One-year delay and return to traditional name
Audi's electrification plans for the mid-size segment are undergoing a schedule adjustment. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has decided to postpone the launch of the second generation of its mid-size model by at least a year, with the new deadline for the official presentation being March 2029, instead of the initial target set for mid-2028.
This change comes in the context in which the German manufacturer had previously confirmed the return to the historical A4 name for the successor to the current A5. The nomenclature change is part of the new strategy of organizing the range, in which even numbers are allocated exclusively to 100% electric vehicles, while odd numbers remain dedicated to models equipped with internal combustion engines and hybrid systems.
SSP Platform: The Technological Challenges Behind the Delay
The main reason for the launch delay is the complexity of the development process of the Volkswagen Group's new modular SSP (Scalable Systems Platform). This next-generation mechatronics platform is designed for widespread use within the group, with the role of gradually replacing current electrical architectures.
The future Audi A4 will be developed exclusively as an electric vehicle on this modern architecture and will be offered in two traditional body styles:
- A4 Sedan: The classic three-volume variant, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency.
- A4 Avant: The estate version, intended for customers who prioritize cargo space and functionality.
Delays in the development of the software component and hardware integration on the SSP platform required a reassessment of the launch schedule to guarantee that the model would meet quality and performance standards upon market entry.
Current range on the Romanian market: Equipment and price level
Until the arrival of the new electric generation in 2029, Audi continues to market its current mid-range range on the Romanian market, where models equipped with gasoline and diesel Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) propulsion systems are recording steady sales.
The local offer is structured across several equipment levels and design lines (Basic, Advanced and S Line), being available in the official dealer network:
1. Equipment and options: All versions come standard with S tronic automatic transmission, LED headlights, Audi virtual cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems. The quattro all-wheel drive system is available as an option.
2. Starting prices in Romania:
- The current range starts at approximately 45,000 - 48,000 euros (VAT included) for entry-level versions equipped with 2.0-liter TFSI or TDI engines.
- The higher-end variants with S Line equipment and quattro all-wheel drive frequently reach prices between 55,000 and 65,000 euros (VAT included), depending on the options selected.
The current range will remain the brand's main sales pillar in this segment in the coming years, receiving periodic equipment and technology updates until the definitive transition to the new A4 electric architecture.