Audi may revert its A5 sedan back to A4, simplifying its naming amid confusion. Discover the plan and its impact on buyers – read more now!
German automaker Audi is reportedly gearing up to overhaul the names of two of its most recognizable midsize sedans. After a baffling naming experiment that left buyers scratching their heads, the company may soon revert the A5 back to the classic A4 badge.
What Prompted the Confusion?
A few years ago Audi launched an ambitious naming system: internal‑combustion models would wear odd numbers, while electric cars would carry even ones. On paper the logic was tidy, but in practice it created chaos. The familiar A4 sedan and wagon were suddenly rebranded as the A5, a designation that had previously been reserved for coupes. The sudden shift confused customers and complicated sales conversations.
CEO Gernot Döllner Sets the Record Straight
In a candid interview, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner admitted that the previous strategy was a misstep. He promised a return to the brand’s traditional naming hierarchy: the letter “A” for sedans and hatchbacks, the letter “Q” for SUVs, followed by a numeric code that indicates size or segment.
According to Döllner, renaming the current gasoline‑powered A5 to A4 is “entirely feasible” and could happen in the near future.
Looking Ahead: A4 Ev and Dual‑Power Options
If the plan moves forward, the gasoline A5 will receive a mid‑cycle update and wear the A4 badge once again. At the same time, Audi is developing an all‑electric A4 e‑tron slated for a 2028 launch. This would mean that both the conventional‑engine and electric versions could share the same name – a move already embraced by rivals BMW (3‑Series) and Mercedes‑Benz (C‑Class).
Past Naming Revisions
This isn’t Audi’s first attempt to rewrite its model nomenclature. Earlier, the brand abandoned engine‑displacement‑based names for alphanumeric designations like “35” and “55,” a shift that also left many buyers confused.
Pricing Snapshot in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the Audi A4 was priced at roughly VND 1.69 billion between 2021 and 2023. At the end of last year, Audi introduced the A5 as a premium midsize sedan, priced higher at around VND 2.199 billion.
As Audi reassesses its naming conventions, the company hopes to clear up the market’s confusion while aligning its badge strategy with the growing electric lineup.