Audi Improves Its Nomenclature’s Alphanumeric Structure

Global standardization and clear orientation for all customers: Audi is strengthening the alphanumeric format of its nomenclature. In the future, it will represent the size and positioning of each model globally in a uniform and transparent way. The previous distinction between electric vehicles and models with internal combustion engines based on their number is no longer valid.

“This decision is the result of intensive discussions and also follows the wishes of our customers as well as feedback from our international dealers,” says Marko Schubert, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “Our nomenclature now provides all customers around the world with an intuitive orientation in our portfolio. We choose the names of our models in a way that reveals size and positioning at first glance.”

One Or More Letters

In the future, the global alphanumeric model name will consist of one or more letters and a number. The letters A and Q continue to distinguish between low-floor and high-floor vehicles. The numbers—currently from one to eight—allow for a clear classification regardless of the type of powertrain. As a result, the previous distinction between different drive technologies according to even and odd model numbers is no longer valid.

Thanks to the orientation towards size and positioning, fully electric models can share the same letter and number combination with vehicles with an internal combustion engine. The necessary differentiation between models and variants in the portfolio is done using the body style (e.g., Avant, Sedan, or Sportback) and—already established—the drive code (e.g., e-tron, TFSI e, TFSI, or TDI).

The first new model to use this nomenclature will be the Audi A6 equipped with an internal combustion engine. It marks the brand’s long and successful history in the full-size segment and will be unveiled on March 4. Thanks to the drive code, the A6 Avant TFSI will, for example, be clearly distinguished from the fully electric A6 Avant e-tron. No retroactive name changes are planned for models already on sale.

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