Facelifted Audi A8 Teased Ahead Of Imminent India Launch

The 2022 Audi A8 features a few exterior design changes that help differentiate it from its predecessor. The biggest of these changes is the new front grille which is larger than before. Also present at the front is an updated bumper.

S-Line trim versions of the facelifted A8 feature a body kit that takes its styling cues from the more powerful S8 model. Owners can also opt for chrome and black exterior packages depending on their personal tastes.

Other exterior changes on the facelifted A8 include new headlights that contain 1.3 million micro-mirrors. These can adjust the beam pattern of the A8's new headlights with extreme precision to improve visibility. Owners have the option to upgrade the standard LED lights to Audi's new Digital Matrix LED units.

Mirroring the lighting changes at the rear are the new taillights. The facelifted Audi A8's taillights are now fully OLEDs and feature proximity sensors. These activate to warn away the driver of any following car if they come within 2 metres of the new Audi A8.

Inside, the Audi A8 remains mostly unchanged. The dashboard and centre console areas are still dominated by the triple display setup. While the 12.3-inch driver's information display, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and the touch-sensitive 8.6-inch climate control display setup remain physically unchanged, Audi has upgraded to its latest MIB 3 software.

Rear passengers of the Audi A8 can also stream the latest movies and TV shows from their phones onto the optional 10.1-inch displays. Other options include a 23-speaker audio system from Bang & Olufsen, four-zone climate control, massaging seats a heated and massaging footrest fitted to the rear of the front passenger's seat and a refrigerator.

Underneath the bonnet, the Audi A8 remains unchanged except for the hybrid version which sports a larger electric battery pack. India is expected to get the A8 L 55 TFSI variant as this is the same option currently available for the pre-facelift luxury car.

The Audi A8 L 55 TFSI is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 335bhp at 5,000rpm and 500Nm of peak torque at 1,370rpm. The A8's engine sends power to all four wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and Audi's famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. The A8 L 55 TFSI can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

The Audi A8 does not have a fully electric version and is not expected to get one in the future. Instead, the current A8 will make for the production version of the all-electric Grand Sphere Concept revealed in September 2021.

Thoughts On the upcoming Audi A8 India Launch

The new video from Audi India teases the arrival of the luxury marque's facelifted A8 flagship limousine. The new 2022 Audi A8 will take on the likes of the Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 7 Series for the hearts and wallets of India's super-rich. Whether it can actually dethrone the majestic S-Class is something only time will tell.