Audi to Simplify Naming System and Transition to Electric Models
Audi has announced plans to simplify its naming system by dropping the numbers associated with a powertrain’s output, as part of a gradual shift towards electric models. The current system, implemented in 2017, adds a two-digit number between the core nameplate and the engine type, such as 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 55 TFSI e. This change will streamline the number of powertrains in Audi’s portfolio and make it easier for consumers to understand the options available.
### Evolution of Audi’s Naming System
The current system, which adds numbers to denote a powertrain’s output, has been used in Audi models since 2017. For example, the 2024 Q5 offers three versions: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 55 TFSI e, with each number representing a different horsepower output. While not all Audi models use this system, it has been a common feature in many European-market models.
### Transition to Electric Models
The introduction of the Q6 E-Tron will mark a significant shift in Audi’s naming system, moving away from numbers linked to a drivetrain’s output. According to Florian Hauser, Audi’s head of sales and product marketing for EVs, the goal is to simplify the engine program for the Q6 and eliminate the need for drivetrain-specific designations on two-wheel-drive models.
### Simplifying Model Designations
Hauser mentioned that two-wheel-drive models will no longer have a drivetrain-specific designation, while all-wheel-drive models will feature the historic Quattro badge. For example, the Q6 will be two-wheel-drive, the Q6 Quattro will be all-wheel-drive, and a performance model with Quattro will be designated as SQ6. Different battery sizes may be differentiated with a suffix like “Performance,” simplifying the model lineup for consumers.
### Future of Audi’s Naming System
While the “RS” prefix will likely remain for high-performance models, Audi has not yet announced a timeline for when the powertrain-based numbers will be phased out completely. However, the brand’s move towards electric models and simplification of its naming system signals a shift towards a more streamlined and consumer-friendly approach.
### Conclusion
Audi’s decision to simplify its naming system and gradually transition towards electric models reflects the brand’s commitment to providing consumers with a clearer and more intuitive lineup of vehicles. By eliminating powertrain-based numbers and focusing on core designations like Quattro and Performance, Audi aims to make it easier for consumers to understand the options available and make informed decisions when purchasing a new vehicle. While the exact timeline for these changes is still unknown, Audi’s future lineup is set to be more streamlined and easier to navigate.