UPGRADED versions of Audi's luxury saloon A8 will cost from £73,375 when the order book opens early next month.

Long wheelbase versions start at £77,375 while the fiery S8 comes in just short of £100K at £99,650.

The flagship model of the premium manufacturer's line-up, the refreshed A8 comes with a sharpened design and innovative new tech.

Four engine options will be up for grabs.The 3.0 TDI diesel and the 3.0 TFSI petrol are V6 units, while the 4.0 TFSI in the S8 is a V8 with cylinder on-demand technology while the TFSI e plug-in hybrid model combines the 3.0 TFSI with an electric motor.

Audi says the 3.0 TDI unit will be in the A8 50 TDI quattro and the A8 L 50 TDI quattro.

It brings 286PS of power and 600Nm of torque, and can accelerate both the A8 and A8 L from 0-62 in 5.9 seconds and on to the electronically limited top speed of 155mph, which is uniform across all A8 models.

The 3.0 TFSI drives the Audi A8 55 TFSI quattro with 340PS and from a standing start it can reach 62mph in 5.6 seconds.

Top of the tree is the sporty S8 TSFI quattro powered by a biturbo V8 engine developing 571PS of punch and capable of completing the standard sprint in 3.8 seconds while flaps in the exhaust system sharpen the sound when desired.

And as the strongest model in the A8 family the S8 comes off the assembly line with even more extensive standard equipment including predictive active suspension, sport differential, and dynamic all-wheel steering.

All A8 models also come with mild hybrid technology, using the 48-volt main electrical system, as standard and the A8 60 TFSI e quattro and L 60 TFSI e quattro are the plug-in hybrid models.

As for design, thebase of the Singleframe grille is now wider and the side air intakes are more upright while the headlights are also re-styled.

There are about 40 driver assistance systems available including the Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front safety systems - both standard equipment for the series.

Options are clustered into the Park, City and Tour packages, the highlight of the former being the remote park assist plus which can automatically manoeuvre the A8 into and out of a parallel or bay parking space. The driver doesn't even need to be in the car.

Other goodies include arelaxation seat package featuring a back massage with 18 pneumatic cushions, electrically adjustable comfort headrests, an optional continuous centre console - also available with an optional fold-out table - four-zone deluxe automatic air con and new infotainment screens in the rear.