Audi has reversed its new mannequin naming technique that differentiated combustion-engined fashions from electrical fashions utilizing odd and even numbers.
The transfer comes after buyer and seller suggestions confirmed the brand new system was inflicting confusion.
Underneath the unique plan, ICE automobiles, together with plug-in hybrids, have been assigned the numbers 1, 3, 5 and 7, whereas EVs have been assigned 2, 4, 6 and eight.
On the time, Audi’s then head of expertise, Oliver Hoffmann, justified the strategy as a method to create a “clear and intuitive distinction” between drivetrain varieties.
This led to notable shifts in mannequin naming: the A4 was rebranded the A5 and the A6 was set to turn into the A7.
The brand new A7 (resulting from be revealed on 4 March) will now as an alternative be known as the A6, with the electrical A6 badged E-tron and the ICE A6 badged TFSI for petrol and TDI for diesel.
Nonetheless, Audi has confirmed to Autocar that it has no plans to vary the names of the brand new A4 and A5, regardless of the pair being successfully the identical automotive simply powered by completely different powertrains.
It is because, beneath the revised system, the numerical sequence from 1 to eight signifies the car’s measurement and hierarchy inside the Audi vary, no matter powertrain sort, and the A5 is a bodily greater automotive than the A4.
By the identical rationale, Audi stated that present fashions, equivalent to the electrical This fall and Q6, will retain their present names.
Audi fashions will proceed to be recognized by letters and numbers, with ‘A’ designating conventional automobiles and ‘Q’ signifying SUVs.
Gross sales and advertising and marketing boss Marco Schubert stated: “This choice follows intensive discussions and aligns with the preferences of our clients and worldwide seller community.
“Our up to date naming strategy ensures a extra intuitive understanding of our line-up, making it simpler for patrons worldwide to navigate our portfolio at a look.”
