Audi reveals all-new A8

Audi has unveiled the all-new A8 in Miami, which will cost from £54,760 when it comes to the UK next March.

The new A8 has been given a complete overhaul, with much of its design linked closely to that of the A4, particularly the front and rear.

The sleeker look is in stark contrast to the bulky car it replaces, but despite this, it is both longer and wider than its predecessor, with a bigger footprint than both the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series, making it the largest car in its class.

As with previous models, the A8's body is made from aluminium, but Audi has managed to shed around 110kg of weight from the car and claims a 20% improvement in fuel consumption.

Under the bonnet will be a choice of two V8 engines from launch: a 4.2-litre 372bhp petrol and a 4.2-litre 350bhp TDI diesel. These will be followed by a 250bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel later in the year, plus a 204bhp version that Audi claims will boast CO2 emissions of just 159g/km.

All models will be fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. Buyers will have an option of two trim levels, SE and SE Executive, while there will also be a long-wheelbase version available.