Audi 4th Gen A8 Caught Testing With Prologue Like Trim - Should BMW and Mercedes Be Worried Now?

Yes. This car is going to be next level - especially the interior.

I'm waiting until the camo comes off before I give it a thumbs up or down.

But I can tell you I'm not hopeful. Based on what we've already seen from Audi, in the way of their new TT, new Q7, and new R8, I am left totally uninspired by their design department. To me eyes, they're not ugly (which is a good thing), but they're not visually appealing to me in the least, and I don't think that's a good thing.

The new platform should be a big deal, as it will unpin both the new A8 as well as the next gen Bentley Continental/Flying Spur - it was based on the Q7/Bentayga platform which is quite good.

Audi's engines are second to none! The high output 4.0L TT V8 might be the best main-stream engine on the market today.

It all will come down to style - if the new A8 has style, it will do well. If its a turd like the current one, they will not sell.

The current A8 is one of the ugliest and most poorly proportioned vehicles on the market today.

The Continental and Flying Spur are Panamera based as is being widely reported and will no longer be based on the VW Impala.

Obviously, Panamera will underpin Conti/Flying Spur - but launch is too far in future to add to this argument. P

Panamera on sale 18 months from now and new Conti/Flying Spur probably 36-48 months from now.

VW is marketing its baubles now and this tight integration further complicate splitting any of the lines off. Hard to understand the real financial picture of VW with such tight linkage to German Government.

The Conti is NOT 36-48 months away and the Panamera is on the verge of being unveiled.

The S-Class has nothing to worry about regardless of how good the A8 comes out to be (BTW, I am hoping for some exterior excitement).
Munich, on the other hand, will see its 7-Series move to a clear 3rd place.
The thing is though that for both Audi and BMW the cash cows are now their SUVs (specially Audi) and thus this is not their most important battle.

I'm not a marketing expert but I would think when a car has some truly innovative stuff on the inside, the exterior needs to be noticeably different from the preceding model to attract new prospective buyers/interest. I don't see that in the 7 or the A8 exterior design.

I agree - IF Audi and BMW want to get really serious about the S-class area - they need to BOTH produce substantially NEW designs - Something clearly a step above their current ones - with more "prestige". Cadillac has shown with the ElMiraj that one can do that and still have the cars identifiable as Cadillacs - something the A8 needs desperately. If the A8 arrives with no OBVIOUS differences between it and the other recently updates Audi cars - they may as well throw in the towel.

Now - with cars losing market to CUV's to begin with - Audi needs to style this car as an "IT" car that people want to be seen in. So far - they have done everything they can to make it look like an A3.

This won't be a game changer.

Front end looks just like the new Hyundai Elantra. Way to de-value your A8, Audi!

Hey Dexter1 - Look the side profile looks like it has 4 doors. The new A8 will be like every other sedan out there.

Wait until you see the final product b4 you make silly comments like that.

The A8 has been poorly received over the years and NEVER been recognized as a true competitor to the S-Class (then again nothing really has), even though it has won a couple of H2H comparisons over the last decade or so. If its style is based on (and strongly resembles) the Prologue I think they might find a few more buyers.
Just have to wait and see.

What the fu*k are you talking about hangwhatever010?

Cue the Mark Lickme fanboys that say Audi is cleverly hiding a game changer. I see Audi Avalon.

You see what Audi wants you to see and that's a camouflaged A8 with the current body style except for the new grille. This is mission accomplished by Audi because they don't want to give away the final design.

@GermanNut you're an idiot. This is not an early mule hiding under the current body work. This is a production ready prototype with unveiling coming soon.

Keep telling yourself that Matt and living in denial about Audi's official statements regarding its design, Agent009's conversations with Audi executives about the new A8 and who was in charge of its design from start to finish and failing to understand why Marc Lichte was named Chief of Design in the first place.

It's only a matter of a few months until you are ultimately proven wrong.

@GermanPsychotic How much does Audi pay you to jagoff for them?

The S Class created this category and has the heritage and iconic image of being the best. Generation after generation it has lived up to its billing. When you arrive in an S Class you signal to all that you have arrived. The A8 is a Johnny come lately trying to play catch up. It will take a monumental technological escalation on its part and or a must have knock out design for A8 to catch up. Both doubtful against M-B juggernaut.

My sarcasm was very much in line with your silly comment, which was exactly the kind of response I expected from someone who claims, from camo pics, that the new A8 looks like an Elantra. Have at least an ounce of a constructive option in your contributions.

Pugproud - you're so right. Even with all the events being sponsored by Audi - chauffeuring movie stars, delegates and being used in blockbuster movies - the A8 hasn't seen an increase in sales.
The S represents the pinnacle and stands alone at the top of this segment.
What's above the S? IMO it's the Bentleys, RR's and Maybachs. And I've read a comparison test between the S, Bentley and RR.
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/comparison/2015/mercedes-s600-vs-rolls-royce-ghost-sii-vs-bentley-flying-spur-w12-triple-test-review-2015/