Sometimes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—and it looks like Audi has finally caught on.
Back in 2023, Audi decided to shake things up with a brand-new naming system to differentiate its internal combustion engine (ICE) models from its fully electric (EV) lineup. The rule? Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7) for petrol/diesel models, even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) for EVs.
At the time, Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s then-head of technology, justified the move as a way to create a “clear and intuitive distinction” between drivetrain types.
The result? A rebranded A4 became the new A5, and the upcoming new A6 got bumped up to an A7. Confused? Join the club.
Turns out, even Audi itself struggled to keep up with this brain-teaser of a system. So, in a move that’s basically an admission of overcomplication, Audi is scrapping the new naming system and going back to the classic TFSI, TDI, and e-tron labels for petrol, diesel, and electric models.
And honestly? About time.
Back to the Old Ways—Because It Just Makes Sense
According to Marco Schubert, Audi’s sales and marketing head, the decision came after “thorough discussions” with customers and Audi’s international dealer network. The verdict? The old system was just easier to understand.
Schubert put it plainly:
“The updated naming approach ensures a more intuitive understanding of our lineup, making it easier for customers worldwide to navigate our portfolio at a glance.”
Translation: “We made it way too complicated, and now we’re fixing it.”
But Wait—The A4 and A5 Will Stay Confusing… For Now
Despite the about-face, Audi has confirmed that the A4 and A5 will keep their current names, even though they’re essentially the same car with different drivetrains. Why?
- Size matters—The A5 is slightly bigger than the A4.
- The new system wasn’t a complete disaster—Some elements, like vehicle hierarchy based on size, will remain in place.
This means that electric models like the Q4 and Q6 will keep their names, while the upcoming A7 (set to debut next month in March) will be renamed A6—complete with TFSI, TDI, and e-tron badging based on powertrain type.
Lesson Learned: Keep It Simple, Audi
So, after a brief identity crisis, Audi is back on track, ditching the unnecessary math lesson and sticking to what worked in the first place.
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