The transition to electric vehicles brings a lot of changes in the industry, but also in our landscape and our daily lives. Manufacturers are adjusting their strategies accordingly and this notably includes the names of their models.
Speaking to German media a few days ago, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann confirmed that the range’s nomenclature will soon be reviewed to create a distinction between combustion vehicles and those with battery.
“We are expanding our product range by adding new electric models and that is why we are going to restructure our names,” he said.
The brand’s conventional cars will continue to start with the letter “A” and sport utility vehicles with the letter “Q”. However, the number that follows will now be used to identify whether it is a gasoline (odd) or electric (even) model.
Photo: Tobias Sagmeister
Work has already begun since, let’s remember, the e-tron electric crossover has just been renamed the Q8 e-tron (above). This means that the regular Q8 will soon join the Q7 designation – unless Audi decides to create a ‘Q9’.
Another example: for the next generation of the A4 sedan, which should offer both types of engine, the petrol one may be called A5 (like the current coupe) and the electric one would simply be the new A4 or A4 e -tron.
By the way, what will happen to the “e-tron” suffix? In such a scenario, its use would be superfluous. However, Audi does not specify for the moment if and when it intends to eliminate it. One can also wonder how the current e-tron GT will be renamed.
Photo: Antony Lajoie-Beaudoin
There will certainly be confusion among consumers for a period of time, but Audi prefers to move forward this way. And she is not alone.
German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz are also reportedly considering changing their model names. After getting used to the letters “EQ”, the second would like to get rid of it in the near future, according to rumors circulating.