Audi A8 Orders Halted in Germany, Flagship Model Nearing End?
The flagship Audi model is no longer available in the German online configurator. The company has confirmed that orders for the A8 in Germany are closed. According to the brand's representative, Marcel Bestle, an order could be placed until February 18, after which the acceptance of applications stopped.
Global availability of the model now depends on stock and other factors. Audi has not specified the exact end date for production, but the inability to order the car in its home market suggests that the model's production is likely coming to an end.
The current generation Audi A8 D5 has been in production since 2017. The facelift conducted at the end of 2021 could not significantly boost sales or draw customers away from the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The update also introduced a longer version for China called the Audi Horch A8.
Audi does not rule out the appearance of an A8 successor. A company representative noted that the brand will announce additional details about the possible successor later. The key word here remains "possible," as it is still unknown whether the fifth generation project has been given the green light. The absence of prototypes in road tests also suggests that a new A8 is unlikely to appear in the coming years.
According to the Automobilwoche publication, as early as October, Audi representatives were talking about searching for a platform for a potential successor. Another facelift of the current generation was ruled out due to tighter environmental requirements up to Euro 7 standards.
Even if Audi does release a new flagship model, there could be a multi-year gap between generations. Meanwhile, competitors continue to develop their luxury sedans. For example, the next Mercedes-Benz S-Class is expected to appear around 2029 and will be offered with both internal combustion engines and electric powertrains.
Source: Motor1
