Responding to rumors that Audi is planning to reform its naming convention, Markus Duesmann, Audi brand CEO, confirmed in an interview with German media that in the future, Audi will use odd numbers for fuel and plug-in hybrid models and even numbers for electric models.
Duesmann stated that the transition began with the mid-cycle update of the E-Tron last year, which was renamed the Q8 E-Tron. This means that the current gasoline-powered Q8 SUV may be renamed the Q9 after a mid-cycle update later this year. He also confirmed that the all-new Audi A4 will be renamed the Audi A5, and the all-new Audi A6 will be renamed the Audi A7. However, Duesmann declined to reveal how the existing Audi A5 and Audi A7 coupe models will be named in the future.
Ultimately, as Audi plans to sell only electric vehicles around 2033, its electric vehicles will also use odd numbers in their names. Audi has confirmed that its last vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine will be launched in 2026.
Unlike Mercedes’ plan to abandon the EQ brand, Duesmann explicitly stated that Audi will not abandon the E-Tron suffix.
Duesmann stated that Audi plans to launch at least 20 new models in the next two years, half of which will be pure electric models. Duesmann also confirmed that Audi plans to launch an electric car positioned lower than the current Q4 E-Tron, but it is currently unclear whether he is referring to the A4 E-Tron or the smaller A2 E-Tron.
