Next gen 2018 Audi A8 could get XL, coupe variants - Report

Design previewed by the Audi Prologue concepts.

Auto Express reports that Audi is considering Coupe and XL versions of the next gen Audi A8, according to Dr Stefan Knirsch, technical director at Audi. The flagship model could make its debut in late 2017, and it was earlier reported that Audi will particularly not bring the estate body style to the A7 and A8 range.

Mr Kirsch was quoted saying:

We are thinking about it. The success of the extra-long version of the S-Class has got us wondering about whether there could be a business case for that in the future.”

The decision to introduce more variants of the 2018 Audi A8 could partly be influenced by the success of Mercedes S Class' new derivatives, such as Mercedes-Maybach S Class and S Class Coupe, as said by Mr Kirsch. Currently, the A8 is only available as a sedan in standard and LWB guises. Audi recently unveiled a 6-door Audi A8L Extended, although that was a one-off for a client.

Mr Kirsch also confirmed that the A8 will feature level three autonomous driving technology. In this level, the car can monitor the driving environment, as well as steer, accelerate and decelerate autonomously. The driver will act as a backup in tricky conditions, and will be requested to take over the wheel at times.

Also Read: 2016 Audi A4 to launch in India around August

The A8's exterior was previewed by the Audi Prologue concept at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show, and it will be one of the first cars to draw design inspiration from Marc Lichte's new design philosophy. As shown in CES 2016, the next gen Audi A8 will feature Matrix laser headlights and OLED taillamps, at least on range-topping models.

[Source: Auto Express]