The pinnacle of luxury? 2023 Audi A8 price and specs: New look for latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS rival

Audi Australia’s refreshed A8 luxury sedan range – including the S8 flagship – has touched down, bringing with it a new look, updated technology and an increase in pricing.

Now offered at $202,700 before on-road costs for the standard A8 and $222,700 for the long wheelbase A8L version, the 2023 range is respectively $8828 and $14,228 pricier than the model year 2021 cars.

However, Audi Australia points to added value in the 2023 A8 line-up, with the base care featuring around $22,000 of extra gear, while the A8L has up to $25,000 of extras compared to before.

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Both A8s wear the 50 TDI Quattro badge, meaning they are propelled by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 outputting 210kW/600Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds.

Also equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid set-up, the A8 will return a fuel consumption figure of 6.6 litres per 100km, while the larger A8L is slightly thirster at 6.7L/100km.

Interestingly, the petrol-powered 55 TFSI versions available when the fourth-generation A8 first landed locally in 2018 are no longer available.

Buyers desperate for a petrol powertrain will instead need to opt for the S8 flagship, which makes use of a 420kW/800Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

Also paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the flagship A8 limousine can hit the landmark triple digit speed in just 3.8s, while top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

Like the rest of the A8 range, the S8 also has a 48V mild-hybrid set-up that helps fuel economy figures hit 10.5L/100km

The S8 is priced at $273,400, matching the model year 2022 version, and like before is expected to account for around 60 per cent of overall A8 volume.

New in the updated A8 range is a fresh front grille that is wider than before, while bumpers both front and rear are also revised for a more modern look.

Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, colour head-up display, and digital Matrix LED headlights and OLED tail-lights.

Of course, there is a sea of soft-touch and high-end materials and finishes throughout the cabin, including leather and Dinamica.

Multimedia is handled by two screens – one measuring 10.1 inches and the other 8.6 inches – that splits satellite navigation and climate control functions.

The system can also handle wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, assisted by a wireless smartphone charger.

Rear passengers are also treated to a 5.7-inch remote, allowing controls for the temperature, interior lighting and digital radio.

Speaking of, the A8 is equipped with a 730-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 17 speakers littered throughout the cabin.

Audiophiles can also opt for an upgrade 23-speaker system with a total output of 1920 watts.

As expect, a vast array of advanced driver safety systems features at no cost, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, a surround-view monitor, cross-traffic alert, drive attention alert and exit warning system, as well as predictive efficiency assist to “help the driver in maximising fuel efficiency”.

The A8L also features rear wheel steering and a variable steering ratio as standard, which is offered in the base A8 in the Dynamic Steering option package.

As for the S8, it gains a television function for the multimedia system, while dual 10.1-inch displays, sunblinds and electric rear seats are offered as an option for second-row passengers.

Sporty appointments extend to active suspension, quad exhaust tips and unique driving modes.

2023 Audi A8 pricing before on-road costs