A few years ago, Audi decided to separate the model range by type of power unit: odd indices — for gasoline and diesel cars, even — for electric vehicles. This led to the A4 being designated the A5, which was previously used for coupes and liftbacks. As a result, customers are confused and sellers spend time explaining.
The head of Audi, Gernot Döllner, called this decision a mistake. In an interview with the Australian publication Drive at the Munich Auto Show, he stated that the brand would return to the previous logic: «A — these are passenger models, Q — SUVs, and the number indicates the size and class of the car».
This means that the current gasoline A5 may again become the A4 after the restyling. Likely within the next couple of years.
Meanwhile, in the 2028 model year, a fully electric Audi A4 e-tron is expected. It will be built on the new SSP platform and receive a design in the Concept C style. Thus, the model range may simultaneously feature the A4 with an internal combustion engine and the A4 e-tron. A similar approach is also being prepared by BMW and Mercedes-Benz for their 3 Series and C-Class.
This is not the first time Audi has acknowledged mistakes in naming. Previously, the company abandoned numerical designations like 35 and 55, which were meant to indicate power but turned out to be unclear to buyers.
Source: Drive
