Audi made a significant announcement on Monday regarding its naming convention for internal-combustion and electric vehicles. Last year, the automaker introduced a system where even numbers were reserved for electric models and odd numbers for combustion models. This naming scheme was implemented with the latest gasoline Audi A5 and Q5 models, as well as the electric A6 Sportback E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron.
However, Audi has decided to backtrack on this decision and return to its previous naming format. Moving forward, numbers in the alphanumeric names will once again indicate a model’s size and position in the lineup, rather than the type of powertrain. The letters A and Q will still differentiate between cars and crossovers. This means that both electric and combustion models can now share the same name.
Despite this change, Audi will continue to use powertrain-specific branding such as E-Tron for EVs, TFSI for combustion engines, and TFSI e for plug-in hybrids. Additionally, the existing body-style designations like Avant for wagons and Sportback for vehicles with sleek rooflines will remain unchanged.
Audi emphasized that there will be no retroactive name changes for models already on sale. The automaker hopes that reverting to its original naming system will alleviate confusion for customers and dealers.
Audi’s sales and marketing boss, Marco Schubert, explained that this decision was made after extensive discussions and feedback from customers and dealers. The revised naming system aims to provide a more intuitive orientation for customers worldwide.
The first model to be impacted by this change is the upcoming next-generation Audi A6 sedan. Under the previous naming scheme, it would have been badged as an A7. The new A6 sedan, set to be unveiled on Mar. 4, will coexist with the electric A6 Sportback E-Tron. It is likely that these two A6 variants will be based on different platforms, as Audi has categorized its vehicle architectures into Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) for electric and combustion powertrains, respectively.
