Two prototypes were captured by our spies, each with a different grille design.

It seems like it has been forever since our last conversation about the A8. We are glad that our first spy photos of 2021 show Audi’s flagship vehicle. The camouflage covering the quarter panels and bumpers was used by our spy to capture two prototypes for the facelifted A8. It also shows a little of what’s in store for the mid-cycle upgrade.

As you can see, there are quite a few modifications planned. The test vehicles had a redesigned grille on the front with different patterns than the A8. The prototype with a license plate ending at “692”, is more interesting because it looks like a plug-in hybrid, judging from the yellow high-voltage sticker.

The electrified prototype could be a higher-end model with optional matrix LED headlights with laser technology. The front lighting clusters have changed in shape and are now more similar to the A3’s. However, the lower section of the clusters is wider to fit the larger front fascia of the A8.

The standard and optional headlights have had their daytime running lights, which double as turn signals, moved to the top. You can see that the non-PHEV model also has the new-shaped lights from the A8 Etron model but with a different layout.

The taillights at the back are the same shape, but the graphics differ between prototypes. The A8 facelift could feature digital OLED taillights, similar to those seen on the Q5 last summer.

Audi has not yet announced the production of a fully-electric A8 model based on its current generation sedan, but it has pledged to increase the electric range for the PHEV model. The promised level 3 semi-autonomous driving technology is no longer on the table, but the A8’s top-of-the-line model could get upgraded assistance systems.

The most significant novelty will be the reintroduction of the Horch moniker to create a luxurious version. The fancy A8 will compete with the Maybach S-Class. It will get unique Horch badges, wheels and a higher level equipment. Audi announced that the current-gen Audi8 will be their last model with the twin-turbo, 6.0-liter engine.

Audi should remove the wraps later in the year to be able to fight back against the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.