The Ingolstadt-based automaker has emerged from its self-imposed ennui, promising a flurry of new model releases this year, including the highly anticipated Q5 compact luxury crossover SUV.
Since the year began, Audi enthusiasts have witnessed a refreshed A3 and S3 with an abundance of in-car subscriptions, the appointment of a new design chief from Land Rover, an extension of R8 production due to overwhelming demand, the second facelift of the Q7, and the introduction of the Audi RS 6 Avant GT, adding to the excitement.
But that’s not all. Audi has finally bid adieu to its confusing engine naming convention, replacing it with a new system. With the revealing of the all-new Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, the brand introduces a new era of electric models, utilizing PPE technology with 800-volt capabilities, alongside Porsche’s twin second-generation Macan EV.
This move also signals a shift in naming conventions, with odd numbers designated for ICE-powered models and even numbers reserved for e-trons. Despite the logical clarity of the e-tron designation, Audi persists with its new scheme.
Audi has declared a vigorous offensive against its competitors, promising the launch of 20 new models by 2025, including the eagerly anticipated A5, Q5, and A6 e-tron, as well as the heavily rumored Q9 flagship CUV.
While technical details remain speculative, rumors suggest the new A5 and Q5 will debut on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), an evolution of the current VW Group MLB architecture.
