Audi Considering Ultra-Luxury A8 to Fight Mercedes-Maybach
Audi is watching the Mercedes-Benz S-Class closely and it sounds like the brand will replicate that car’s body styles with the next generation A8.
That would include the addition of a new A8 with an even longer wheelbase and more luxury features to fight with the Mercedes-Maybach models. An A8 coupe is also under consideration to fully compete with the S-Class lineup, along with the possibility of a convertible model.
“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,” Audi technical boss Stefan Knirsch told Auto Express. Currently there is a long-wheelbase A8 available, but Mercedes has even longer versions with the Maybach S600 and Pullman, both of which also offer more luxury amenities than the standard S-Class.
SEE ALSO: Audi A8L Extended is a Six-Door Luxury Limo
Earlier this year, Audi rolled out a one-off six-door limousine that it built for for one specific customer, at least proving that the brand has long-wheelbase models on its mind.
Knirch also confirmed that when the new A8 arrives, it will be rated at SAE Level 3 for autonomous driving which means that the vehicle is almost fully self-driving at highway speeds. The driver still needs to be ready to intervene with a Level 3 system.
[Source: Auto Express]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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I'm Craig Cole and I approve of this news. Bring on a Maybach fighter!
Mercedes got the Maybach and Pullman names (and Zeppelin) but AUDI only has Horch and Wanderer.