Audi A8 (2007) facelift: first official pictures

By Mark Nichol

First Official Pictures

07 August 2007 06:45

Another mid-life facelift? What's so exciting about that?

More than you'd think, actually. Audi hasn't just tweaked the front bumper, added a couple of new colours then sent it to a photo studio (although it has done those things). It's also - wait for it - dropped a brand new engine into the inconspicuous executive's motor of choice. As you may notice from the pictures, the A8 has undergone very minor cosmetic surgery inside and out, highlights including a new grille, a fresh design of alloy and new door mirrors with integrated indicators. However, you won't see the main changes, you'll feel them.

Er, right. But unlike Lexus's of-the-moment hybrid LS600h, the boffins at Ingolstadt have opted for good old fashioned weight and power reduction to make their flagship limo more environmentally sound. A 2.8 V6 FSI petrol motor has been introduced to make progress cleaner and more economical, so if diesel's not the oil in your lamp but you still crave the tax and conscience breaks of a low CO2 motor, this might be the solution to your big saloon woes.

By Mark Nichol