- Audi acknowledges that renaming the A4 to A5 has led to confusion among consumers and dealers.
- The brand intends to revert to a simpler naming convention focused on vehicle size rather than engine type.
- An electric variant, the A4 e-tron, is anticipated to launch later, showcasing design elements akin to the Concept C.
A couple of years ago, Audi introduced a naming strategy intending to categorize combustion cars with odd numbers and electric vehicles with even numbers. However, the company has since recognized that this methodology was not as effective as envisioned. Recent statements suggest that the esteemed A4 badge may be restored for a forthcoming combustion model.
While the odd-even naming system may have appeared logical on paper, it resulted in confusion for both consumers and sales personnel. The well-established A4 sedan and wagon unexpectedly transitioned to A5 designations, a shift that perplexed the market and hindered sales efforts.
Revising the Naming Structure
Audi’s CEO, Gernot Döllner, has openly addressed the errors made in this naming strategy. Speaking at the Munich Motor Show, he stated that the brand plans to revert to its classic naming convention, where “A” signifies flat-floor cars and “Q” indicates SUVs, with numerical identifiers representing the size of the vehicle.
Considering this dynamic, the shift back from A5 to A4 is not just a possibility but a desirable outcome. Döllner suggested that renaming the internal combustion A5 to A4 is “thinkable,” indicating that a rebranding could occur during its mid-life update in the coming years.
Fully Electric A4 On the Way
In tandem with the potential reintroduction of the A4 badge for traditional combustion models, Audi is also gearing up to launch a fully electric A4 e-tron around the 2028 model year. Sources indicate that this future iteration will utilize the innovative Scalable Systems Platform and showcase cutting-edge design elements inspired by the striking Concept C.
This dual offering—one A4 with an internal combustion engine and another as a fully electric vehicle—aligns Audi’s strategy with that of its rivals, BMW and Mercedes, who are pursuing similar approaches with their respective models, the 3-Series and C-Class. Notably, BMW plans to utilize the i3 badge for its electric variant, which could introduce its own complexities due to prior usage of that name for a different electric model.
Audi’s history of retracting naming decisions is not novel; previous attempts to simplify model designations using numbers like ’35’ and ’55’ proved to be equally bewildering for buyers, prompting a revision of this strategy as well.
In conclusion, Audi’s reconsideration of its naming conventions reflects a commitment to clarity and consumer understanding. As the automotive landscape evolves, the potential comeback of the A4 badge alongside the introduction of the electric A4 e-tron demonstrates Audi’s adaptability and foresight in navigating modern automotive trends.
