As per a recent report from
Autocar, it is claimed that Audi’s flagship sedan will transition to an all-electric power system, introducing advanced autonomous driving features and an exceptional driving range upon its debut next year. The new Audi A8 sedan is expected to come equipped with a battery capacity of up to 120 kWh, potentially providing driving distances exceeding 400 miles. Furthermore, it is speculated to be the most robust model in the brand’s lineup, boasting 700 horsepower or more.
According to the report, the final design of the vehicle is anticipated to closely resemble the Audi Grandsphere concept introduced in 2021, albeit with a more conventional aesthetic both inside and out. This electric sedan supposedly departs from the traditional three-box design of its predecessors, accommodating four to five adults in its sleek silhouette while maintaining a low ground clearance. While Autocar did not disclose its sources, an Audi representative informed The Drive that the publication’s claims were merely speculative without providing additional comments.
The transition of the A8 to an all-electric powertrain aligns with the previous assertions made by the company. In 2021, Audi’s CEO pledged to introduce 20 EV models by 2025, hinting that the successor to the A3 sedan will likely be electric-powered but not carry the A3 moniker. It is speculated that the new E-Tron scheduled for release this year will serve as the foundation for the A8, developed in collaboration with sibling brand Porsche under the PPE platform. This platform is expected to support an 800-volt architecture facilitating rapid charging speeds of up to 270 kW.
Similar to the Grandsphere concept, the A8 is expected to introduce cutting-edge autonomous driving technology for Audi, a brand known for its innovation among German luxury automakers. It was one of the first in the luxury segment to offer Level 3 self-driving capabilities in specific markets. While the preceding Audi A8 featured Level 3 technology upon its launch, it did not reach the U.S. market. Currently, Mercedes-Benz is the sole manufacturer with certified Level 3 autonomous vehicles in select states within the U.S. Nevertheless, the Audi A8 has historically been a leader in technological advancements and is likely to maintain this position with its upcoming generation. The presence of a combustion engine version alongside the A8 EV remains uncertain, but if it materializes, it is improbable that it would share the A8 designation.
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