Audi unveils new unified nomenclature
For global model identification
Audi is set to standardise its vehicle nomenclature, providing customers with a more intuitive and transparent system worldwide. The German automotive giant has announced that in the future, its alphanumeric model names will reflect the size and positioning of each model, regardless of whether the vehicle is electric or powered by a combustion engine.
In a shift from previous naming conventions, Audi will no longer distinguish between electric vehicles (EVs) and those with combustion engines based on the numbers in their model names. Instead, the new system will use letters and numbers that convey each model’s size and market position, making it easier for customers to navigate Audi’s portfolio globally.
Marco Schubert, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at Audi AG, said: “This decision is the result of intensive discussions and follows the wishes of our customers and feedback from our international dealers. Our nomenclature now provides all customers worldwide with an intuitive orientation in our portfolio. We choose the names of our models in a way that reveals size and positioning.”
The new naming system will use “A” and “Q” to differentiate between low- and high-floor vehicles. The numbers, ranging from one to eight, will indicate a vehicle’s size and positioning in Audi’s global line-up, irrespective of its powertrain type. This eliminates the previous system, where even and odd model numbers indicated different drivetrain technologies.
Under the updated format, all-electric and combustion engine models can share the same letter and combination of numbers. Audi will differentiate between variants within the same model range using body styles such as Avant, Sedan, or Sportback and established powertrain codes like e-tron, TFSI e, TFSI, or TDI.
The Audi A6, a key player in the brand’s full-size segment, will be the first model to adopt this new nomenclature. The combustion-engine A6, set to be revealed globally on March 4, will be the first to use this revised naming structure. Thanks to the powertrain code, the A6 Avant TFSI, for instance, will be clearly distinguished from the all-electric A6 Avant Tron. Audi has confirmed that no retroactive name changes will occur for models already on sale.
Image: The new naming system will use “A” and “Q” to differentiate between low- and high-floor vehicles. Credit: Audi
