The Audi A8 E-Tron will follow in the footsteps of the Grand Sphere concept and will arrive in 2024

It seems that the new Audi A8 E-Tron is advancing in terms of development and design. And it will be a car we have already seen, since it will probably take many elements from those that could be seen in the Audi Grand Sphere, the prototype that was presented in 2021. It will not be identical, although sources at the company indicate that its production design will be very close to what was shown in this concept.

Audi’s head of design, Marc Lichte, has commented that the Grand Sphere has served as inspiration for the model and although it is not exactly the same car, it has many points in common with the production model. Thus, the Audi A8 will be a luxury electric saloon with the powerful visual impact that marks the style of the latest prototypes grouped under the name “Sphere“.

The dimensions of the future Audi A8 E-Tron are expected to be the same as, or very similar to, those of the concept model. This means they will repeat the 5,350 mm length and a wheelbase of 3,190 mm. This makes it about 48 mm longer and with 62 mm more wheelbase than the fourth-generation Audi A8L.

As for its appearance, although it will be broadly similar, the most extravagant details will be removed to bring it closer to more practical use. The roof will be slightly higher, the cabin will have some aesthetic changes and the wheels will be smaller. In addition, the most high-tech aspect of the interior will be eliminated. The projections that replaced the screens will give way to conventional ones again, and the retractable steering wheel and pedals that gave it a very futuristic look will be removed.

Nevertheless, it will feature the latest technology from the Group Volkswagen, which will give it an image of a “private jet for the road”, the highest equipment level for this saloon that aims to position itself against the Mercedes EQS and the BMW i7.

Batteries and motors

As for the traction system it will offer, the Audi Grandsphera offered two motors delivering a combined output of 530 kW, equivalent to 711 CV. It would not be surprising if this were reflected in the Audi A8 E-Tron, as would the 120 kWh battery. This would provide a range of 750 kilometres on the WLTP cycle, a figure that is by no means negligible.

That said, for Audi power and range are not as important as comfort and luxury on board, so this could undergo some modification to reduce these figures. In any case, if the launch is planned for 2024, we will not have to wait long for exact data on this model. With a bit of luck, images of the first production prototypes undergoing testing may even be seen within a few months.