Has been officially confirmed for 2017 debut.
The current third generation Audi A8 introduced in 2009, was given a mid-life facelift in 2013. Sometime next year, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has confirmed, 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. "By 2025, we will see fully automated driving,” said Mr. Stadler at the 127th Annual General Meeting earlier this month.
Gesture control, fully digital instrument cluster, OLED tail lights will be a few among the many advanced technologies of the next-gen A8.
Also Read: 2016 Audi A5 teased weeks ahead of its world premiere
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.
[Image Source: motor1.com]
