A8's suspension has been refined and shock absorbers, bearings and adaptive air suspension settings modified. The standard adaptive air suspension responds better to irregularities in the road surface.
Shock absorbers have new seats for reduced friction and the entire hydraulics system has been retuned.
Changes to the rack-and-pinion steering's with servotronic power assistance are intended to offer more direct steering feel.
Acoustics have been addressed, too, and Audi claims its A8 among the quietest cars in the world.
Safer
Inside the cabin, occupant safety is bolstered by the optional side assist programme with radar technology that alerts the driver to hazardous conditions while changing lanes and flashes yellow LEDs in the exterior mirror housing.
Additionally, lane assist alerts the driver if he/she drifts out of a lane without indicating and causes the steering wheel to vibrate.
Switchgear in the cabin has been addressed, too.
Better looking
Exterior changes include the incorporation of Audi's signature single-frame grille, new mirrors with integrated indicators and new wheel designs. The new A8 features standard LED daytime running lights and tail lights.
New paint options across the range, more chrome detailing, and new colours and finishes for the interior are also on the list of improvements for the A8.
The model range remains unchanged and pricing has been marginally increased.
A8 3.0 TDi quattro tiptronic - R712 000
A8 4.2 quattro tiptronic - R828 000
S8 5.2 quattro tiptronic - R1 017 500