A wider singleframe grille dominates the front with new visuals that ditch the horizontal slats of the previous model for a more futuristic honeycomb style.
The grille is flanked by more aggressive-looking headlights but the A8 is still an understated limousine compared to some of the competition.
The rear has been tweaked with digital OLEDs that change their light signature depending on the selected driving mode.
The A8 will be available with four combustion-engined engine options beneath the range-topping 4.0 TFSI which has 453hp on tap.
A biturbo V8 is in the mix too. The hybrid version gets larger batteries, enabling it to cover 60 kilometres in all-electric mode. It mates a V6 petrol engine to an electric motor for a combined 462 hp.
The A8 will square up against the upcoming new Mercerdes-Benz S Class, which is already the benchmark in this segment and the equally world-beating BMW 7 Series.
The new A8 interior is even more lounge-like that before, with larger display screens and sumptuous leather. An optional air quality package apes a Mercedes-Benz feature by cleaning the air and refreshing it with fragrance.
A beefy 1,920 watt Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound system can be ordered to provide top in-car entertainment.
It may not suit the character of a luxury limo but the new A8 is also available for the first time in a fancy matt paint finish. The feature was previously offered only on sports models from the brand.
