Audi may rename its A5 midsize sedan back to A4 as it rolls back a confusing naming scheme. Discover the story and its impact on future models. Read on!
Audi has hinted that it may once again rename its mid‑size sedan line, swapping the current A5 badge for the familiar A4 designation.
Why the naming plan caused confusion
A few years ago, the German automaker rolled out an ambitious naming system: internal‑combustion models would carry odd numbers, while electric models would use even numbers. In practice, the plan quickly tangled the brand’s hierarchy. The well‑known A4 sedan and wagon were suddenly rebranded as A5, a label that had traditionally been reserved for coupes. Buyers were left scratching their heads, and sales teams struggled to explain the shift.
CEO Gernot Döllner admits the mistake
In a recent interview, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner acknowledged that the previous strategy was a “misstep” by his predecessor. He confirmed that the company will revert to a more conventional naming convention: the letter “A” for sedans and hatchbacks, “Q” for SUVs, with the accompanying number indicating size or segment.
Could the current gasoline A5 become an A4?
Under the revised scheme, renaming the present ICE‑powered A5 to A4 is “entirely possible” in the near future. Industry insiders expect an intermediate‑life‑cycle refresh in the next few years that could restore the A4 badge on the vehicle’s grille and badge.
Electric A4 e‑tron on the horizon
At the same time, Audi is developing a fully electric A4 e‑tron slated for launch around 2028. If the naming reset proceeds, both a gasoline‑powered and an electric A4 could coexist under the same name—mirroring how BMW’s 3 Series and Mercedes‑Benz’s C‑Class already operate.
Previous naming revisions
This isn’t Audi’s first time back‑tracking on model designations. The brand previously abandoned traditional engine‑displacement naming for a numeric system (e.g., 35, 55), which also left many customers puzzled.
Impact on markets such as Vietnam
In Vietnam, the A4 was offered between 2021 and 2023 at roughly VND 1.69 billion. Late last year, Audi introduced the A5, positioning it as a more premium mid‑size sedan priced at about VND 2.199 billion. A return to the A4 name could affect pricing strategies and consumer perception in the region.
Key takeaways
- Audi may rename the current A5 sedan back to A4.
- The change aims to simplify the brand’s naming hierarchy.
- An electric A4 e‑tron is expected around 2028.
- Both gasoline and electric versions could share the A4 badge.
- Previous naming overhauls have already caused market confusion.