Audi Abandons Odd-Even Naming Strategy for ICE and EVs After Confusing Customers | Carscoops

      Audi is making an awkward reversal regarding its new model naming approach.

      The decision to assign odd numbers to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and even numbers to electric vehicles (EVs) has led to widespread confusion among customers, prompting Audi to align the model numbers for most EVs and ICE cars.

      The German automaker’s sales are struggling, and its recent attempts to redefine its well-established naming strategies have only added to the confusion for buyers.

      In 2023, Audi announced that all its ICE models would be designated with odd numbers, leaving the even numbers for EVs, with the intention of clearly differentiating between the two. However, this change required the public to adapt significantly, and it seems customers did not embrace it. As a result, Audi now plans to revert to its previous naming convention, as the odd-and-even model system was deemed overly confusing.

      The new combustion-engine Audi A6, set to debut on March 4, will now retain the A6 name rather than adopting the A7 badge as initially intended. This comes after the launch of the A6 e-tron EV, which is based on a different platform and features distinct styling.

      Audi's sales and marketing chief, Marco Schubert, stated, “This decision is the result of intensive discussions and reflects our customers' wishes and feedback from our international dealers. Our naming convention now provides a clear orientation for all customers globally, choosing model names that reveal size and positioning at first glance.”

      While the A6 now aligns with the prior badge, there are still inconsistencies. For instance, while the ICE A5 will keep its A5 designation, its forthcoming electric version will launch as the A4. Audi explains this decision by noting that the A4 will be slightly smaller than the A5, which correlates with the tradition of larger numbers indicating larger vehicles. The electric Q4 and Q6 SUVs will maintain their even number designations, while the ICE Q5 will continue to have an odd number.

      This isn’t the first instance of Audi complicating its naming system and later reversing course. In 2017, the company replaced its traditional powertrain badges like 3.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI with designations such as 40, 50, and 55, intended to represent power outputs in kilowatts and accommodate EVs and hybrids. However, last year, Audi began to distance itself from that system, even before many customers had familiarized themselves with the new badges, which are still visible on promotional materials and online configurators for numerous models.