Highs and lows are distinguishing features of Audi’s upgraded A8 luxury line-up.
While the high bit is an extra dose of opulence the new range, which starts at £59,585, also boasts lows in CO2 emissions.
That’s in addition to improved turbodiesel engines plus equipment upgrades and a new Sport specification with a look more akin to the fiery flagship S8.
Audi has just opened the A8 order book, with first arrivals expected during the summer.
Both standard and long wheelbase formats are up for grabs, the latter being available with a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain as well as the 6.3-litre, 12-cyl 500PS W12 engine.
Another powerful petrol unit, the 4.0-litre TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand technology, remains at the heart of the 520PS S8, which comes exclusively with the standard wheelbase.
A pair of TDI diesels power standard wheelbase versions, and both are also available with the long wheelbase body.
The 3.0-litre V6 TDI gets a slight power increase from 258PS to 262PS and a reduction in CO2 output from 155g/km to 149g/km, equating to a combined economy figure of 49.6mpg.
And the 4.2-litre V8 TDI retains its 385PS and the ability to accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, while returning up to 39.2mpg. CO2 output in this version is down from 194g/km to 189g/km.
The two TDI engines can be complemented by three spec levels – SE, SE Executive and a new Sport option, which is reserved for standard wheelbase versions and replaces the Sport Executive trim in the outgoing range.
All include the likes of Valcona leather upholstery, double glazing and a 180-watt audio system, combined with technology including all-LED headlights, HDD sat-nav and MMI Touch infotainment control system.
