Audi’s updated A8 luxury saloon is now on sale, introducing sharper design and greater levels of technology.

The refreshed fourth-generation A8 is on sale now, priced from £74,985 rising to £117,610

Due for first customer deliveries from March 2022, it’s priced from £74,985 for the standard model, with the long wheelbase starting from £78,985. The S8 is priced at £102,610.

Four engine options are available for the refreshed fourth-generation model. These include 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI V6 units, along with the 4.0 TFSI V8 with cylinder on-demand technology in the S8. The TFSI e plug-in hybrid model combines the 3.0 TFSI with an electric motor and now features a higher-power 17.9kWh (gross) battery. It brings 462hp of system power and 700Nm of torque and goes from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds.

All-wheel drive and an eight-speed S Tiptronic gearbox are standard across the entire A8 and A8L line-up.

Trim levels cover four grades: Sport, S Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung. Standard across all trims are adaptive air suspension, comfort contour seats in Valcona leather, the 12.3-inch HD Audi Virtual Cockpit, a 10-loudspeaker Audi Sound System, Audi Phone Box with wireless charging, head-up display, twin-touchscreen MMI Navigation Plus and safety systems including adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera, Parking System Plus, Audi Pre-sense, camera-based traffic sign recognition and convenience key.

Sport models also feature 18-inch forged alloy wheels, or 19-inch on TFSI e plug-in hybrids, and LED headlights, while those who opt for the A8L Sport also get heated front and rear seats, four-zone automatic air-conditioning, electric sunblinds for rear windows and rear doors, and Audi’s Rear Central control unit with a 5.7-inch touchscreen OLED display.

S Line models add in bespoke front and rear bumpers and an S-specific radiator grille. Further upgrades include 20-inch five-twin-arm alloy wheels, HD matrix LED headlights,  sports design for the comfort contour seats, acoustic double glazing and privacy glass.

Stepping up to the Black Edition brings 20-inch gloss black Audi Sport alloy wheels, black exterior styling pack and OLED rear lights with a unique light signature.

Range-topping Vorsprung models gain larger 21-inch Audi Sport wheels, dynamic all-wheel steering, digital matrix LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, front-seat ventilation with massage function, extended leather pack, ambient lighting package plus and a 17-speaker B&O sound system. Safety equipment upgrades introduce crossing assist, lane change warning, cross-traffic assist rear, a 360-degree camera and Parking Assist plus with remote parking.