Set to start first UK deliveries start in January 2014,the new standard and long wheelbase models feature a revised Audi Space Frame (ASF) body along with subtle design changes including to the bonnet, the single frame grille, the bumper and the lower edge of the headlight unit. The rear uses new LED tail light designs along with a new twin exhaust system.

The model also gains new MatrixBeam LED headlights that use 25 individual LEDs per unit, which can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation. When the on-board camera detects other vehicles ahead, the Audi MatrixBeam LED headlights mask the relevant sections of the high-beam by dimming or shutting off individual diodes. Very bright illumination is preserved in the remaining zones.

The revised engine line-up comprises choice of seven petrol and TDI engines linked to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, all of which are now EU6 compliant and the majority of which have been revised to improve performance and efficiency.

The entry-level supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol engine is boosted from 286bhp to 306bhp while the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI moves from 414bhp to 429bhp and now incorporates Cylinder on Demand technology. Amongst the diesels, the output for the entry-level 3.0 TDI increases from 247bhp to 254bhp and the 4.2 TDI gains 35bhp, taking it to 380bhp while torque output increases to 627lb.ft.

Notably, thanks to modifications to components to the fuel injection system and the turbocharger, and the integration of an active exhaust gas aftertreatment system using AdBlue exhaust treatment solution, both TDI engines are now classified as “clean diesels”.

Audi has also released details of the A8 hybrid, which combines a 2.0 TFSI engine and electric motor to produce a total of 242bhp and torque of 354lb.ft. The hybrid can drive on pure electric power at up to 62mph for roughly 1.9 miles. The model is available in standard and long-wheelbase body styles, and offers up to 44.8mpg and 144g/km.

At the top end of the line-up is the Audi A8 L W12 quattro, which sees power for the 6.3-litre petrol engine rise to 493bhp whilst offering best-in-class combined fuel consumption of 24.1mpg according to the brand and 270g/km thanks to the introduction of cylinder on demand technology.

There’s also the 513bhp S8, which comes with a 4.0 TFSI engine, offering a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds along with 29.4mpg and 225g/km thanks to cylinder on demand technology.

Other technology changes for the new model include the addition of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid, to combat intrusive noise in the cabin. Meanwhile the Audi drive select system, which adjusts the operating characteristics of various controls and functions, comes as standard.

Three specification levels are offered – SE, SE Executive and Sport Executive – with SE models gaining 18-inch alloy wheels in a new design, electromechanical power steering and all-LED headlights with a high-beam assist function. The lighting and steering upgrades carry over into the SE Executive variants, while the Sport Executive models gain the new MatrixBeam LED headlights and Mobile Phone Preparation – High with Audi connect, which offers internet-based services such as Google Earth and also establishes a wi-fi hotspot for connection of multiple handheld devices to the internet.