Audi mulls turning A8 into devoted EV

Audi is contemplating turning its A8 flagship sedan right into a devoted EV across the center of the following decade, when a redesigned mannequin is due.

New CEO Bram Schot made the revelation throughout the automaker’s annual normal assembly held Thursday in Neckarsulm, Germany.

“The subsequent technology of the Audi A8 would possibly properly be all-electric,” he stated. “That has not been determined but, however I can properly think about it. We’re fascinated with revolutionizing the top-end class with a totally new idea for the A8.”

Bram Schot

Audi has simply launched the e-tron SUV for 2019 however the automaker is dedicated to including many extra EVs to its lineup. The truth is, on the identical occasion, Schot revealed that Audi’s lineup will include 20 EVs by 2025, together with the aforementioned e-tron, in addition to an e-tron GT tremendous sedan, This autumn e-tron compact SUV, and a substitute for the TT sports activities automobile.

Audi’s A8 sells in a lot decrease numbers than its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so the automaker could also be keen to take the danger by altering up the idea of the A8. The Tesla Mannequin S, which is priced near the A8, sells in a lot greater numbers, with Tesla promoting 25,745 items of its flagship sedan in the USA final yr versus Audi’s tally of simply 1,600 items.

It is a related story over at Jaguar the place a totally electrical XJ is considered within the works.

2019 Audi A8 L

2019 Audi A8 L

Earlier than we see any electrical A8, Audi will launch a plug-in hybrid model of the present technology. The automaker can be engaged on an ultra-luxurious model presumably sporting the Horch title to tackle the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

Throughout his speech, Schot additionally indicated that the R8 could remodel into one thing radically totally different for its subsequent technology. This ties in with a number of stories that the R8 might be changed by an electrical supercar that includes solid-state batteries.

“As I stated, focusing additionally means leaving out,” he stated. “For instance, the R8 sports activities automobile. Do we’d like a successor with a combustion engine? Does this slot in with our imaginative and prescient? The dialogue will give us a solution to that.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *