What Is The Future Of The Audi A8 Luxury Sedan

Audi’s largest sedan is ageing without a successor in sight. Last year, A8 sales fell sharply by 26.3 percent to just 14,955 vehicles. This decline isn’t surprising, as the model has been around since 2017, while competitors have launched newer editions.

Additionally, the demand for large sedans in the luxury segment is constantly declining as SUVs take over the market.

The 2022 mid-cycle facelift did not revive the market, and the extended “Horch” for China had little effect. Many are curious about Audi’s next steps, but the company seems uncertain. An Audi spokesperson told Automobilwoche magazine that they are still “searching for a platform for a possible successor.”

Another facelift was rejected, as the A8 needed a new platform to meet increasingly stringent regulations. With the transition to electric vehicles slower than expected, an all-electric successor is seen as too risky a move.

After all, Porsche’s decision to launch its new SUV with three rows of seats first with classic engines, although it was originally planned as an electric model, confirms how much faith the Volkswagen Group has in terms of full electrification.

Audi could extend the life of its petrol A8 by using an extended version of the “Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)” architecture. That architecture already underlies the A5, Q5, A6, and Q6 models, with the Q7 and the first Q9 joining next year. Head of technical development Geoffrey Bouquot told Automobilwoche that the future of the A8 is “under active review.” “We are thinking intensively about when to launch the successor to the A8 and which drive technology is right.”

A decision is expected in the coming weeks. Even if a classic-powered successor is approved, it’s unlikely to appear before 2029, leaving a potential void after the current model’s production ends. The fourth generation is expected to extend its lifespan until the end of 2026, but by then, it will already be nine years old. Some would say that it is already (too) old by the standards of a sedan from the top of the segment.

Meanwhile, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are planning refreshes of their range-topping models in 2026, which will make the 7 Series and S-Class look even fresher next to the ageing A8. At least Audi won’t have to worry about the Lexus LS anymore. The Japanese rival is retiring soon, but a rather eccentric minivan, perhaps even with six wheels, is also in the game.

• Also See: Audi’s CEO Believes EVs Are The Future And Supports ICE Ban