Audi is introducing a refreshed version of its A8 flagship, ushering in sharper design and new intelligent technologies.

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Opening for UK sales on 2 December and priced from £73,375, the updated fourth-generation model will again be offered in short and long wheelbase versions, and includes an S8 performance variant.

Design changes are subtle and introduce a more prominent version of the Singleframe grille at the front along with updated headlights including the option of digital Matrix LED headlights. These feature DMD (digital micromirror device) technology; each headlamp contains some 1.3 million micromirrors to disperse the light into tiny pixels, providing myriad settings and now including lane and orientation functions for highways.

The facelifted A8 also comes with digital OLED tail-lights as standard. Drivers can choose from a range of rear light signatures and the lights also flash when the car is parked up and another vehicle comes within two meters.

Drivers can also choose from a chrome exterior package and a new S Line exterior bundle, including similar features to the S8.

The interior of the A8 is designed to feel like a “spacious, widely tailored lounge” with a vast area of packages and options, including for the back seats, which can be specified with a relaxation bundle of functions in the A8 L, including a back massage with 18 pneumatic cushions, electrically adjustable comfort headrests, four-zone auto air con and new screens in the rear.

The cabin also comes with the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit, featuring 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch displays and incorporating the MMI touch response operating concept and the “Hey Audi!” voice control system.

MMI Navigation plus is standard and is supported by the third-generation modular infotainment toolkit (MIB 3).

Not to be left out, rear passengers can benefit from the option of two 10.1-inch displays with full HD resolution attached to the backs of the front seats; rear passengers can also control many comfort and infotainment functions using the bespoke remote.

Around 40 driver assistance systems are available for the updated A8. Standard ones include the Audi Pre Sense Basic and Audi Pre Sense Front Safety Systems. Options are clustered into ‘Park’, ‘City’ and ‘Tour’ packages. The latter is standard in the UK and is based around adaptive cruise assist.

Engine range includes a 286hp 3.0 TDI diesel and 340hp 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol, along with the 571hp 4.0 TFSI V8 solely available in the S8 and with cylinder on-demand technology. The line-up also includes the462hp TFSI e plug-in hybrid, which combines a 3.0 TFSI with an electric motor, now powered by a larger 17.9kWh battery.

All bar the latter feature mild hybrid tech. An eight-step Tiptronic auto is standard, along with constant all-wheel drive quattro with a self-locking centre differential, optionally supplemented with the sport differential in all models, exempting the plug-in hybrid, or standard with the S8.

Adaptive air suspension with controlled damping and progressive steering are standard features, and dynamic all-wheel steering is available as an option and standard in the S8. The latter also features predictive active suspension that actively regulates the position of the chassis in any driving situation and includes a Comfort+ mode.