Audi’s fifth-generation A8 is slowly but surely heading toward having a rather extensive mid-cycle facelift, and it seems there are plans in motion to truly make it a force to be reckoned within the luxury segment.
Not long ago we were talking about how there won’t be an RS8 version of the A8 any time soon, but an S8 Plus with around 700 horsepower to go against the most powerful Mercedes-AMG S-Class would fit right in.
That’s all fine and dandy, but still not officially confirmed, so here are our first every spy photos of a peculiar long-wheelbase A8 D5 facelift prototype.
This time, the speculations about the model are anchored in reality, as Ingolstadt has already pretty much confirmed the resurrection of the Horch uber-luxury nameplate.
If you take a look closely, this is the only A8 prototype spied so far that also features a bit of camouflage on a small spot near the rear side window.
We suspect that masking tape is actually there to hide the Horch badge, as there would be no other reason for it, and that spot is perfect for showcasing the car’s distinction in a classy and restrained way.
As some of you already know, plans for bringing back the 1920s and 1930s Horch luxury brand have been rumored for quite a few years, but Audi finally confirmed them back in 2019.
Left with not that many weapons to fight for the small but increasing niche that exists between cars like the Audi A8 and the Bentley Flying Spur, the Volkswagen Group has agreed to resurrect the prewar name as a sub-brand, just like Mercedes-Benz is using the Maybach name nowadays for its ultra-luxurious models.
Set to feature just a couple of design differences compared to the regular A8, the tentatively named A8 Horch will only be available as a long-wheelbase model, while its interior will be the most luxurious but high-tech place in a VAG car this side of a Bentley.
That’s all fine and dandy, but still not officially confirmed, so here are our first every spy photos of a peculiar long-wheelbase A8 D5 facelift prototype.
This time, the speculations about the model are anchored in reality, as Ingolstadt has already pretty much confirmed the resurrection of the Horch uber-luxury nameplate.
If you take a look closely, this is the only A8 prototype spied so far that also features a bit of camouflage on a small spot near the rear side window.
We suspect that masking tape is actually there to hide the Horch badge, as there would be no other reason for it, and that spot is perfect for showcasing the car’s distinction in a classy and restrained way.
As some of you already know, plans for bringing back the 1920s and 1930s Horch luxury brand have been rumored for quite a few years, but Audi finally confirmed them back in 2019.
Left with not that many weapons to fight for the small but increasing niche that exists between cars like the Audi A8 and the Bentley Flying Spur, the Volkswagen Group has agreed to resurrect the prewar name as a sub-brand, just like Mercedes-Benz is using the Maybach name nowadays for its ultra-luxurious models.
Set to feature just a couple of design differences compared to the regular A8, the tentatively named A8 Horch will only be available as a long-wheelbase model, while its interior will be the most luxurious but high-tech place in a VAG car this side of a Bentley.