Audi is changing the names of its models again

In March 2023, Audi announced a new nomenclature for its models to more clearly distinguish gasoline-powered cars from electric vehicles.

The plan was for electric models to use even numbers, while internal combustion engine models would use odd numbers, the Telegraph reports.

This nomenclature was in place last November, when the new-generation A7 was announced as a replacement for the A6. However, now the German premium brand is returning to its old vehicle naming strategy.

From now on, the numbers next to the letters will again indicate the size of the vehicle, not the type of vehicle. To distinguish vehicles with internal combustion engines from electric models, the following suffixes will be used:

TFSI – gasoline engines

TFSIe – plug-in hybrid

TDI – diesel

e-Tron – electric models

In addition, Audi will retain the body variant designations: Sedan, Avant and Sportback.

Many felt that Audi should not have changed the old, tried and tested naming strategy.

Also, the designation system based on engine power (for example, 55 TFSI or 40 TDI) was confusing.

Fortunately, that illogical two-digit designation is now a thing of the past. Cadillac had a similar idea, using torque (Nm) instead of horsepower, but that wasn't well received either.

The first model to use the new/old nomenclature will be the next-generation A6. It was originally planned to be renamed the A7, but that won't happen now.

The premiere of the redesigned A6 model with internal combustion engines is scheduled for March 4, while the electric version will be called the A6 e-Tron.

A new RS6 Avant is also in the works, but there are worrying reports that it will lose the V8 engine in favor of a plug-in hybrid V6.

Audi will continue to use the “A” designation for sedans and “Q” for crossovers. However, the smaller models in the range will be phased out – the A1 and Q2 disappear from the market at the end of their life cycles.

This new strategy only applies to future models, which means existing cars will not be renamed – the new A5 will no longer become an A4.

Audi had originally planned full electrification by 2033, but is now reconsidering its plans, as customers still prefer vehicles with SUS engines. The company now remains flexible and adapts to market trends. /Telegraph/