Audi is shaking up its model names in a major way. As previously rumored, the German carmaker has confirmed that it will reserve odd numbers for its combustion engine models and even ones for those with electric powertrains. Additionally, Audi plans to introduce a new model below the Q4 e-tron.
In an interview with German magazine Auto Bild, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann revealed that the successor to the current A4 will be called the A5, and the current A6 will be called the A7. The A4 and A6 will then become electric. However, Audi will continue to use the name e-tron for its electric vehicles. “At Audi, e-tron stands for 100 percent electric and is a well-established term. We want to stick to that,” said Audio CTO Oliver Hoffmann.
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Duesmann also confirmed plans for a new model below the Q4 e-tron, which will likely be called the Q2 e-tron or A2 e-tron. The Q4 e-tron was previously known as the e-tron, but Audi renamed it the Q8 e-tron.
Audi is planning a major model offensive, with over 20 new models and model revisions slated to launch by 2025, more than 10 of which will be electric. “This will be the biggest model offensive in the company’s history,” said Duesmann.
Despite this push towards electric vehicles, Audi is not abandoning the combustion engine just yet. According to Duesmann, the company is working on a new combustion engine platform and plans to launch the “best combustion engine models” yet. “From 2024, we will also launch a specific combustion engine platform for our last generation of new combustion engines in parallel with the new electric models,” said Hoffmann.
Audi’s first model based on the premium platform Electric (PPE), the Q6 e-tron, is set to debut in the second half of 2023. However, the vehicle will not be delivered until 2024, as originally planned.
See also: 2023 Audi Q8 E-Tron revealed as brand flagship electric SUV
The new naming convention is part of Audi’s efforts to emphasize its shift towards electric vehicles. By reserving even numbers for its electric models, Audi is sending a clear message that it sees electric vehicles as the future of the automotive industry.
