Audi has reversed its new mannequin naming technique that differentiated combustion-engined fashions from electrical fashions utilizing odd and even numbers.
The transfer comes after buyer and seller suggestions confirmed the brand new system was inflicting confusion.
Below the unique plan, ICE vehicles, together with plug-in hybrids, have been assigned the numbers 1, 3, 5 and 7, whereas EVs have been assigned 2, 4, 6 and eight.
On the time, Audi’s then head of expertise, Oliver Hoffmann, justified the strategy as a option to create a “clear and intuitive distinction” between drivetrain sorts.
This led to notable shifts in mannequin naming: the A4 was rebranded the A5 and the A6 was set to grow to be the A7.
The brand new A7 (attributable to be revealed on 4 March) will now as an alternative be known as the A6, with the electrical A6 badged E-tron and the ICE A6 badged TFSI for petrol and TDI for diesel.
Nevertheless, Audi has confirmed to Autocar that it has no plans to vary the names of the brand new A4 and A5, regardless of the pair being successfully the identical automobile simply powered by totally different powertrains.
It’s because, below the revised system, the numerical sequence from 1 to eight signifies the automobile’s dimension and hierarchy throughout the Audi vary, regardless of powertrain kind, and the A5 is a bodily larger automobile than the A4.
By the identical rationale, Audi stated that present fashions, akin to the electrical This autumn and Q6, will retain their present names.
Audi fashions will proceed to be recognized by letters and numbers, with ‘A’ designating conventional vehicles and ‘Q’ signifying SUVs.
Gross sales and advertising and marketing boss Marco Schubert stated: “This determination follows in depth discussions and aligns with the preferences of our prospects and worldwide seller community.
“Our up to date naming strategy ensures a extra intuitive understanding of our line-up, making it simpler for purchasers worldwide to navigate our portfolio at a look.”