For the 2022 model year, Audi has significantly expanded its electric vehicle (EV) product range and launched a new A3 model equipped with a gasoline powertrain. Audi said that by the end of 2021, it is expected to sell more battery electric vehicles in the United States than any other luxury brand manufacturer. This means a variety of new E-tron models in 2022, including the 2022 Audi E-tron GT, RS E-tron GT, Q4 E-tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback.
The additional new models are part of Audi's commitment to achieve net carbon dioxide neutrality by 2050. Although this date may seem far away, Audi expects that 30% of its complete model lineup will be electrified by 2025. The brand includes pure battery electric and plug-in electric vehicles. By the way, in the total amount of "electrification" of hybrid vehicles.
In other words, the most critical models that Audi will launch for the 2022 model year are the new versions of Audi A3 and Audi S3 small luxury cars. To pay tribute to electrification, the A3 is equipped with a 48-volt electrical system and a mild hybrid system for the first time.
The changes to each model series are listed in alphabetical order below.
The Audi A3 compact luxury sedan and its S3 sports sedan sibling are all new models for the 2022 model year. The headline news is that A3 uses mild hybrid technology for the first time. The standard 48-volt system provides additional torque for the redesigned sedan when acceleration stops and smooth shifts. The new power system can even coast to improve fuel efficiency. Audi stated that the new A3 40 TFSI quattro is 24% more efficient than the previous A3 quattro.
S3 uses a traditional turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but the output power is as high as 18 horsepower and the torque is greater. The high-performance Audi RS 3 received an exciting 401 horsepower boost, bringing its top speed to nearly 180 mph.
The Audi A4 compact luxury sedan will hardly change substantially in the 2022 model year. A4 40 TFSI trim level is now available in a black optical appearance kit. At the same time, the more powerful A4 45 TFSI version has the previously optional sports suspension as standard. The high-performance S4 will return in 2022, and the carbon inlay is the most significant change from the 2021 model.
The most significant change in the Audi A5 in 2022 is the new 19-inch all-season tire option. Like its 4-door A4 brother model, the stylish A5 Sportback 40 TFSI has an optional black optics package. Audi has also established sports suspension standards for the A5 S-line coupe and Sportback in 2022.
The improvement of the infotainment system is the most notable change in the Audi A6 mid-size luxury sedan in 2022. The premium interior is equipped with a larger 10.1-inch MMI screen and Audi's digital virtual cockpit Plus. A6 45 TFSI now offers black optical components.
The high-performance S6 is equipped with rear airbags, and new 21-inch alloy wheels are added to the black optical package.
Audi sees the A7 luxury hatchback as its style icon, and in 2022, the model will receive enhanced features, including a larger MMI display, Virtual Cockpit Plus, direct tire pressure monitoring (sensors mounted directly on the wheels) and Rear airbag.
The high-horsepower S7 performance variant of the A7 also benefits from a direct tire pressure monitoring system and rear airbags.
Audi E-tron and E-tron Sportback battery electric SUVs will remain basically unchanged by 2022, except for packaging changes. But the performance-oriented 2022 Audi E-tron S and E-tron S Sportback have been added to the lineup. E-tron S models use two electric motors on the rear axle and one electric motor on the front axle, which can provide nearly 500 horsepower.
In the non-S E-tron, the Chronos Edition replaces the Prestige, which uses a special gray exterior paint and S-line interior. The E-tron Sportback Premium trim now has a range of driver assistance features and 22-inch sports wheels are provided on the Prestige trim.
2022 Audi E-tron GT and high-output RS E-tron GT are the brand's top pure electric vehicles. These two luxury station wagons have the classic appearance of traditional gasoline cars, combined with the excellent performance of their electric power system.
Audi said that the 637-horsepower RS E-tron GT will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The E-tron GT has a full-charged range of 238 miles, while the RS E-tron GT has a range of 232 miles on a single charge.
The long list of new standard features is the headline news of the changes in the Audi Q3 small crossover SUV for the 2022 model year. Audi has added the next-generation MIB 3 infotainment system, blind spot warning, rear intersection warning and parking assist system to the list of standard equipment. Now, Premium Plus trim includes a surround view camera system.
The Audi Q4 E-tron model is a brand new model in 2022. They represent the brand's entry-level lineup of battery-electric crossover SUVs. The rear-wheel drive Q4 40 E-tron driven by a single asynchronous motor is the cheapest of the three models. Q4 50 E-tron and Sportback offer fully electric versions of Audi quattro 4-wheel drive, using dual asynchronous motors to power the wheels. All three variants can accommodate 5 people and provide ample interior space. If properly equipped, the quattro model can tow up to 2,600 pounds.
Q4 E-tron buyers can take advantage of Audi EV discounts, such as using Electrify America’s public DC fast charging plan and home charging solutions.
The Audi Q5 crossover was updated in 2021, but the Q5 45 TFSI sub-model received an enhanced appearance in the 2022 model year. Since black is the new black, the 2022 black optical kit on the Q5 45 TFSI, Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI and Q5 55 TFSI e is available. The Q5 55 TFSI e also adds sports seats to its standard equipment list.
The Audi Q7 large crossover SUV comes standard with rear airbags. Heated electric folding exterior mirrors with memory function, direct tire pressure monitor and internal ambient lighting have also been added to the Q7 standard. Of course, the Black Optic package has been provided on the Q7 45 TFSI. The high-performance SQ7 now comes standard with adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist.
Audi Q8 large crossover SUV will increase its various decoration packages in 2022. Advanced decoration adds 21-inch wheels, low-profile tires, rear airbags, direct tire pressure monitors and auto-dimming electric folding exterior mirrors. Premium Plus now has adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist.
SQ8 for enthusiasts also got these features. The newly launched package on sports models includes heated rear seats and rear window sun visors.
In 2022, Audi added horsepower to its R8 mid-engine sports car to maintain its relevance, as the competitive numbers continue to upgrade. The R8 Coupe V10 Performance RWD S tronic is equipped with a 562-horsepower version of the Audi V10 engine with rear-wheel drive. The R8 Coupe V10 Performance quattro S Tronic is equipped with a 602-horsepower version of the V10 engine, quattro all-wheel drive and special exhaust components.
The two R8 Spyder models basically imitate the equipment of the two coupes, but with a convertible body style.
The new bronze package is the only substantial update for the 2022 Audi TT sports coupe. Available at the TTS trim level, it includes a black optical exterior and 20-inch bronze wheels, nappa leather interior and bronze trim.
Audi is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on November 1, 2021, but may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability through the car manufacturer’s website or your local dealer.
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