In a move to streamline its vehicle lineup, Audi initially perplexed enthusiasts with the introduction of a complex two-digit nomenclature back in 2017. While originally slated for a model overhaul within the coming year, Audi has made the decision to jumpstart the process by phasing out the bewildering "power group" denominators that were implemented seven years ago.

Dropping Name Scheme

As part of this simplification initiative, the era of the 40 TFSI at the tail end of Audi vehicle names is drawing to a close, marking the automaker's commitment to enhancing clarity for its customers. CarScoops stated that Audi instituted a naming scheme in 2017 that entailed appending two-digit numerals to the end of some car names.

For instance, the 2.0-liter Q3 with 184 horsepower (137 kW/187 PS) was dubbed "40 TFSI," and the more powerful version with 228 horsepower (170 kW/231 PS) was called "45 TFSI." Nevertheless, Audi is currently phasing out these numerical designations from its lineup, a move partly related to the increasing popularity of electric cars.

The launching of the Q6 e-tron not only marks the beginning of Audi's future electric car portfolio. It also marks a progression in the company's naming practices. Audi made the decision to discontinue using numerical suffixes to distinguish between various powertrains.

Previously, models including electric vehicles (EVs), such as the Q6, were awarded even numbers, whereas models featuring internal combustion engines (ICEs), such as the Q5, would be assigned odd numbers.

As per Citizen's report, the current structure, which includes the TFSI or TDI suffix based on the fuel type, has led to frustration and confusion among buyers. This confusion arises from the misinterpretation of the nomenclature, with buyers mistakenly associating the digits with the size of the engine rather than their intended representation of power figures.

Motor1.com reported the recent unveiling of the E-Tron. It signifies a departure from Audi's perplexing naming conventions.

This transition actually began with the Q8 E-Tron, where the numerical designations were omitted from the larger electric SUV's badging. Despite this, Audi continues to employ the confusing naming strategy in the official documentation for the Q8 E-Tron.

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Florian Hauser, Audi's Head of Sales & Product Marketing for Battery Electric Vehicles, explained to Auto Express that the company no longer deems it necessary to include numerical identifiers in their naming approach.

The Four Rings aim to streamline the lineup of a particular model, focusing on the upcoming electric crossover. The standard Q6 featuring all-wheel drive is labeled as the Q6 E-Tron Quattro, while the high-performance version is denoted as the SQ6 E-Tron. A forthcoming rear-wheel-drive model is set to be named the Q6 E-Tron. Yet, Audi may need to append a descriptor like "Performance" to differentiate the range of a model offered with various battery size options.

EV Name Streamlining: Gasoline and Diesel Cars Follow

It's anticipated that the streamlined naming scheme will extend beyond electric automobiles to include regular gasoline and diesel vehicles as well. The two-digit combination will no longer be shown on the rear ends of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, according to claims made by Audi to the British magazine.

The manufacturer has not yet decided whether to completely remove the current moniker from marketing materials, configurators, and other platforms.

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