The latest model uses an Audi Space frame body built almost entirely of aluminium, with subtle redesigns to the bonnet, grille, front bumper and headlights as well as the rear bumper and tail lights. New to this model are optional headlights employing MatrixBeam Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology, which uses 25 LEDs that can be dimmed or switched off individually to suit the prevailing road situation.

Both the A8 and A8L offer a line-up of seven petrol and TDI engines, the majority of which have been revised to improve performance and efficiency. The supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol engine is boosted from 286bhp to 306bhp, the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI moves from 414bhp to 430bhp, the 3.0 TDI clean diesel increases from 247bhp to 254bhp and the 4.2 TDI clean diesel gains 35bhp, taking it to 380bhp, with torque up by 37lb.ft to 627lb.ft.

The flagship engine for the A8 is the 493bhp W12 quattro, which offers combined fuel consumption of 24.1mpg, and 270g/km with the help of a new version of the cylinder-on-demand system, which at low speeds deactivates the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders.

There’s also the 513bhp S8, which offers a 0-62 mph of 4.2 seconds along with 28mpg, corresponding to 235g/km.

There’s also a hybrid combining a 2.0 TFSI engine and electric motor to produce a system output of 242bhp and system torque of 354lb.ft. The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 62mph with a range of roughly 1.9 miles. The A8 hybrid returns up to 44.8mpg and emits 147g/km.

Improvements have also been made to the optional assistance systems. Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, is new to the A8, as is the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking, and the head-up display, which projects important data in the driver's field of vision on the windscreen. The night vision assistant can now also recognise larger animals in addition to pedestrians.

The new Audi A8 is expected to reach its first UK customers in January 2014. Full pricing and UK specification information will be announced in due course.