2018 Audi A8 REVEALED as Audi targets the Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 Series

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The new Audi A8 has been revealed, bristling with technology including 48-volt electrics across the range, as Audi take on the S-Class and 7 Series.

If you have to choose a big saloon from one of Germany’s ‘Premium’ trio, the choice for most would probably come down to the driver’s option – the BMW 7 Series – or the luxury option – the Mercedes S Class.

But Audi are aiming to change that perception with this, the 2018 Audi A8.

The new A8 is the forecaster for where Audi are going – in terms of design and technology – with what Audi are calling ‘Class Leading’ autonomous technology, 48-volt electrics right across the range and much added refinement and technology.

A bit longer than the outgoing A8 – but a bit narrower too – the new A8 looks more purposeful with its new grille with its wide horizontal lines, and although everything about the styling is new, it still looks like an A8.

Inside looks quite a step up in quality, and it’s also a far less cluttered look than we’re used to from Audi, with a 10″ screen integrated in to the middle of the dash as well as a second, smaller, screen for HVAC, in the process almost wiping out the button count.

There’s also more room – both in the regular wheelbase and long wheelbase A8s – and the LWB version even gets a ‘Relaxation’ seat behind the front passenger for mollycoddling the bill payer in the back.

Surprisingly, Audi are concentrating on diesel engines for the A8, but all the new engines come with a 48-volt electrical system for added efficiency.

The likely big seller in the UK will be the 3.0 V6 TDI with 282bhp, but if you want more there’s a 429bhp V8 diesel too as well as a 3.0 litre turbo V6 petrol with 335bhp.

Other versions on the way later include the A8 LWB with the 540bhp W12 (unlikely for the UK) and the A8 L e-tron with a 3.0 litre petrol V6, 443bhp and a 30 mile EV range.

All A8s come with air suspension and an eight-speed automatic, and there will be quattro 4WD options and stuff like four-wheel steering and an active diff on offer too.

The A8 has level three autonomous driving capabilities, so it can do everything for you on roads with a central barrier, with Traffic Jam Pilot working up to 37mph using all-round ultrasonic sensors, multiple cameras, radar and laser to guide it.

There’s also the option of Remote Parking Pilot to get you in and out of parking spaces and garages.

The 2018 Audi A8 is going on sale at Audi’s UK dealers in September – just as the new A8 gets its public debut at Frankfurt – with prices likely to start north of £65k. First UK deliveries are promised before the end of 2017.