Report - Next generation Audi A8 starts testing ahead of 2016 launch

Concept planned for the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Early test mules of the next generation Audi A8 have started testing on European roads using the current generation model's body shell. The new A8 is expected to launch in 2016, though a thinly veiled concept previewing its looks could be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show which takes place in September 2015.

With the next generation model, the A8 too will move to a modular platform using the company's MLB architecture (the same architecture will be used on the new Q7). The prototype spotted has widened front and rear tracks, though other dimensions are comparable to the current generation model.

Powering the luxury sedan will be a new V6 petrol engine and revised versions of the current V8 (with cylinder shutdown tech) and W12 engines. Like the new 7 Series which is reported to get an entry-level four-cylinder engine, Audi too are planning four-cylinder motors for their flagship sedan. Also on the anvil is a plug-in hybrid powertrain to rival the S500 plug-in hybrid.

In India, the refreshed A8 with the Matrix LED headlights was launched in May this year as a CBU. Expect the new generation model to launch in India within 6 months of its European launch which takes place in 2016.

Competitors: Mercedes S Class, BMW 7 Series

Expected Price: INR 1 crore upwards, ex-Showroom

Launch Date: 2016

[Spy images can be seen here]