by upgrading to the sportier Audi S8, which is reviewed separately.

　　Though the A8 has been refreshed for 2022, the updates aren't comprehensive enough to significantly boost its standing in the class. In our testing, we found that the A8 lags behind rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera and even a relative newcomer — the Genesis G90. The A8 isn't a bad choice by any means, but in the large luxury sedan category, where vehicles can cost upward of six figures, "good enough" doesn't really cut it. Check out the categories of our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the A8 drive? At this level, a car's performance should be almost transparent and allow passengers to enjoy the experience of a true luxury car. But the A8 gets most of its athletic aptitude from optional summer performance tires instead of a more well-rounded approach. The A8 is by no means slow, but that doesn't mean it couldn't do with a little more in the power department. Unfortunately, the V8 and plug-in are no longer available. You'll have to upgrade to the sporty S8 for extra oomph under the hood.

　　The A8 also comes across as a bit numb and clumsy in aspects that you wouldn't expect it to. The brakes performed well in our panic-stop tests but were jumpy in traffic, making it hard to stop smoothly. The transmission was also slow to downshift when we wanted it to. The A8 is good overall, but there's room for improvement.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the A8? On the right road, and in the right conditions, the A8 is nearly as good as they come, offering supremely comfortable seats for all passengers. The Luxury package adds ventilation and massage for the outboard rear seats so even backseat occupants are treated to a first-class experience. 

　　But the ride quality can feel decidedly unrefined on less than perfect roads. It can be too soft over dips and crests, resulting in wallowy body motions, but then too firm over potholes and rough surfaces. Other negatives include a climate control that has to work a bit harder than it should have to in a car of this status and more road and engine noise than we'd expect.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below