Mercedes redesigned the S-Class and released an electric version called the EQS. BMW followed suit with the 7 Series, albeit its i7 and ICE-powered variants share a joint base. Audi currently does not offer a full-size electric vehicle, but that will change in 2024 when the next-generation A8 is introduced. In contrast to its two main competitors, Ingolstadt will exclusively offer its next flagship model as an electric vehicle.
There have been no leaked images of the new top-of-the-line Four Rings vehicle, but it will debut next year with design cues lifted straight from the Grandsphere. One of four Sphere concepts Audi produced to foreshadow future electric lineup, the elegant concept was shown in September 2021. To review, starting in 2026 the business will only release EVs and by 2033 it will stop selling internal combustion engine vehicles.
Audi A8 New Design for 2024
Audi’s head of design, Marc Lichte, told Autocar that the Grandsphere is “quite near” to how the A8 would seem. The road-going model will not be a carbon clone of the show car, but the show car represents a “very definite teaser” of the production vehicle. The British publication believes it will be called the A8 E-Tron and will be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) design developed in conjunction with Porsche.
The concept was not only larger than the worldwide available long-wheelbase variant, but it was also longer than the Maybach-rivaling Horch version marketed solely in China. The design was marketed as a “private jet for the road,” measuring a stately 5.35 meters (17.6 feet) in length with a large 3.19-meter wheelbase (10.5 feet).
2024 Audi A8 Performance
While the production vehicle’s technical specs have yet to be disclosed, we do know that the Grandsphere had an all-wheel drive powered by two electric motors. Audi claimed 710 horsepower (530 kilowatts) and 960 Newton-meters (708 pound-feet) of torque for acceleration from 0 to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in just over four seconds.
A massive 120-kWh battery provided enough energy for over 466 miles (750 kilometers) of range and supported 270-kWh charging, in which case it took less than ten minutes to achieve over 186 miles (300 kilometers) of range. Audi stated that the concept required slightly more than 20 minutes to charge the battery from 5% to 80%.
2024 Audi A8 Release Date
The Audi A8 E-Tron is not anticipated to emerge until later in 2024, given that no prototypes have yet been discovered. It is unknown whether the current-generation A8 will continue to be sold after the arrival of the EV.