Audi recently announced at its annual sales conference that a significant lineup of 20 new model launches is set for global release within the next year. Among the highlights are the completely redesigned A5 sedan and Q5 SUV, along with the debut of the all-electric A6 e-tron sedan.
Balbir Singh Dhillon, the head of Audi India, confirmed in an interview with Autocar India that "There will be an all-electric A6 e-tron sedan this year, and there are also new iterations of the A5 and Q5."
Expectations for the Audi A6 e-tron
The A6 e-tron, initially previewed as a concept in 2021, was originally slated for production in 2023. However, with the recent showcase of the Q6 e-tron, the A6 e-tron is anticipated to be unveiled soon, as it shares the same PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture co-developed with Porsche. Prospective features include a 100kWh battery pack with over a 600km range, dual motor all-wheel drive and single motor rear-wheel drive configurations, and a design that closely mirrors its concept version. The A6 e-tron will also adopt Audi’s new E3 1.2 electronic architecture, featuring a modern interior layout with curved screens and advanced lighting technology.
Next-Generation Audi A5 and Q5 Expectations
On the combustion engine front, the A5 and Q5 are set to enter all-new generations, based on VW's MLB architecture, with their debut likely in the latter half of 2024. These models will be among the last to feature internal combustion engines (ICE), as Audi plans to transition to an all-electric lineup from 2026 onwards. The upcoming A5 and Q5 are expected to be equipped with electrified combustion engines, possibly in plug-in hybrid variants, and will feature an evolutionary design with familiar Audi aesthetics. The interior and digital interface are likely to be inspired by the newer EV models as Audi moves to standardize these elements across its entire range.
Availability in India
The Q5, being one of Audi’s popular models in India, is expected to make its way to the Indian market in its new generation. The fate of the A5, currently offered in its S5 and RS5 variants in India, is yet to be determined for its next generation. As for the A6 e-tron, Audi has already indicated that its SUV counterpart will be launched by late-2024 or early-2025, making it likely that the A6 e-tron will also be available in India. Audi is focused on localizing and expanding its EV portfolio in India aiming to achieve a target of 50 percent EV sales by 2030.