The best spy images so far of Audi'snew A8 show not only that the BMW 7-Series fighter is the final stages of its development, but that our recent rendering is very close to the final product.

The car lapping the Nürburgring has a flavor of the Prologue concept and it is refreshingly sharper than the one it replaces thanks to its 3-D hexagonal grille, slimmer headlights and completely redesigned, more muscular bodywork with a more shallow glasshouse and tapering rear end.

Audi pioneered the use of an all-aluminum spaceframe on the first-gen A8 in 1994. In its latest iteration, Ingolstadt’s engineers combine the ASF with the VW Group’s advanced MLB Evo platform for lower weight and crisper handling to take on its rivals from Munich and Stuttgart.

The new architecture also allows for improved interior space without increasing the overall dimensions and a redesign that does away with the old controls and introduces a large touch screen at the center console, the next-gen MMI infotainment system and voice and gesture controls, like the new 7-Series.

Audi’s flagship, codenamed D5, will come with two petrol engines (a 4.0-liter V8 and a 6.3-liter W12), three diesels (3.0 V6, 4.0 V8 and 5.0 V10) and a new hybrid that will replace the four-cylinder turbo with a 3.0-liter V6. Naturally, the standard automatic transmissions will be coupled to the brand’s signature quattro all-wheel drive system.

The 2018MY A8 will debut this year and sales will commence near its end or, more likely, early-to-mid 2017.

When it comes to large luxury sedans,Audi’s A8 is one of those vehicles that just quietly get the job done.

Arguably opponents like Jaguar’s XJ and Maserati’s Quattroporte exude much more flair, yet something can be said for a restrained appearance.

However, there's no denying that the current A8 is looking rather long in the tooth – fortunately, the good news is that an all-new version is just around the corner, and our illustrated image offers the closest look yet.

Audi Prologue Design

Inspired by Audi’s stunning Prologue Concept, the styling is crisp and contemporary. No one will mistake the large hexagonal grille for anything else, with its chrome horizontal bars and visual width. Like the recently revealed A5 Coupe, the new D5-generation A8 sports a familiar glasshouse supported by fresh new sheet metal. Subtle front and rear fender flares, lower door scollops and full LED lighting, are the more note-worthy design elements shared with the Prologue.

Bentayga Power?

Word around the automotive underground has the new A8 shaping up like an absolute powerhouse; sitting at the top is a 6.0-litre, bi-turbo W12 borrowed from Bentley’s Bentayga (600hp and 664 foot-pounds of torque anyone?). Alternatively, the SQ7’s 4.0-liter TDI V8 could slot alongside with 435hp and 664 lb-ft. The rest of the lineup will mirror what’s on offer today, with TDI and TFSI power-plants in V6 format, while an E-tron variant could potentially be an alternative to Tesla’s Model S - depending on battery range of course. A turbocharged V8 - possibly with an electric charger too, will grace the sportier S8 that will compete against Merc's AMG and BMW's M performance machines.

MLB underpinnings

Under the all-new body is the MLB Evo platform derived from other Audi and Volkswagen models. This will help the A8 shed further weight and provide suitability with new alternative powertrains like electrification. The new platform will also help with improved interior dimensions and ergonomics, while visually, it shares a similar footprint to the outgoing car - albeit with a longer front overhang. Drivers will benefit from Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, autonomous driving modes and an infotainment system with gesture control, among many other high-tech features.

Lavish Opposition

The new A8 will be one of the freshest offerings in its segment, yet it will be tough pinching sales from other highly polished rivals like BMW’s 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, Maserati Quattroporte and to an smaller degree - Tesla’s Model S. Audi’s Ace card will be its powertrains and technology, even if the styling is a little subdued.

Expect regular and long-wheelbase models to debut in 2017. A Mercedes-Maybach, S600-rivalling variant is also rumored to make an appearance down the track.

Final thoughts; does the new A8 look fresh enough to consider over the competition? Tell us in the comments below.

Audi is working on the successor to the current A8, and the first prototypeshave already been scooped.

Set to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series, the next-gen A8's design will borrow cues by thePrologue concept, something apparent even in this test car.

Ingolstadt's luxury cruiser will grow in size compared to its predecessor, but despite the more generous proportions, which will translate into even more room inside, it will actually be a bit lighter, thanks to the adoption of the MLB Evo platform, which is used throughout Audi's modern vehicle lineup, from the A4 to the Q7.

Reports indicate towards the adoption of a fully autonomous driving technology, which will be an updated version of the current Traffic Jam Assist, assisting the driver at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) during heavy traffic conditions.

Codenamed D5, the all-new Audi A8 is expected to get two petrol engines, a 4.0-liter V8 and a 6.3-liter W12, along with three diesels - 3.0-liter V6, 4.0-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10. Joining the lineup later on will be a hybrid version, said to use a 3.0-liter V6 instead of the previous setup that sees a four-pot turbo.

Codenamed D5, the all-new Audi A8 is expected to get two petrol engines, a 4.0-liter V8 and a 6.3-liter W12, along with three diesels - 3.0-liter V6, 4.0-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10. Joining the lineup later on will be a hybrid version, said to use a 3.0-liter V6 instead of the previous setup that sees a four-pot turbo.