2018 Audi A8
The current third generation Audi A8
introduced in 2009, was given a mid-life facelift in 2013. The fully redesigned fourth generation
Audi A8 (D5) will be introduced. The all-new model is now under development in
Europe and has been spied in the production body for the first time, courtesy
of Motor1.
The front fascia of the next-gen Audi A8
appears more expressive featuring the Audi prologue concept series‘ large
Singleframe grille and the sharp headlamps shaped like wedges. The profile
seems mostly unchanged, but the mirrors taper more steeply towards their outer
edges for a sleeker look. At the rear, the redesigned tail lamps get
inspiration from the Audi prologue concept series.
The fourth-gen Audi A8 will be based on
the MLB-Evo platform and likely be available with conventional six- and
eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines initially. More frugal petrol-electric
and diesel-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain options may be introduced few
months later.
The 2018 Audi A8 will be the brand’s
first series-produced car offering semi-autonomous driving. It will be able to
drive autonomously temporarily on highways at speeds up to 60 km/h. Fully
automated driving is still very far from being available to customers in Audi’s
cars though. Gesture control, fully digital
instrument cluster, OLED tail lights will be a few among the many advanced
technologies of the next-gen A8.
Audi recently created a 6-door, 6-seat
Audi A8 L Extended, a rival to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Pullman limousine,
but unfortunately as just a one-off. The next-gen Audi A8 may have a stretched
luxury derivative, maybe not as long as a Pullman, but certainly as luxurious
as a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. There may be a 2-door coupe version as well, rivaling
the Mercedes S-Class Coupe.
The next-gen Audi A8 isn’t expected to
premiere before H1 2017, meaning that it will reach Indian shores only in 2018.
