2022 Audi A8 facelift revealed, due in Australia mid-2022

The fourth-generation Audi A8 luxury sedan – which was revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show – has picked up a mid-life facelift, with a new grille, updated tech, and a super-luxury Horch variant for China.

Measuring 5190mm from nose to tail, the Audi A8 is pitched as a direct competitor to Mercedes-Benz's flagship S-Class limousine. The new car is 1900mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1470mm tall.

Aesthetically, the car does not deviate dramatically from the outgoing model. However, it adopts a few minor exterior updates including a reworked grille and new chrome highlights.

Five engine options are on offer: a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 (badged 50 TDI), a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 (55 TFSI), and 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 (60 TFSI), a performance-focused ‘S8’ 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8, and a '60 TFSI e' plug-in hybrid based around a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6.

In all five variants, drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

The 3.0-litre diesel V6 develops 210kW/600Nm, allowing the 0-100km/h sprint to be completed in a claimed 5.9 seconds. The 3.0-litre petrol V6 develops 250kW/500Nm, allowing the 0-100km/h sprint to be completed in a claimed 5.6 seconds.

In standard A8 60 TFSI guise, the 4.0-litre V8 develops 338kW/660Nm, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.4 seconds. When fitted to the performance-focused S8, the uprated engine produces 420kW/800Nm.

The plug-in hybrid variant produces 340kW/700Nm from its 250kW V6 and single electric motor, permitting the 0-100km/h sprint to be completed in a claimed 4.9 seconds. An all-electric driving range claim is yet to be confirmed, however the outgoing model fitted with the same 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack could cover approximately 45km between charges.

Inside the leather-clad cabin, infotainment comes via two stacked dashboard-mounted touch screen (measuring 10.1 inches and 8.6 inches, respectively). An 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel.

Occupants in the back row each have a 10.1-inch digital display fixed to the seat in front of them, while audio is delivered through a 23-speaker, 1920-watt Bang and Olufsen sound system.

The electric seats – which have built-in feet warmers, automated headrests, and a pneumatic massage function with 18 independent cushions – can be trimmed in silver, black, merlot red, or cognac leather.

An extensive suite of active safety gear comes fitted as standard, while a further 40 driver assistance packages can be optioned.

A wide selection of alloy wheels are on offer, ranging in size between 18 and 21 inches. Carbon-ceramic brakes can also be optioned.

Eleven standard colours are available, as well as a new range of matte hues. These include 'Daytona grey', 'florette silver,' 'distinct green,' 'terra grey,' and 'glacier white.'

A stretched variant of the 2022 Audi A8 – referred to as the A8 L Horch, and measuring 5450mm from nose to tail – has been developed exclusively for the Chinese market, reviving a dormant name from Audi's past. There are currently no plans to offer the model more broadly.

The 2022 Audi A8 luxury sedan will arrive in Australian showrooms in mid-2022, with pricing set to be announced closer to launch. It remains to be seen whether Audi Australia will continue with the dual-tier A8 50 TDI and S8 range currently offered.

In Europe, the entry-level 50 TDI variant will start from €97,800 ($AU150,000) before on-road costs.

Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest updates.