The next Audi A8 will be inspired by the Grandsphere concept to compete with the Mercedes EQS
It will be based on the EPP platform developed exclusively for electric vehicles
In the German premium trio, the Mercedes EQS was the first limousine to open the electrification process in 2021. The following year, BMW responded with the i7, which is the electric version of the latest 7 Series. Audi also plans to enter the electric limousine segment next year. Audi is expected to follow Mercedes’ strategy of creating a vehicle in its own right.
Based on the EPP platform dedicated to electric vehicles, the Audi A8 e-tron will be able to enjoy unprecedented proportions taken directly from the Grandsphere concept. The car will therefore abandon the traditional limousine format of the current A8 for a more fluid coupe line in favour of aerodynamics. Audi design boss Marc Lichte has confirmed that the Grandsphere concept will serve as the basis for the styling of the A8 e-tron.
Some elements will be inspired by other prototypes such as the Activesphere, Skysphere and Urbansphere. As the brand’s flagship, the Audi A8 e-tron will also revolutionize the interior with a sleek dashboard featuring new screens. The cabin will also be extremely generous with record-breaking interior volumes. The car will therefore be much larger than the current A8 and will feature an XXL wheelbase made possible by the new platform.
On the technical side, we are still in the dark, but it is likely that the A8 e-tron will introduce new batteries with a capacity of over 100 kWh. Versions with two or even three motors will be available for the most powerful models. Power ratings will range from 500 to over 800 PS and the range could be as much as 800 km. The Audi A8 e-tron will be unveiled at the end of the year and marketed in 2024.
