Audi is set to reveal a hybrid version of its A8 luxury car at next month’s Geneva motor show, but will drop its famous quattro all-wheel drive system in favour of a front-drive setup to minimise weight and maximise efficiency.
The petrol-electric full hybrid A8 will give Audi a rival for the Lexus LS600h and, like Lexus, Audi will market the hybrid version as a powerful and clean version, rather than as the most efficient version, according to Audi engineer and head of suspension Horst Glaser.
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Glaser said: “The hybrid will play to the sporty side, it won’t be, ultimately, as efficient as the diesel.”
This is because Audi will introduce a sub-160g/km three-litre diesel A8 at the end of this year capable of more than 47mpg.
Part of the reason Audi is opting for front drive for its hybrid is that the quattro system is understood to add just under 100kg to the weight of the car, approximately the same weight as the hybrid system.
While the hybrid A8 is due on sale in left-hand drive markets next year, Audi has yet to make a decision on right-hand drive and bringing the car to the UK.
Glaser added that Audi was still assessing the UK market to see if “UK buyers consider hybrids as hype” rather than as something that has an advantage over other fuels.
