AUDI continues its moves towards hybrid and electric power with the A8 hybrid, which will start production next year.

The luxury A8 saloon will get an existing 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine combined with an electric motor to give zero emissions at lower speeds in town.

A combined power output of 245bhp should give plenty of performance but overall fuel consumption is claimed to be 44mpg, which is excellent for such a big beast.

It should be able to run completely electric at speeds up to 62 miles an hour according to Audi, and give very low emissions.

Drive is to the front wheels only, for best efficiency, through an automatic eight-speed gearbox with extra-wide ratios.

High combined output and huge torque should give the hybrid impressive acceleration and top speed despite its green credentials. The lithium-ion battery is mounted under the boot floor and is air cooled for further economy.

Expect the usual A8 refinements, including leather, electric seats, climate, stability control, and parking sensors. These are cars which really do bring the lap of luxury in every respect, but this one should be even cheaper to run than the diesel models already available.

: N/A

: 245bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl hybrid engine driving front wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

: 146mph

: 7.7 seconds

: 44

: N/A

: 148g/km

: N/A

: 3yrs/ unlimited miles

: 10/10.

: Lexus GS450h