Photo: Audi
Audi’s A8 range might be enriched with a new variant of the flagship sedan. The Ingolstadt brand is considering the development of an even longer A8 than the one with an extended wheelbase, called the A8 L.
Audi’s resulting model would be created to rival Mercedes’ Maybach and Pullman models. There is also a possibility that Audi might explore the flagship coupe territory and develop a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
For now, all we have is a statement from Audi’s new technical chief, Dr. Stefan Knirsch. In a discussion with Auto Express at the launch of the SQ7, Dr. Knirsch confirmed that the success of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ extra-long version had got Audi executives thinking about extending their A8 lineup.
In the same interview, Audi’s official stated he did not “know if an RS version of the Q7 would make sense,” so the SQ7 should be the most performance-oriented variant of the second-generation Q7.
We must note that going from a statement of an official of the brand, saying “We are thinking about it,” to the development and production of a new version of an existing or upcoming model is a stretch.
However, Audi could explore this idea, as they have shown recently by unveiling a one-off evolution of the A8 with a six-door configuration and an extra-long wheelbase. We remind you that the model we are speaking of, and presented in the image at the top of this story for illustration purposes, will not be sold as Audi’s Maybach competitor.
Instead, Audi is considering developing a car to sit between the one-off and the A8 L. The addition to the A8 range will come to market with the next generation of the flagship sedan, but only if Audi executives approve it.
Until Audi decides what to do with its potential Maybach competitor, the brand’s technical chief confirmed the next A8 will feature the “SAE Standardised Level 3 of automation.” The term refers to semi-autonomous features which will allow the driver to remove both hands from the steering wheel for lengthened periods of time, and at higher speeds than present systems.
As Audi’s official explained, the Level 3 of automation according to the Society of Automotive Engineers still expects the driver to be alert and ready to step in if required.
For now, all we have is a statement from Audi’s new technical chief, Dr. Stefan Knirsch. In a discussion with Auto Express at the launch of the SQ7, Dr. Knirsch confirmed that the success of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ extra-long version had got Audi executives thinking about extending their A8 lineup.
In the same interview, Audi’s official stated he did not “know if an RS version of the Q7 would make sense,” so the SQ7 should be the most performance-oriented variant of the second-generation Q7.
We must note that going from a statement of an official of the brand, saying “We are thinking about it,” to the development and production of a new version of an existing or upcoming model is a stretch.
However, Audi could explore this idea, as they have shown recently by unveiling a one-off evolution of the A8 with a six-door configuration and an extra-long wheelbase. We remind you that the model we are speaking of, and presented in the image at the top of this story for illustration purposes, will not be sold as Audi’s Maybach competitor.
Instead, Audi is considering developing a car to sit between the one-off and the A8 L. The addition to the A8 range will come to market with the next generation of the flagship sedan, but only if Audi executives approve it.
Until Audi decides what to do with its potential Maybach competitor, the brand’s technical chief confirmed the next A8 will feature the “SAE Standardised Level 3 of automation.” The term refers to semi-autonomous features which will allow the driver to remove both hands from the steering wheel for lengthened periods of time, and at higher speeds than present systems.
As Audi’s official explained, the Level 3 of automation according to the Society of Automotive Engineers still expects the driver to be alert and ready to step in if required.
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