Summary
- Audi will no longer have odd numbers for internal combustion models and even numbers for electric models
- Numbers will now only refer to size and position in the lineup, while A and Q will differentiate between cars and SUVs
- Powertrain-specific branding and body-style nomenclature will continue
- The change in naming scheme is a result of customer feedback and dealer input
- The revised scheme allows for better organization of plug-in hybrids and upcoming models, with the first affected model to be the next-generation gasoline Audi A6
Article
Audi has announced a change to its naming scheme, allowing internal-combustion and electric vehicles to share nameplates. Previously, Audi had planned to designate odd numbers for combustion models and even numbers for EVs, but now numbers will only refer to a model’s size and position in the lineup. The letters A and Q will differentiate between cars and SUVs, rather than powertrain type, allowing electric and combustion models to share the same alphanumeric combination. Powertrain-specific branding such as E-Tron and TFSI will continue, as well as body-style nomenclature like Sportback and Avant.
The decision to return to the previous nomenclature was made following intensive discussions and feedback from customers and dealers. This move is expected to make it easier for customers to understand and determine a model’s place in the lineup. The revised naming scheme also accounts for the introduction of numerous plug-in hybrids that Audi plans to introduce as a hedge against an unpredictable EV market. The previous naming scheme would have divided all models into electric or internal-combustion categories, potentially causing confusion for customers.
The first model to be affected by this change will be the next-generation gasoline Audi A6, which will now be styled as an A6 TFSI. Its electric companion model will retain the A6 E-Tron nomenclature. Despite sharing a name, it is likely that these two models will be based on different platforms. The A6 E-Tron will be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), while the gasoline A6 will likely use the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) introduced with the latest Audi A5 and Q5.
The decision to allow internal-combustion and electric vehicles to share nameplates is in response to customer feedback and the need to simplify the naming scheme. By focusing on model size and positioning in the lineup rather than powertrain type, Audi hopes to make it easier for customers to understand and navigate its product offerings. The revised naming scheme also accommodates the introduction of plug-in hybrids, ensuring that these models do not fall into the gap created by a divided naming scheme based on powertrain type.
Audi’s continued use of powertrain-specific branding such as E-Tron, TFSI, and TFSI e for plug-in hybrids will help distinguish between different models. Body-style nomenclature like Sportback and Avant will also remain a part of Audi’s naming scheme. The decision to revise the naming scheme is driven by the desire to make it more intuitive and customer-friendly, allowing for a more seamless understanding and differentiation of Audi’s various models. Overall, the change is expected to simplify the naming process for both customers and dealers, improving the overall buying experience and aligning Audi’s naming conventions with industry trends.
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