11.11.2026 07:00
German automobile giant Audi has ended production of its luxury sedan model A8, which it had produced for 32 years. As the final unit of the model, which secured an important place in the automotive world across four generations, rolled off the assembly line, the brand's new flagship became the Q9.
The A8, one of Audi's most important models in the luxury car segment, has completed its 32-year production journey. According to NTV's report, an Audi spokesperson confirmed in a statement to the German local press that production of the fourth-generation A8 has officially ended. The last car rolled off the production line in mid-October at the factory in Neckarsulm, Germany.
ORDERS HAD BEEN STOPPED IN FEBRUARY
Audi had ended taking customer-specific orders for the A8 model in Germany on February 18, 2026. With production completely halted, it was decided that the assembly capacity freed up at the Neckarsulm plant would be used in the production of the A5 Sedan and A5 Avant models.
With this step by the company, the current generation of the A8, which had long been positioned as the brand's flagship, has taken its place in automotive history.
FOUR GENERATIONS PRODUCED SINCE 1994
First introduced at the Geneva Motor Show held in March 1994, the Audi A8 replaced the Audi V8 model that the brand had previously produced. Drawing attention with its aluminum-bodied Audi Space Frame technology, the car secured an important place for itself in the luxury sedan class with its lightweight structure and technological equipment.
Competing with strong rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, the A8 became one of the models through which Audi showcased its innovations in comfort, technology, and engineering over four generations. The fourth generation, coded D5, whose production has ended, was introduced in 2017 and underwent a comprehensive facelift in 2021.
NOTABLE DECLINE IN SALES
The Audi A8's sales performance has declined in recent years. The model's sales in 2025 decreased by approximately 14 percent compared with the previous year. With the increase in demand for SUV models in the luxury car market, the competition faced by traditional sedans also brought about discussions regarding the future of the A8.
LATE 2020S INDICATED FOR NEW GENERATION
The end of production for the A8's current generation may not mean that the model will disappear completely into history. Audi A8 product group spokesperson Marcel Bestle stated in a statement earlier this year that a decision had been made regarding a successor model and that the new car was targeted to be introduced toward the end of the 2020s.
According to claims in the German automotive press, the new model could be developed on a shared architecture with the Porsche Panamera and produced at the Leipzig plant. In addition, it is also being discussed that a different model utilizing Huawei technologies could be worked on for the Chinese market. However, there is not yet any official confirmation regarding these possibilities.
AUDI'S NEW FLAGSHIP BECAME THE Q9
Following the removal of the A8 from production, the Q9 model introduced in July took the top position in Audi's product range. Developed especially with the expectations of customers in the US market in mind, the luxury SUV stands out as one of the brand's largest models with a length of 5.31 meters and a wheelbase of 3.14 meters.
The Q9, which offers a seven-seat seating layout as standard, also includes a six-person cabin option with two independent electric seats in the second row. A five-zone climate control system, electrically operated doors, and the largest panoramic glass roof Audi has used to date are among the vehicle's notable comfort features.
According to Audi's official schedule, the first deliveries of the Q9 are planned to begin in November 2026. Thus, the A8, which represented the German manufacturer's top position in the luxury segment for many years, will be replaced by a new model with an SUV body type.