A New Name for a New Era
First, a point of clarification. While the world knows the A4 as Audi's quintessential sedan, the company is shifting its naming strategy. Even numbers will designate all-electric vehicles, while odd numbers will be used for models with combustion engines.
Following recent confusion, Audi has reaffirmed that the electric successor, arriving around 2028, will indeed revive the A4 nameplate as the A4 e-tron. This new model will be built on the advanced, EV-dedicated Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a significant step beyond even the current Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. It represents a clean break, sharing no technical lineage with the combustion-engine models.
Under the Skin: Advanced Architecture
The upcoming A4 e-tron will be one of the vehicles to utilize Volkswagen Group's next-generation SSP platform. This architecture is engineered exclusively for electric vehicles, promising major advancements. A key feature will be its 800-volt system, which allows for incredibly fast charging speeds of up to 270 kW or more. This could mean adding significant range in just a matter of minutes, a crucial factor for EV buyers. Audi is aiming for a range of between 640 and 800 kilometres on a single charge, depending on the battery and motor configuration. The platform will support both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor Quattro all-wheel-drive setups, catering to a wide range of buyers from efficiency-focused drivers to performance enthusiasts.
Taking on the Munich Machine: BMW
BMW has a strong foothold with its i4, a competent electric gran coupé praised for its driving dynamics. However, the i4 is based on a flexible platform that also accommodates combustion engines. Audi's true rival from Munich will be the upcoming sedan based on BMW's 'Neue Klasse' (New Class) architecture. The Neue Klasse represents a ground-up redesign for BMW's electric future, promising a new design language, next-generation batteries, and a major leap in efficiency. This places the A4 e-tron in a direct showdown with BMW's most ambitious EV project to date. To compete, Audi is planning potent performance variants, including an S4 e-tron with over 500 horsepower, targeting a 0-100 km/h time of around four seconds.
Challenging the Stuttgart Standard: Mercedes-Benz
From Stuttgart, the primary competitor is the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan. The EQE sets a high bar for interior luxury, with its optional Hyperscreen dashboard, and excels in aerodynamic efficiency, which contributes to its impressive range. However, its smooth, cab-forward design has been polarizing. Audi appears to be taking a different approach. The A4 e-tron's design is expected to be inspired by the brand's Concept C show car, featuring a more traditional but sharp silhouette with a prominent grille and slim matrix LED headlights. Furthermore, Audi's Chief Technical Officer has indicated a return to more physical buttons and premium materials inside, a direct response to criticism of recent screen-heavy interiors and a potential differentiator from the EQE's futuristic cabin.
Performance, Practicality, and Price
The A4 e-tron won't just be a sedan; an 'Avant' station wagon is also confirmed, continuing a long-standing Audi tradition and offering a practical, stylish alternative to the dominant SUV body style. This is a key advantage, as neither BMW nor Mercedes currently offer a direct electric wagon competitor in this segment in all markets. Base models are expected to produce around 400 horsepower. While official pricing is years away, the A4 e-tron will be positioned to compete directly with its premium German counterparts. This means it will likely carry a premium price tag, but one that is competitive within the segment it aims to disrupt. The combination of advanced technology, rapid charging, significant range, and practical body styles will be Audi's formula for challenging the established leaders.
