Audi has ceased taking orders for its flagship A8 sedan in Germany, the automaker confirmed to The Drive. Reports from Motor1.com had previously indicated the vehicle had disappeared from order lists.
This move signals a likely end for the premium sedan, which has been in production for 32 years. The current generation, launched in 2017, has not been available in the Norwegian market in recent years.
Sales have been declining as consumer preferences shift towards SUVs, electric models, and vehicles with lower emissions.
Time Running Out
The A8 remains available for order in select markets, including the United States, likely only while existing inventory lasts. While Audi has not officially confirmed a complete production halt, The Drive reports it is only a matter of time.
Currently, there are no announced plans for a successor model. An Audi representative told the publication that further details regarding a potential replacement will be communicated at a later date.
Four Generations
The first-generation Audi A8 debuted in 1994 as a direct competitor to the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The vehicle quickly became known for its innovative technology, often debuting features that would later trickle down to Audi’s more affordable models.
Notably, the large sedan was the first mass-produced car with an aluminum chassis, making it significantly lighter than its rivals.
The second generation arrived in 2002, featuring a futuristic infotainment screen that emerged from the dashboard. It was also available with a powerful 6.0-liter W12 engine.
The third generation followed in 2010, growing in size and placing an even greater emphasis on new technologies – including LED Matrix headlights.
Depreciation: Why some cars plummet in price
The fourth and current generation arrived in 2017. It featured the removal of many physical buttons in favor of dual touchscreen displays and was prepared for Level 3 autonomous driving, long before it was feasible to permit it in practice.
This Audi was a small sensation
Potential for Deals
As of today, there are 55 examples for sale on Finn, and it is certainly possible to obtain the luxury vehicle at good prices now.
The newest is a 2021 model for 1.2 million kroner, which was imported to Norway in 2022. It has a 3-liter turbodiesel engine with 286 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and has only covered 38,000 kilometers. It appears almost new in the photos.
The cheapest is a 1999 model for 42,000 kroner, in a completely different condition. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter TDI engine, all-wheel drive, and has covered 402,000 kilometers.
Broom has featured several used car articles on the model recently, focusing on the fact that you can now get a lot of car for your money. Witness the link collection below.
Guess if this caused a sensation 40 years ago!
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