Blog

The next Audi A8 will hit back at the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series on the technology and efficiency fronts. The new A8 will use more aluminium in its construction than ever before, as well as components made out of magnesium and carbonfibre – but it’s still likely to gain a few kilos because of autonomous tech and a proposed hybrid powertrain. The new 2017 Audi A8 is due to be revealed this summer, with sales starting by the autumn.

The German brand’s flagship A8 saloon has a history of lightweight construction – but engineers admit that responding to customer demands is likely to bring a small gain in kerbweight for the new version. The car’s bare metal construction is around 50kg heavier than the structure of the existing A8.

Three key factors are said to have caused the new Audi A8’s increase in mass. The first is the requirement for a full-length panoramic sunroof, because this demands extra bracing to avoid chassis flex. The second is the extra autonomous technology that will feature on the next A8; it’ll use 48-volt electrics to power an army of sensors, but the additional electronics and cameras will add extra bulk.