Audi switching EV focus to rest of its range

Audi’s electrification has concentrated on its premium SUV segment but it will now move from the internal combustion engine (ICE) to battery electric (BEV) for the rest of the Audi range.

That’s according to Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed, explaining that electrification progress so far in the premium segment has involved two body styles – the SUV and Sportback – with the high-performance e-tron S Sportback just launching.

“These complement the top of the range e-tron GT, our four-door Grand Tourer with high end performance and features,” Sheed says.

“We now will turn our attention to filling out the range and continue in the ICE to BEV switch of the rest of the Audi range.

“Remember, we will not launch a new ICE engine past 2026 – only five years away.”

The new the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), co-developed with Porsche, for mid-size models will cover both passenger and SUV models and the A4 and A6 model line replacements.

Audi research and development head Markus Hoffmann told Autocar UK: “We already have electrification modules today, from mild hybrids to plug-in hybrids – and we will be focusing even more intensively on electrification in the cars that follow.”

One of those is a new pure-electric A4 e-tron based on the PPE, reported to have 700km range and charging speeds of up to 270kW but with no battery details included.

According to Autocar UK, the new A4 will continue to be sold in sedan and wagon forms, riding on a modified version of the MLB platform with a variety of engines available, all with either mild or plug-in hybrid electrification.

The plug-in hybrid models will reportedly get a 14.4kWh battery providing more than 72km electric range. It’s said to be the same battery used in plug-in Q5, A6 and A7 models and also found in the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid and Panamera E-Hybrid.