Audi will launch 20 new fashions in 2024 and 2025, and it is shedding mild on three of them. The subsequent-generation A5, the electrical A6 E-Tron, and the third technology of the favored Q5 will break cowl within the coming months and presumably inaugurate a brand new naming system.
The corporate refers back to the subsequent A5 as a mannequin household. That is at all times been the case, the current-generation A5 vary included a coupe, a convertible, and a four-door Sportback mannequin — till not too long ago — however the lineup may get greater this time round. Audi will restructure its naming system within the close to future, in line with a current report, so odd-numbered nameplates (like A6) will denote electrical vehicles and even-numbered nameplates (like A5) will designate gasoline-powered fashions. Which means the A4’s successor will ditch the A4 nameplate. Nothing is official but, however we might be stunned if it turns into the subsequent A3. We even have a troublesome time imagining the sedan morphing into the next-generation A7.
May the subsequent A4 develop into the brand new A5? Time will inform. Till then, a preview image revealed by the model reveals the again finish of what is both a station wagon or a crossover. It encompasses a distinctive-looking mild bar, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a sharply-creased hatch. Because the identify reportedly suggests, the mannequin will not be electrical: It is “the start of the subsequent technology of combustion engines,” Audi says. We can’t have to attend lengthy to search out out extra: Whether or not it is the primary A5 Avant or one thing else, the mannequin will make its official debut subsequent Tuesday, July 16.
Audi will unveil the electrical A6 E-Tron in late July, so a number of weeks after the subsequent A5. We’ve not seen it but, however we all know it will likely be provided as each a Sportback and an Avant-branded wagon, although the latter may not make its strategy to the American market. For those who’re questioning what it’ll seem like, look no additional than the A6 E-Tron idea unveiled in 2021. “[This concept is] very near manufacturing; we’ll maintain about 95%,” Audi designer Wolf Seebers advised Autoblog three years in the past. “The 5% that we’ll change are the door handles, for instance,” he added.
What the longer term holds for the present gasoline-burning A6 is not clear. Audi may select to maintain it round for a short while longer, very similar to Porsche is promoting the unique Macan subsequent to its electrical successor, or the model may resolve to switch it with a brand new mannequin. If it does, and if the rumors detailing a revamped naming system are correct, the subsequent technology of the gasoline-burning mannequin will not be referred to as A6.
Audi will then take a break till the autumn, when it presents the third-generation Q5. Particulars in regards to the mannequin aren’t accessible; all we all know is that the vary will embrace a hybrid mannequin. No matter what it seems to be like and what it is powered by, the subsequent Q5 shall be a massively essential automobile for the model. Audi of America bought 228,550 vehicles in 2023, a 22.3% improve over 2022, and the Q5 was its best-seller by a big margin.
Extra particulars in regards to the upcoming additions to the Audi vary will emerge within the coming weeks.
