Audi begins rollout of new EV, ICE platforms

Audi's U.S. lineup is getting new nameplates and losing old ones.

The German luxury brand is beginning to roll out a new naming convention. Even numbers will be used to distinguish electric Audis and odd numbers will be assigned to models with combustion engines.

The 2025 model year will be the last for the compact A4 in the U.S. The redesigned A5 will replace the A4.

Audi is also introducing two new platforms: the Premium Platform Electric architecture, which debuted on the Q6 E-tron crossover followed by the A6 E-tron sportback sedan, as well as the Premium Platform Combustion architecture, which serves as the basis for the redesigned A5.

Q8 E-tron: The Q8 E-tron's future is murky. The nameplate is facing an early demise because of what Audi is calling a drop in demand as well as high production costs. The Q8 E-tron is built at Audi's assembly plant in Brussels, but the automaker said it may cease operations there. It's unclear whether the nameplate would move to another plant or if the crossover would be discontinued or replaced. The Q8 E-tron is due to be reengineered in 2027.

Q6 E-tron: Deliveries of the midsize electric crossover are to begin by the end of 2024. The Q6 E-tron is the first Audi model on Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric architecture, which is shared with Porsche. The nameplate will launch with the Q6 E-tron and SQ6 E-tron crossovers, but a Sportback body style will follow. Audi also plans to introduce an entry-level variant with rear-wheel drive as well as an RS variant. The additional variants should arrive in 2025.

Q4 E-tron: Audi's smallest electric crossover is due for a freshening in 2026, given the brand's traditional product cycle.

A8 E-tron: The A8 E-tron was to be based on the 2021 Grandsphere concept, but Audi has a new CEO and a new head of design, clouding the timing of the sedan.

A6 E-tron: The midsize sedan is Audi's second model on the Premium Platform Electric architecture and takes over the A6 name as part of the brand's updated naming convention. The U.S. will only get the sportback version while other markets will also get a wagon. The EV will arrive in either spring or summer 2025 for the U.S.

A4 E-tron: The compact sedan with a combustion engine is going away, but Audi is planning a compact electric sedan, at least in Europe. It's unclear whether Audi would sell the electric vehicle in the U.S. If Audi opts to sell the A4 E-tron here, it will be around 2027.

E-tron GT: The sportback sedan has been refreshed for the 2025 model year and should arrive in the first half of 2025. The E-tron GT gains improvements in power, range and charging, but Audi has not released U.S. specifications. A redesign, or potential replacement, is likely in 2029, given the brand's traditional product cadence.

Q9: Spy photos have captured what appears to be a three-row crossover larger than the Q7. U.S. dealers have also said a Q9 is coming, but Audi hasn't provided confirmation, making its arrival, likely in the latter half of the decade, uncertain.

Q8: Audi refreshed the two-row crossover for the 2024 model year. The Q8 would be due for a redesign in 2028, when it would likely become a Q7 derivative given the change in Audi's naming convention.

Q7: Audi's refreshed three-row crossover is arriving at dealership lots. A redesign should happen in 2026.

Q5: Audi plans to show the third-generation this fall with U.S. deliveries set for 2025. The Q5, which is available as a plug-in hybrid, is Audi's bestseller in the U.S.

Q3: Audi will follow up the Q5 redesign with a next-generation compact crossover in 2025.

A8: The large Audi sedan will soldier on for the foreseeable future.

A7: Audi's fastback combustion-powered sedan is up for a refresh in 2025.

A5: The redesigned A5 marks the debut of Audi's Premium Platform Combustion architecture. The nameplate, which will only be offered as a sedan in the U.S., will also take over for the similarly sized A4. A mild-hybrid powertrain will be offered in Europe. The redesigned model will arrive in the spring or summer of 2025.

A3: Audi's smallest sedan will be due for a freshening in 2025.