Audi’s Neue Nomenklatur: Ein Durchblick durch die Umgestaltung der Modellpalette

Audi Unveils Updated Lineup: Changes and Constants

From the A1 to the Q8 e-tron, including major shifts for the A5 and A6: What's evolving and what names are being transformed?

The irreversible shift towards electric vehicles is prompting a revision of model names, introducing new terminology that may take some getting used to. Audi, for instance, is reorganizing its vehicle offerings to clear up confusion caused by names like Q8 and Q8 e-tron, which denote two distinct models. So, what can we expect to change by 2025, and what will remain? Here's a breakdown…

Audi is maintaining its established naming conventions, with the letter Q signifying their range of SUVs, and R, S, or RS designating their high-performance sports models. The A prefix will continue to represent the standard series of models. The TT model was discontinued last year. A new system has been introduced where even numbers indicate electric vehicles, while odd numbers are used for traditional combustion engines. For instance, the A5/A5 Avant and the A6 e-tron. The latter retains the e-tron label for the time being, as the existing combustion engine A6 model will not be rebranded as the A7 until at least 2025.

The really old models from Audi:

Let's review each series one by one. To maintain clarity, we'll skip over the intricate dimensions and technical specifications for now.

The Audi A1, currently the smallest model in Audi's lineup, is nearing its conclusion. The former Audi CEO Duesmann mentioned in 2022 that this compact car, which shares its foundation with the VW Polo, will not be seeing a new version.

Photo Gallery: Testing the Audi A1 35 TFSI (2021)

Audi A3

Since its debut in 1996, the luxurious sibling of the VW Golf has consistently had an odd number in its model name. Consequently, it's expected that the current A3 model will remain in production for as long as the Golf 8 is around, which could be quite a while. Audi has plans to introduce their final new combustion engine models in 2026, with the production of the last combustion engine vehicle planned to cease by the end of 2033, according to their current schedule.

Photo Gallery: Audi A3 (2024)

Audi A4

The Audi A4, as we've known it since 1994, is no more. Although the Sedan and Avant versions will arrive at dealerships in the fall of 2024, they will be rebranded as the A5. The even-numbered A4 designation will be reserved for an electric vehicle.

Photo Gallery: Review of the 2023 Audi A4 Avant 40 TDI quattro

Audi A5

Audi no longer offers a convertible in its lineup. The TT Roadster and R8 have been discontinued, and the A3 convertible has been out of production since 2020. Now, the end is near for the A5 Cabriolet as well. Additionally, Audi has confirmed the discontinuation of the A5 Coupe.

The coupe was manufactured in Ingolstadt, while the convertible was produced in Neckarsulm. This continued until July 2024. The manufacturing space that became available in Neckarsulm was then used for the new series named A5, which succeeded the Audi A4.

Photo Gallery: 2024 Audi A5 Estate

Audi A6

With a range of up to 756 km, starting from September 2024, the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron will be available for order in both Sportback and Estate versions. As indicated by their model names, the new electric series is aimed at the size of the current A6 combustion engine model. Since the traditional A6 will continue to be produced under this name at least until 2025, the electric version carries the added "e-tron" in its name.

Photo Gallery: Audi A6 Avant e-tron (2024)

Audi A7

Starting in 2025, the combustion engine A6 will be rebranded as the A7, aligning with the A4/A5 series strategy. The popular station wagon, known as Avant, will continue under this new name, while the existing A6 sedan is expected to merge with the A7 Sportback to form a new A7 sedan model. An interesting note: there's already a variant called A7 L with a slightly different rear design available in China.

Photo Gallery: Testing the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e (2019)

Audi A8

What's in store for the flagship model that has long been the choice of chancellors? In terms of nomenclature, the A8 of the future must be an electric vehicle, expected by 2027. Presently, the project is dubbed "Landyacht," and it aims to embody the visual essence of the 2021 Grandsphere Concept study. With diminishing production numbers, there won't be a new model solely powered by an internal combustion engine; however, a potential SUV called Q9 may be on the cards.

Photo Gallery: Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro (2022)

Audi Q2

The smallest SUV in Audi's lineup will not have a direct successor. However, considering the even number designation of the Q2, it's possible that a compact electric SUV, potentially related to the Skoda Epiq, could be in the works.

Photo Gallery: 2020 Audi Q2 Revamp Review

Audi Q3

Odd Number. Impressive: The successor to the Q3 may be one of the final entirely new combustion engine series that Audi launches. It is highly likely that it will align with the latest versions of the VW T-Roc and Tiguan.

Photo Gallery: 2021 Audi Q3 45 TFSI e

Audi Q4 e-tron

The Audi Q4 e-tron and its sibling, the Q4 Sportback e-tron, introduced in 2021, unknowingly became the inaugural models to align with the brand's recent naming scheme. These vehicles share the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and have a kinship with the VW ID.4 and ID.5 models. A significant redesign is potentially on the horizon for 2025.

Photo Gallery: Audi Q4 e-tron (2024)

Audi Q5

The latest version of the popular SUV is set to be unveiled in the fall of 2024 and will be produced alongside the Cupra Terramar in Hungary. A benefit of Audi's updated naming system is that it now clearly indicates the relationship between the A5 and Q5 models.

Photo Gallery: Test Driving the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback

Audi Q6 e-tron

In casual terms, the fresh Audi Q6 e-tron emerges as the SUV edition of the electric A6/A6 Avant e-tron series. It smartly positions itself in the gap that exists between the Q4 e-tron and the Q8 e-tron models. This new mid-size SUV not only boasts a driving range of up to 641 kilometers but also marks Audi's inaugural venture using the purely electric Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which is similarly the foundation for the Porsche Macan's sibling model. The Q6 e-tron is set to hit dealerships in the summer of 2024, and it's likely that a sleeker Sportback version will be released thereafter.

Photo Gallery: Audi Q6 e-tron (2024)

Audi Q7

Large and aging: The Audi Q7 has been around since 2015, sharing the market with relatives like the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, signaling it's due for a successor. A collaboration with Porsche could bring this to fruition, especially since they've revealed plans to advance the combustion engine Cayenne.

Image Gallery: 2024 Audi Q7

Audi Q8

Launched in 2018, the combustion engine Q8 was introduced as a variant of the Q7. It received an update in 2023. Therefore, it's likely that this large SUV will remain on the market for a few more years, albeit potentially not under its current odd-numbered name. It could possibly be rebranded as the Q7 Sportback.

Photo Gallery: Testing the Audi Q8 (2024)

Audi Q8 e-tron

Originally launched in 2018 as simply the "e-tron," the current Q8 e-tron was Audi's first mass-produced electric vehicle. However, its fate is now in question. Audi is shifting the production of the Q8 e-tron from Brussels to Mexico, and the Q6 e-tron, which is 15 centimeters shorter, seems to outperform it in almost every aspect. There's speculation that it might be replaced by a variant of the all-electric Porsche Cayenne.

Image Gallery: 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron

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