Audi Prolongs A8 Lifecycle as EV Successor Faces Delay

Audi plans to extend the A8’s production due to the delayed launch of its electric successor, leveraging its success in China while adapting to slower EV demand.

Audi is reportedly planning to extend the production run of its current A8 model for several more years due to delays in launching its all-electric successor. The decision aims to leverage the strong sales performance of the combustion engine-powered A8, particularly in the Chinese market, amid a period of lower-than-anticipated demand for electric vehicles (Evs).

The current fourth-generation A8, launched in 2017, underwent a mid-cycle refresh in late 2021. An all-new electric version, inspired by the Grandsphere concept, was initially expected in 2024 but is now anticipated to debut around 2027. In the interim, Audi may consider another facelift for the A8 to maintain its appeal. This strategy mirrors Audi’s approach with the Q7, which received a second facelift in 2021 despite being introduced in 2015.

In China, where large luxury sedans like the A8 L and the even more opulent Horch version enjoy popularity, Audi is looking to introduce additional customization options for these models. Whether these options will be available in other markets remains uncertain.

Competitors to the Audi A8, such as the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, already offer fully electric variants like the BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS. Audi enthusiasts interested in an electric sedan may need to consider the forthcoming A6 E-Tron or the sportier E-Tron GT for the time being.