7 Minutes
Unofficial rendering sparks debate over A8's possible future
Audi's flagship sedan could be at a crossroads. A recent unofficial rendering by YouTuber Evren Ozgun Spy Sketch imagines a new-generation A8 that looks strikingly similar to an A7 Sportback — and not everyone is impressed. The sketch has reignited questions about the A8's design direction, platform prospects, and whether Audi will even build a direct successor to its long-wheelbase luxury sedan.
Why the A8's future is uncertain
For years the Audi A8 has represented the brand's technological and executive-class ambitions, squaring off against the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. Today, however, Audi faces a practical problem: the platforms that once made an A8 feasible are aging. The MLB Evo architecture that underpins the current A8 and many large VW Group SUVs is getting long in the tooth, while the MSB platform used by the Bentley Continental and Porsche Panamera is no longer a contemporary solution.
Add to that a cancelled project: reports indicate the next-generation A8 was to share engineering with Porsche's now-shelved K1 EV program. Sources say that plan fell apart after the K1 was put on hold, and even Audi's chief technical officer admitted earlier this year that they are 'still looking for a platform for a possible successor [to the A8].' That admission has industry watchers wondering whether the current generation could be the last proper A8.
Could the Q9 platform save the A8?
Not all hope is lost. Audi's upcoming Q9 — its largest crossover and new flagship SUV — is built on the PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture. The future Q7 will reportedly use it as well. That opens a practical path: Audi could adapt the PPC platform for a new, ICE-powered A8 sedan rather than waiting for a bespoke electric architecture. In other words, a next-gen A8 could be born from crossover DNA.
If Audi chooses that route, the newcomer would have access to a wide range of powertrains. Rumored variants tied to the Q9 program include a performance-focused SQ9 with a V8 and a possible Horch-tuned luxury model aimed at rivals like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and even Rolls-Royce and Bentley occupants in the ultra-lux segment.
Possible model lineup if A8 returns on PPC
- Standard A8 with mild-hybrid or turbocharged inline-six powertrains
- S8 performance version with V8 tuning and sport chassis upgrades
- Horch or ultra-lux variant to challenge Mercedes-Maybach and Bentley
- Potential RS 8 concept to rival high-performance legacy sedans
Inside the rendering: A7-style silhouette and a questionable face
Evren Ozgun Spy Sketch's unofficial design for the hypothetical new A8 leans heavily on a sloping, fastback silhouette reminiscent of the A7 Sportback. The rear end features a conventional trunk lid rather than a hatch-type tailgate, making it more of a traditional executive sedan than a five-door liftback.
The front fascia in the rendering is the most polarizing element. Critics say it looks overly generic — ‘almost like a cheap Chinese knockoff of an Audi,’ as some commentators have put it — with styling cues that lack the gravitas expected for a flagship model. The back is simpler and more recognizably Audi, but overall the design lacks the presence many expect from a top-tier luxury sedan.
Interior notes from the concept
The imagined cabin is modern but restrained. Highlights include:
- Dual-screen center stack and infotainment layout
- A two-spoke steering wheel that feels familiar within the Audi family
- White leather upholstery with glossy black trim accents
- A busy driver door card with lots of physical buttons, and a relatively uncluttered dashboard
These interior choices suggest Audi would aim for a blend of digital features and tactile controls — a compromise between minimalist EV-influenced cabins and the physical luxury touches executive buyers still expect.
Market context and what buyers care about
Luxury buyers increasingly favor spacious crossovers, which has shifted investment inside global brands toward SUVs. For Audi this is a double-edged sword: crossovers like an expanded Q-series offer solid margins and volume, but abandoning a luxury sedan heritage could cost brand equity among traditionalists.
A potential PPC-based A8 would allow Audi to keep a sedan in its portfolio while leveraging economies of scale with the Q9 and Q7. It might also enable competitive derivatives — an S8 for performance buyers, and perhaps a Horch-badged ultra-lux version to challenge Mercedes-Maybach and Bentley.
Performance and pricing reference
To set expectations, the current 2026 Audi A8 lineup in the U.S. gives a useful benchmark:
- A8 base: starts around $95,100, powered by a 3.0L inline-six with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds.
- S8: starts near $130,000 with a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making roughly 563 hp and 590 lb-ft; 0-60 mph drops to about 3.8 seconds.
Any future A8 will need to respect these benchmarks or offer clear technological or luxury advances to justify pricing and retain buyers.
What this all means for Audi fans
If Audi moves forward with a PPC-based A8, expect a sedan that borrows SUV architecture and possibly a sportier silhouette. If the automaker opts out of a new-generation A8, the brand will likely continue to focus on high-margin SUVs and electrified models.
Quote to remember: 'We are still looking for a platform for a possible successor,' said Audi's CTO — a statement that captures both the uncertainty and opportunity surrounding the A8.
Whether you love the Evren Ozgun sketch or think it misses the mark, the conversation highlights a broader industry pivot. The A8's future will be shaped as much by platform economics and market demand as by designers' sketches.
Key takeaways
- The next Audi A8 is uncertain after Porsche's K1 program was shelved.
- PPC platform from the Q9 could enable a new A8 sedan and multiple derivatives.
- Unofficial renderings imitate an A7 Sportback silhouette and have split opinions.
- Audi must balance tradition and profitability if it wants to keep the A8 nameplate competitive.
Share your view: would you buy a PPC-based A8 that looks like an A7 Sportback, or is it time for Audi to focus on SUVs and EVs? The debate is just getting started.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment