Audi ->ke14 revealed the 2015 A8 L W12 facelift yesterday, and mild is the right description. This mid-cycle refresh brings improved performance, fuel mileage and technology, but little styling change outside. New adaptive Matrix LED headlights and a broader panel of LED brake lights appear out back, while scrolling sequential LED turn signals add some R8 flair to this long-wheelbase executive flagship.

This A8 L W12 quattro barely needs any extra charm school, but its nose now features a metallic mesh grille for the center shield as well as the lower air intake ducts. It is a nice touch that is subtle enough to make the W-12 unique versus its lesser siblings: the A8 TFSI, TDI or Hybrid models.

This debut for the 2015 Audi ->ke14 A8 is in advance of its public display next month at the Frankfurt auto show->ke235, where the A8 will be part of an extravaganza of new models from the German auto giants.

In the ultra-limo category of this 12-cylinder model, the A8 is actually far more understated and anonymous than piloting a Bentley Flying Spur or Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive, the new long-wheelbase version aimed at Chinese businessmen. It takes a closer look or a truly eagle-eyed car guy to know that this monster luxury limo is not another everyday Audi A4->ke14.

Audi->ke14's subtle facelift leaves much to be desired in the face of a brand new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. How will the new Audi fare when it arrives stateside next spring?

Click past the jump for the full preview of the 2015 Audi A8 L W-12 quattro, with all the latest updates to its exterior LED style and interior technology.

2015 Audi A8 L W12

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi A8 L W12
  • Engine/Motor: W12
  • Horsepower: 500
  • Torque: 463
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The style revamp for the new A8 L W12 quattro is extremely mild, with new internal optics for the LED headlights and a new look for the wider LED tail lamps and flush-mounted rectangular exhaust finishers. Considering the heavy amounts of camouflage the 2015 A8 wore during its outdoor testing protocol, the lack of any major changes to the aluminum body panels is very surprising - and disappointing.

The new W12 model is the most glamorous from the front, with the checkered mesh bright work emphasizing the credentials of this luxury flagship. A subtle "W12" badge appears in the grille, and new detailing for the lower bumpers integrates the black radar projectors in a clean and unobtrusive way.

Black projector balls flank each side of the lower bumper where the fog lights would normally reside - but these are not lights. They are the short, mid and long range radar and laser scanner arrays for the A8's upcoming safety technology.

The A8 still keeps its ungainly cut lines in the front, drastically cheapening the appearance of Audi's most expensive sedan. The large vertical ridge to the outside of each headlamp and tail lamp is a big style issue for the A8, because it makes the car look like it has the proportions and style of a 1980's Chevy Caprice. The long front overhang and long rear overhang are less noticeable on this stretched A8 L model, but overall the A8's design is still quite sour and unpleasant.

The new exterior mirrors bring fiber-optic turn signal repeaters and a larger mirror face for better rearward visibility. Unfortunately, the slab sides and unrefined rear arches are even more visible now from the driver's seat.

The A8 L W12 looks extremely bloated in back on the small wheels of these press images, while the Toyota Avalon-style champagne exterior color is a million miles from what most A8 W12 buyers will want: massive and super-expensive wheels and glass that is tinted darker than Secret Service Suburban.

In this regard, the A8 L W12's facelift is a huge missed opportunity to correct the previous issues with the A8's vulgar bumper shut lines and boring panel surfacing. This A8 L W12 looks more comfortable shuttling the retirement gals to the golf course once a week than it does with Jason Statham behind the wheel at 150-plus mph.

Interior

The interior of the A8 L W12 continues to be a spectacular treat, regardless of whether in the driver's seat or relaxing in the reclining rear bench. This generation of A8 W12 features a greatly improved rear seat ambiance, connectivity and roominess, thanks to its 5-inch wheelbase stretch versus the standard A8.

Worth noting is that all Audi A8's are quite small inside versus their competition from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. One downside of the A8's all-aluminum construction is that the car is narrow and has a higher floor height than most sedans. Despite the tall-looking roof, headroom is a concern.

The A8's luxury materials and Design Selection color and wood choices are beyond reproach for quality and variety of colors and themes. From ultra-traditional black with brown wood, to a lovely rich tan color, to the cream hides in these images.

Taste is always subjective, and these German-market press photos show a pretty dour combination of grey wood and perforated white leather all around. The U.S. spec models will generally be much warmer and richer inside than this company car blandness.

Extremely limited trunk space is also a serious problem for the A8 - but the new model is said to have a new trunk floor layout that makes loading and unloading large bags easier.

Drivetrain, Engine and Brakes

The 6.3-liter W-12 engine carries over last year's power outputs but brings an improved efficiency program for the transmission and the 'Cylinder on Demand' system that runs only half the engine under light throttle loads or coasting.

Audi boasts of best-in-class fuel economy, which is not too surprising versus the turbocharged V-12's employed by BMW and Mercedes - which are both also much quicker than the A8 L W12. Acceleration data was not provided for this engine, but the smaller supercharged V-6 and turbo V-8 each promise quicker sprint times.

A modest 0.2-second improvement is likely, taking the A8 L W12 down to just 4.2 seconds to 60 mph. While quite impressive for this long-wheelbase version of the A8, the new S8 will still be the drag race champ at its projected 3.9 seconds to 60 down. With room for a CEO board meeting inside, those scores are absolutely remarkable.

The sub-4-second German premium car class is rapidly leaving American and Asian luxury brands in the dust.

2015 Audi A8 L W12 quattro - Mechanical Details:

Engine

6.3-liter W-12

Power

500 horsepower

Torque

463 pound-feet

0-60 mph

4.2 seconds, est

Top Speed

155 mph

EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

18/25/20, est


Pricing

The pricing is not yet set for this future model, but the 2014 model's $135,000 price is expected to rise to about $138,000 on this 2015 A8 L W12 before options.

Competition

Lexus LS600h L

Speaking of slow competitors, the Lexus hybrid LS brings up the way back of the $100,000 luxury limo segment with its 5.5 second 60 mph time. The Lexus also has a compromised trunk area with its integrated hybrid components and optional second air conditioner / cool box unit. Even so, it beats the A8's tiny 12 cubic-feet of trunk space.

Porsche Panamera Turbo

Speaking of fast competitors, the Panamera Turbo is still a sports car even with the latest tech gadgets and extra space in back. Clawing its way to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, the Panamera is also far more alive and entertaining to drive on twisty roads.

Both the Porsche and the Audi have similarly small trunk and back seats versus the S-Class.

Conclusion

Despite harsh criticisms of the 2015 A8 L W12's face lift, it is still inherently a very modern and likable sedan. It just does not reach the same purity of design as the A6 to some eyes.

On the plus side, the rear trunk and three-quarter angle is now much smoother and more seamless. Five new wheel designs up to 21 inches will also allow buyers to order the A8 W12 in the gangster specification so popular everywhere from Moscow to Manhattan.

Improved performance and economy. Is it enough to lure first-time Audi exec buyers from BMW and Mercedes-Benz? Time will tell.