Audi Revives the A4 as an Electric Vehicle
Last year, Audi discontinued the long-running A4 in favor of the A5 Sportback as part of a plan to use odd-number nomenclature for gas cars and even numbers for EVs. However, the company has since abandoned this plan, and the A4 is now being revived as an electric vehicle.
According to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the company is developing a new A4 EV as part of “the biggest change in the history of the company.” Döllner has acknowledged that Audi lost its way over the last few years, and he is working to right the ship. The Concept C is a preview of Audi’s new direction, showcasing a future electric sports car and a new design language for the brand.
The new A4 EV will ride on the Volkswagen Group’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which is not expected to arrive until 2028 at the earliest. This platform will also underpin an electric VW Golf and other models across the Group. Currently, Audi uses different architectures for its EVs, including the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and the MEB platform.
While Audi will be late to the compact EV sedan market, with competitors like the BMW i3 and Mercedes C-Class EV set to debut next year, the company’s decision to wait for the SSP architecture is expected to pay off. The new platform will feature a software-defined vehicle, thanks to VW’s collaboration with Rivian, making the A4 a more competitive offering.
The Concept C provides a glimpse into the design direction of the new A4, with a sleek and sporty aesthetic that is expected to be carried over to the production model. The interior is also expected to be a major improvement over Audi’s current EVs, with a more premium and Audi-worthy design.
The A4 was one of Audi’s most recognizable nameplates, first introduced in 1994 as a rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Its return as an EV is a significant move for the company, and fans of the brand are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
[Image: 2025 Audi Concept C]
Photo by: Audi
The new A4 EV is expected to be a major player in the compact luxury EV segment, and its arrival can’t come soon enough. With its sleek design, premium interior, and advanced technology, it’s shaping up to be a compelling offering in a crowded market.
