Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. https://estta.uspto.gov
`
`ESTTA Tracking number:
`
`ESTTA1293244
`
`Filing date:
`
`06/23/2023
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`Proceeding no.
`
`91269142
`
`Party
`
`Correspondence
`address
`
`Submission
`
`Filer's name
`
`Filer's email
`
`Signature
`
`Date
`
`Attachments
`
`Plaintiff
`Audi AG
`
`WILLIAM C WRIGHT
`EPSTEIN DRANGEL LLP
`60 EAST 42ND ST STE 2520
`NEW YORK, NY 10165
`UNITED STATES
`Primary email: mail@ipcounselors.com
`212-292-5390
`
`Testimony For Plaintiff
`
`Jason M. Drangel
`
`mail@ipcounselors.com
`
`/Jason M. Drangel/
`
`06/23/2023
`
`Testimony Dec. REDACTED.pdf(609198 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit A.pdf(110043 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit B.pdf(1599605 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit C1.pdf(5113266 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit C2.pdf(2158678 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D1.pdf(5651921 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D2.pdf(782914 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D3.pdf(1374960 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D4.pdf(352907 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D5.pdf(595973 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D6.pdf(1931020 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D7.pdf(1965330 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit D8.pdf(2850987 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit E1.pdf(3905153 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit E2.pdf(5646545 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit F1.pdf(4288003 bytes )
`Testimony Dec. Exhibit F2.pdf(4949106 bytes )
`
`

`

`Jason M. Drangel
`William C. Wright
`Hannah Rosenson
`EPSTEIN DRANGEL LLP
`60 East 42nd Street, Suite 1250
`New York, NY 10165
`Tel: 212-292-5390
`Fax: 212-292-5391
`E-Mail: mail@ipcounselors.com
`Attorneys for Opposer
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`
`
`
`AUDI AG,
`Opposer,
`
`
`v.
`
`Opposition No. 91269142
`
`NIO (ANHUI) HOLDING CO., LTD.,
`
`Applicant.
`
`
`TESTIMONY DECLARATION OF ANTHONY GARBIS
`
`I, Anthony Garbis, hereby declare as follows:
`
`1. I am Senior Manager, Product Planning of Audi of America, Inc., an operating unit of
`
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (“VWGoA”), and have served in this role since June 2021.
`
`2. Under agreement with Audi AG, VWGoA polices and enforces Opposer’s trademarks in the
`
`United States. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Audi AG are referred to herein
`
`together or individually as “Audi.”
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`I make and submit this Declaration in support of Opposer Audi AG’s (“Opposer”) Opposition.
`
`I am over eighteen (18) years of age. I have never been convicted of a felony or any criminal
`
`offense involving moral turpitude, and I am fully competent to testify to the matters stated
`
`herein. Unless otherwise noted the facts stated in this declaration are true of my own personal
`
`1
`
`

`

`knowledge, or upon on information and belief.
`
`Foundedin 1909, Opposer Audi AG is a world-famous automobile manufacturerthat, through
`
`VWGOA,sells Audi automobiles and genuine parts and accessories (“Audi Products”) through
`
`a network oflicensed independent Audi dealerships throughout the United States.
`
`Audi Products have become enormously popular, driven, in part, by Audi’s quality standards
`
`and innovative design. Among the purchasing public, genuine Audi Products are instantly
`
`recognizable as such and symbolize high quality.
`
`VWGOA distributes and sells Audi Products to consumers through a network of licensed
`
`independent Audi dealerships throughout the United States. Since at least as early as 1997,
`
`Audi also operates websites, including audiusa.com and audicollectionusa.com, through which
`
`consumers can purchase genuine Audi parts, automotive accessories, and personal goods and
`
`accessories directly from Audi or licensed independent Audi dealerships.
`
`Opposer designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and, through authorized dealerships and
`
`retailers, sellsJ of vehicles under its house mark AUDIin nearly every country across
`
`the globe.
`
`The AUDIbrand1s considered one of the most valuable brands in the world andis consistently
`
`listed in Interbrand’s annual survey of the “Best Global Brands.” A true and correct printout
`
`showingthe position of the AUDI brandin the latest Interbrand survey is attached as Exhibit
`
`A.
`
`10.
`
`Audi consistently ranks in the top ten luxury car manufacturers in the United States. Attached
`
`as Exhibit B are two independent reports downloaded from MotorTrend and U.S. News
`
`websites confirming Audi’s rankings.
`
`11.
`
`Audi has achieved great success overthe past several decades, withi ofdollars ofannual
`
`

`

`sales in the United States over the past ten years.
`
`12.
`
`Morespecifically, I have reviewed internal sales reports for the United States generated from
`
`VWGoA’saccounting system and can confirm that Opposer’s U.S. affiliate has generated sales
`
`of roughlyqq in 2015, 5in 2016, SR in 2017, in
`
`2018, SY in 2019, ST in 2020, SY in 2021 and Sa in
`
`2022 of vehicle products sold in the United States.
`
`13.
`
`Audi follows a simple naming format, for the most part, employing letters and numbers. “A”
`
`and “Q” model designations form the primary basis for the Audi vehicle naming structure.
`
`Higher level performance variants of those models have the “S” designation and the highest
`
`level performance models have the “RS” designation.
`
`14
`
`. Audi pairs its letter designations with numbers 3 through 8 in the United States. Higher
`
`numbers can mean different things — most often it means a larger, more expensive vehicle.
`
`15.
`
`For example, and notable to the discussion here, the A6 is Audi’s midsize luxury sedan and
`
`the S6 is higher-performance version of the A6 designed for those who want more power and
`
`features than the A6.
`
`16.
`
`Similarly, the A8 is Audi’s flagship full-size luxury sedan and the S8 delivers a similar
`
`experience as the A8, with added powerandfeatures.
`
`17.
`
`In 1992, Audi introducedits first true high-performance sedan, the S4, to the U.S. In 1995 the
`
`S4 became the S6. The S6 helped Audi secure the success of high-volumecars.
`
`18.
`
`Audi’s models have been featured in a number of press publications and featured in many
`
`reviews. Attached as Exhibit C are reviews of the S6 and S8 models.
`
`19.
`
`Opposerhas used a family of trademarks incorporating the letter S over the course ofthe last
`
`several decades, including, but not limited to, S and RS alone and with various numbers to
`
`

`

`designate various models of its AUDI automobiles, including S3, $4, $5, S6, S7 and S8 and
`
`RS3, RS4, RSS, RS6, and RS7 (“Opposer’s Marks”).
`
`20. Internationally, Audi produces hundreds of thousands of vehicles bearing Opposer’s Marks
`
`each year.
`
`21.1 have reviewed internal sales reports for the United States generated from VWGoA’s
`
`accounting system and can confirm that Audi had the following annualunit and dollar sales of
`
`vehicles bearing Opposer’s Marks.
`
`Dollars
`
`Units
`
`Dollars
`
`Dollars
`
`2022
`
`Units
`
`

`

`
`
`22.
`
`Audi has spent substantial time, money andeffort in building up and developing consumer
`
`recognition, awareness and goodwill in the Audi Products and Opposer’s Marks, including
`
`through its advertising and promotional efforts, over a prolonged period oftime.
`
`23.
`
`VWGoOAandits authorized dealerships in the United States have expended[ of dollars
`
`on advertising and promoting Audi Products incorporating Opposer’s Marks via a variety of
`
`media types, including broadcast, print publications, public relations, online, and social media,
`
`such as Instagram and Facebook. True and correct examples of such advertismg and
`
`promotional materials from 2015 onwards are attached hereto as Exhibit D.
`
`24.
`
`Audi and the Audi Products incorporating Opposer’s Marks have been prominently featured in
`
`a number of press publications, including, but not limited to, Car and Driver, CNET, and
`
`MotorTrend. True and correct examples of such press coverage from 2015 onwards are attached
`
`hereto as Exhibit E.
`
`25.
`
`Audi and the Audi Products, including those incorporating Opposer’s Marks have received
`
`industry awards such as Best Global Brands, Best User Experiences, Best Performance Car,
`
`Best New Sedans, as evidenced in Exhibit F.
`
`26.
`
`As a result of Audi’s efforts, the quality of Audi Products, the extensive press and media
`
`coverage, history and popularity of the Audi brand, and a tremendous volume ofsales,
`
`Opposer’s Marks, individually and collectively, have become prominently placed in the minds
`
`of the public. Members of the public have become familiar with Opposer’s Marks and have
`
`12023 data is up to date as of June 7, 2023.
`
`

`

`come to associate them exclusively with Audi. Opposer has acquired a valuable reputation
`
`and goodwill among the public as a result of such associations.
`
`27. In the United States, 2023 Audi S6 automobiles currently have a Manufacturer Starting Retail
`
`Price (MSRP) of $73,700 and 2023 Audi S8 automobiles have a starting MSRP of $120,500.
`
`28. Audi vigorously enforces Opposer’s rights in and to Opposer’s Marks by, among otherthings,
`
`sending cease anddesist letters and instituting proceedings before the Board.
`
`29. On information andbelief, neither Audi nor any authorized agents of Audi have consented to
`
`Applicant’s use of Opposer’s Marks, nor have they consented to Applicant’s use of any marks
`
`similar thereto.
`
`I declare under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that to
`
`the best of my knowledge the foregoingis true and correct.
`
`
`
`Executed on this 2°—day of June , 2023 in Herndon, VA
`
`By:
`
`Nahaen byGarbls
`Garbis Anthony
`C86A1E726413A0EB
`VWPKI
`C86A1E726413A0EBD2te.2023.06.2310:37:38
`Anthony Garbis
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT A
`EXHIBIT A
`
`
`
`

`

`Interbrand
`
`Apple
`
`Amazon
`
`Microsoft
`
`Samsung
`
`amazon
`
`Toyota
`
`Mercedes-Benz
`
`McDonald's
`
`Louis Vuitton
`
`tb
`Facebook
`
`mistol
`Global
`Brands
`
`Pampers
`
`Hermés
`
`JP, Morgan
`
`SEE
`
`Honda
`
`JPMorgan
`
`UPS
`
`S A
`
`llianz
`
`VISA
`
`Cisco
`
`Adobe
`
`V,\ Adobe
`
`YouTube
`
`| CHANEL
`
`IKEA+
`
`Accenture
`
`>
`accenture
`
`Budweiser
`
`WD VouTube
`
`GE
`
`Netflix
`
`NETFLIX
`
`Sony
`
`

`

`Starbucks
`
`Loree
`
`Goldman Sachs
`
`W171
`
`Morgan Stanley
`
`Morgan Stanley
`
`| Cartier
`
`Santander
`
`4 ater
`Corona
`
`ay
`Jack Daniel's
`
`| ) | O R
`Be
`Caterpillar
`
`| @orona
`BS
`Linkedin
`
`Hewlett Packard
`Enterprise
`
`Huawel
`
`Hewlett Packard
`| Envernrae
`
`pess
`
`CRred el
`ral
`areas
`Interbrand
`Our Approach
`‘All Rights Rosarvad.
`eee
`Leeeats
`es
`Health
`sti
`
`
`Se] ee) etalPesiaceayLinkedin
`ere)esesy
`Instagram
`=
`atte
`eeins)
`News.
`
`Johnson &
`Johnson
`
`Bz
`Tiffany & Co,
`
`TIFFANY& OD.
`or
`Burberry
`
`BURBERRY
`ee
`
`ds
`
`He
`
`:
`
`|
`
`|
`
`any
`John Deere
`
`Hennessy
`0
`Sephora
`
`SEPHORA
`
`Interbrand
`
`

`

`

`

`EXHIBIT B
`EXHIBIT B
`
`

`

`6/15/23, 2:58 PM
`
`Audi Prices, Reviews, and Photos - MotorTrend
`
`Audi's global design is instantly recognizable, even if the luxury automaker doesn't sell nearly as many cars in the U.S. as its German
`rivals. Even so, Audi continues to provide customers with tech-forward luxury cars and a handful of very quick and capable
`SEARCH
`See More >>
`Why isn't every vehicle rated?
`
`?
`
`MotorTrend scores are applicable only within each respective subclass.
`
`MSRP does not include destination fee.
`
`SUVS
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`SEDANS
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`2 0 2 3 L I N C O L N
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`7.7/10
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`The Future
`

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`6/15/23, 2:58 PM
`
`Audi Prices, Reviews, and Photos - MotorTrend
`
`MSRP: $36,800 - $42,500
`
`MSRP: $44,200 - $67,000
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`MSRP: $49,800 - $62,900
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`2.99%
`
`APR DE
`FINANCIAMENTO
`
`POR
`HASTA
`
`36
`
`MESES
`
`PARA COMPRADORES BIEN
`CALIFICADOS*
`
`ENCUENTRA EL
`TUYO
`
`ENCUENTRA
`CONCESIONARIOS
`LOCALES
`*MAS INFORMACIÓN DE OFERTA
`
`EL NISSAN
`™
`KICKS 2023
`
`MSRP: $51,000 - $68,500
`
`MSRP: $55,800
`
`MSRP: $58,200 - $65,900
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`MSRP: $35,400 - $40,800
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`MSRP: $40,300 - $55,800
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`MSRP: $44,600 - $64,000
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`https://www.motortrend.com/cars/audi/
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`YOUR
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`6/15/23, 2:58 PM
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`Audi Prices, Reviews, and Photos - MotorTrend
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`MSRP: $40,300 - $55,800
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`MSRP: $70,200 - $79,350
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`Audi Prices, Reviews, and Photos - MotorTrend
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`6/15/23, 3:15 PM
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`U.S. News Best Luxury Car Brands for 2023 | U.S. News
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`Cars / Car Advice / U.S. News Best Luxury Car Bra…
`
`Find out which luxury brand is right for you. Our best luxury brands for 2023 take the overall scores of each automaker's
`vehicles into account. We ranked luxury brands based on the average score for all vehicles made by a manufacturer.
`Edited by John DiPietro | March 1, 2023
`By Blair Travers |
`
`Save
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` CREDIT
`
`Audi vehicles deliver balanced performance and come equipped with some of the latest tech. As an added bonus, many models
`come standard with all-wheel drive.
`
`https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/best-luxury-car-brands?slide=4
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`1/3
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`CA R S
`U.S. News Best Luxury Car Brands for 2023
`8) Audi
`Average U.S. News Overall Score: 8.33/10
`

`

`U.S. News Best Luxury Car Brands for 2023 | U.S. News
`6/15/23, 3:15 PM
`Audi produces cars in just about every luxury class. The brand even has a luxury sports car, the 2023 R8, that stacks up well
`against the competition. But you don’t have to go all out and get one of Audi’s most expensive models to enjoy the brand’s high
`quality and sharp design sense. The 2023 A4, 2023 A5 and 2023 A6 offer agile handling, excellent ride quality and top-notch
`interiors with user-friendly tech.
`
`Many of these strengths carry over to Audi’s SUVs, including the 2023 Q5, 2022 Q7, and 2023 Q8. That said, Audi SUVs typically
`have less cargo space and worse fuel economy than competitors.
`
`See 2023 Audi R8 Photos »
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`Find the best price on the 2023 Audi R8 »
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`Read the 2023 Audi R8 Full Review »
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`See Luxury Sports Car Rankings »
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`CAR ADVICE
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`Kevin Linder and Isaac R. Braun Nov. 16, 2021
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`CAR ADVICE
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`We’ve assembled a list of standout vehicles from 12 different segments that offer the best combination of quality and
`value. Covering classes that range in price point and vehicle size, there’s a good chance one of our picks will work well
`for you.
`
`Kevin Linder Jan. 19, 2023
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`Seven-passenger vehicles don't have to be boring or uncool anymore. Here are several of the best.
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`R E COMM E ND ED A R T I C L E S
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`CAR ADVICE
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`U.S. News Best Luxury Car Brands for 2023 | U.S. News
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`While two-door sports cars offer some of the best performance on the market, there are a few four-door sports cars that
`offer similar performance with the added benets of more usable rear seats and large trunks.
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`George Kennedy Feb. 24, 2023
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`EXHIBIT C
`EXHIBIT C
`(Part 1)
`(Part 1)
`
`

`

`6/15/23, 9:40 AM
`
`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
`
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`https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-audi-s8-first-american-drive-review/
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`1/7
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`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
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`6/15/23, 9:40 AM
`
`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
`
`Part of growing up is learning you can't have it all. But modern luxury automakers are in the business of
`challenging this notion, especially because performance and comfort can be contradictory traits. Audi's S
`subbrand, as opposed to the hardcore RS line of cars that come from the Audi Sport division, is devoted to
`cracking the code of producing models that have a sporty edge without compromising comfort. The new 2022
`Audi S8 is no exception.
`
`Ever since Audi introduced the full-size sedan globally in 1996, it's been the German automaker's performance and
`luxury flagship. A few years into its fourth generation, the S8 receives a mid-cycle refresh with key enhancements
`aimed to give well-heeled buyers a two-in-one driving experience. We drove the updated 2022 Audi S8 on some
`beautiful Southern California roads to see just how effective the updates are.
`
`The company reworked the 2022 Audi S8's exterior design to better fit in with the rest of the marque's lineup. It
`wears a new grille with a pattern composed of opposing L shapes; it bears some resemblance to the hexagonal
`pattern found on the grille of Audi Sport's RS models. The S8 also receives new LED headlights that can project
`animated patterns on the ground or on walls to greet or bid farewell to the driver. Meanwhile, its OLED taillights
`change patterns depending on the selected drive mode.
`
`The interior remains largely unchanged; the fourth-generation S8 was introduced for 2020, so the cabin still looks
`and feels pretty fresh. There's plenty of screen real estate, a necessity in the luxury sedan segment these days, and
`Audi's dual-display infotainment setup receives a new, faster processor as part of the 2022 model-year update.
`
`Mechanically, the biggest change for the 2022 Audi S8 is an available ($6,000) predictive adaptive suspension. It's
`an air suspension setup supplemented by an electromagnetic system, and it uses a front-facing camera mounted
`near the rearview mirror to read the road and anticipate bumps, potholes, and other imperfections to better cosset
`the car's occupants. It can react within 300 milliseconds, Audi says, increasing or decreasing the load on each
`control arm in order to smoothen the ride. We tested this system on potholes along our drive route, and as long as
`we had an unobstructed view of the road ahead (if your eyes can see it, the car's can, too, Audi says), the S8
`practically floated over potholes thanks to its radical new suspension setup.
`
`Rear steering is also a new standard feature for the 2022 Audi S8. The back wheels can turn up to 5 degrees, which
`reduces the S8's turning radius by 3.6 feet to just 38.7 feet, which Audi says is the same as its A4 compact sedan.
`Not only does this system make the S8 super easy to tuck into tight parking spots, but it also makes a rather large
`vehicle feel like a much smaller one on narrow, twisty roads.
`
`https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-audi-s8-first-american-drive-review/
`
`2/7
`
`audi s8 Full Overview
`What's New
`

`

`6/15/23, 9:40 AM
`
`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
`
`The 2022 Audi S8's powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine carries over from before the face-lift, which is just fine
`with us. It develops 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque sent to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed
`automatic transmission. Audi says the 2022 S8 will hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds, and on our
`drive route the S8's engine felt smooth and its gearbox delivered crisp, clean shifts.
`
`Tidy handling and beefy brakes complement that colossal acceleration. Steering is light, even in Audi's sporty
`Dynamic drive mode, but precise. Stopping power from the large six-piston front brakes and single-piston rears is
`plenty for quickly hauling the long-wheelbase sedan down from highway speeds.
`
`The predictive adaptive suspension system and rear steering work together to keep the S8's body in control on
`back roads. When we pulled over to take a break from driving and stepped back to admire the car, it was almost
`unbelievable how large the sedan looks on the outside compared to how it seems to shrink around the driver on
`back roads. It moves like a proper GT car but has the nimbleness of a much smaller vehicle. If the steering was just
`a smidge stiffer, it would be an even slightly more engaging sport sedan.
`
`Although the 2022 Audi S8 is brutally fast and immensely capable in the corners, flipping the drive mode to
`Comfort+ completely changes the luxury sedan's nature. It makes the steering even lighter, reduces throttle
`response, and raises and softens the suspension. The predictive adaptive suspension boasts ride quality that
`ranks among the best in the luxury sedan segment, and the car's cabin is whisper quiet, making the Bang & Olufsen
`3-D premium sound system sound even more powerful than you expect.
`
` 
`
`https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-audi-s8-first-american-drive-review/
`
`3/7
`
`What's The Same?
`57 PHOTOS
`

`

`6/15/23, 9:40 AM
`
`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
`
`Like other full-size luxury sedans, the 2022 Audi S8 is light on standard active driver assistance safety technology.
`It comes equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and lane
`departure warning. Upgrading to the Executive package adds adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous
`functionality, traffic-sign recognition, side and rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
`
`In the event of an imminent T-bone side-impact crash, an Audi S8 equipped with the predictive active suspension
`can take advantage of the electromagnetic system's quick response time by jacking up the air suspension by 3.1
`inches in just 0.5 second. Audi says this improves the chances the impact will happen in such a way that the car's
`body better absorbs the collision's kinetic energy. To monitor for impending crashes, the S8 uses its suite of
`cameras and sensors that provide the 360-degree parking view and handle the rest of the active safety monitoring
`duties. It's common in this segment for vehicles to lack standard safety features, but when properly equipped, the
`2022 Audi S8 boasts some impressive technology.
`
`The 2022 Audi S8 starts at $118,995 (including destination and gas-guzzler tax), and the car we tested stickered
`for $135,595 with all its optional equipment. Most buyers shopping for cars in this segment won't sweat a few
`grand here and there, but Audi has priced the S8 strategically, slotting between the Mercedes-Benz S500 and S580
`models and undercutting the BMW Alpina B7 and the Porsche Panamera Turbo S.
`
`Be aware, the 2022 Audi S8 does lack a bit in the customization department. Audi offers the car with eight exterior
`paint color choices, three wheel choices, three interior colors, and a single Carbon Vector dash inlay option. Its
`competitors offer more configurations, allowing customers to make their vehicles a little more bespoke than
`what's possible right now if you choose the 2022 Audi S8.
`
`Regardless, the 2022 Audi S8 is performance-honed without sacrificing any of the regular A8's luxurious character.
`It's loaded with technology and has the power to beat most traffic off the line. Indeed, Audi's flagship still has
`plenty of wind in its sails and demonstrates that, sometimes, you in fact can have it all.
`
` 
`
`$118,995
`
`https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-audi-s8-first-american-drive-review/
`
`4/7
`
`Is The Audi S8 Safe?
`In The End
`Looks good! More details?
`57 PHOTOS
`2022 Audi S8 Specifications
`BASE PRICE
`

`

`6/15/23, 9:40 AM
`
`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
`
`Front-engine, AWD/5-pass, 4-door sedan
`
`4.0L/563-hp/590-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8
`
`Show All
`
`https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-audi-s8-first-american-drive-review/
`
`5/7
`
`News Reviews Buyer's Guide Watch
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`The MotorTrend Sedan Buying Guide
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`Autobahn
`Audi A6 E-Tron Concept First Look: A Luxury Sedan Goes EV
`2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback First Look:
`More Model Y Alternatives
`Mercedes-Benz S580 V-8 vs. EQS580: Is a Six-Figure Luxury
`Sedan Better With Gas or Electric Power?
`LAYOUT
`ENGINE
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`6/15/23, 9:40 AM
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`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
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`Automobile Magazine - No Boring Cars! | Exotic Cars | Supercars | Car Culture
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`Super Street Online - Import and Domestic Tuned Cars
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`6/7
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`

`

`6/15/23, 9:40 AM
`
`2022 Audi S8 Drive Review: The Best of Both Worlds
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`https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-audi-s8-first-american-drive-review/
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`7/7
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`

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`6/15/23, 9:39 AM
`
`2022 Audi S8 First Drive Review | High-tech tour de force - Autoblog
`
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`Make & Model
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`Autoblog /  Audi /  S8 Reviews
`FIRST DRIVE
`
`2022 Audi S8 First Drive Review | High-tech tour de force
`The most technologically complex S8 sure seems like it's going to be the last
`
`BEN HSU
`Apr 11th 2022 at 11:00AM
`
`18
`comments
`
`2022 Audi S8
`
`OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Though freshly updated, the 2022 Audi S8 actually has not been changed much. Its
`exterior has been nicely freshened, it has some fancy new lights, and there’s a couple of new colors in the
`palette. What has changed, though, since the D5-generation A8/S8 debuted for 2019, is just how rapidly the
`industry’s transition to electrification has progressed.
`
`Trim
`
`Engine
`
`Power
`
`S8
`
`4.0L Twin-
`
`Turbo V8
`
`563 HP /
`
`590 LB-FT
`
`https://www.autoblog.com/2022/04/11/2022-audi-s8-review/
`
`1/8
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`

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`Transmission
`
`Drivetrain
`
`Curb Weight
`
`8-Speed
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`Auto
`
`AWD
`
`5,126 LBS
`
`2+3
`
`2022 Audi S8 First Drive Review | High-tech tour de force - Autoblog
`6/15/23, 9:39 AM
`Since we last reviewed the then-new S8, Audi has announced the end of its top-end sports car, the end of
`internal combustion engine development, and parent company Volkswagen has declared the manual
`transmission officially dead. You didn’t have to be clairvoyant to see this coming, but here in 2022, the end of
`the traditional car as we know it feels a lot closer than it did back then. As such, the ever-present sense that this
`S8 would be the last Audi of its kind loomed over our test drive.
`
`Seating
`
`Since you asked, that “kind” is the big German sleeper sedan, a category Audi arguably ignited in 1996 with the
`D2 S8. The W140 S-Class Benz and E38 BMW 7 Series may have had similar output from V8s – or bigger
`V12s, even — but their performance credentials hardly extended beyond the engine bay. There was no AMG S-
`Class, and even the generally athletic 7 of that time didn’t extend as far into the performance realm as the S8.
`Besides its stiffened and lowered sport-tuned suspension, it was a technological powerhouse with its Quattro
`AWD system, aluminum spaceframe construction and recalibrated Tiptronic gearbox. It even had a solar
`sunroof to keep the climate control going when parked.
`
`Cargo
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`12.5 Cu-Ft
`
`17 MPG
`
`Comb
`
`$117,995
`
`MPG
`
`Base
`Price
`
`View All Specs
`
`These days, the Merc and Bimmer have caught up in terms of tech, in the same way Audi has caught up to
`them in terms of badge snob credibility. AWD and aluminum bodywork are no longer exclusive to any one marque, nor are high-performance variants.
`Somehow, though, the Audi S8 feels truest to its original mission.
`
`It has the most understated lines in the segment, which is proper for a large executive limousine with the moves of a much smaller sports sedan. The
`Mercedes looks almost too slippery, and who knows what’s going on at BMW’s studios these days. The S8 splits the correct difference between sleek
`and chiseled.
`
`https://www.autoblog.com/2022/04/11/