A6 is A6 again: Audi reverts to traditional model naming scheme

Audi hears customer feedback for naming confusion

Audi finally understood the classic saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Recently, Audi introduced a model naming scheme to use odd numbers for combustion cars, and even numbers for EVs. But after listening to customer feedback, the automaker has thrown that out and will revert to its more familiar naming structure again.

Just like before, Audi models will go back to having a letter and number that will signify the body style and size of the vehicle. “A” is designated for passenger cars, and “Q” for its crossovers and SUVs. The higher the number after the letter, the bigger the car is. To identify which models are electric, gas-powered, or diesel, Audi will simply add another badge like “e-tron” for electric, “TFSI” for gasoline cars, and “TDI” for diesel.

It’s certainly the simplest and most familiar style of naming for Audi vehicles, so hopefully this spells the end for back-and-forth changes in the Audi model nomenclature.

Audi will use the new (old) naming scheme for the A6. Previously, the A6 was identified as electric while the A7 is its gas-powered counterpart. Now both will be called A6 but are separated by their powertrain badges – the A6 TFSI, A6 e-tron, and A6 TDI.

However, the structure won’t be retroactively applied to existing models. That means the current-generation A4 and A5 will keep their names despite being basically the same car with just different powertrains.

Audi messed up with its naming scheme saga, but kudos to them for correcting and ending the confusion once and for all.