As a car enthusiast, I recently noticed an interesting change in the design of the rear badges on some new Audi models. The Audi A5 now features a red rhomb graphic on the tailgate, which was previously reserved for the higher-performance S, RS, and R models. This change is reminiscent of what Audi’s competitor, BMW, has been doing with their badges.
While the new badge looks sleek and stylish, it can be misleading to those who are familiar with Audi’s branding. The red logo gives the impression that the car is a performance model when, in reality, it is just a standard A5. This tactic of upbadging from the factory is a way to make the lower-end models more desirable by associating them with the higher-end variants.
It’s worth noting that the red logo is not standard on all models. For the A3 and Q8, you need to opt for the S Line trim level to get the Audi Sport insignia. This practice of using branding to sell more cars is not unique to Audi, but it has sparked some controversy among car enthusiasts.
In addition to the badge update, Audi is also undergoing a significant lineup refresh. The confusing naming scheme introduced in 2017, which used alphanumeric designations like “55 TFSI” and “40 TDI,” is being phased out. The company is reorganizing its lineup by assigning odd numbers to cars with combustion engines and even numbers to electric vehicles.
As Audi shifts towards an electric-only future, several gas-powered models are being discontinued. The TT and R8 have already been phased out, and the A5 Coupe, A5 Convertible, A1, and Q2 are also being discontinued. This move reflects Audi’s commitment to offering an electric-only lineup as early as 2033, in line with the European Union’s emissions regulations.
While Audi plans to continue producing gas cars in China based on demand, the focus will increasingly be on electric vehicles. The Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback, both large electric SUVs, are also featuring the red emblem on the S Line version. However, poor demand for these models may lead to changes in production plans in the future.
Overall, Audi’s recent badge update and lineup changes signal a significant shift towards electric mobility and a more streamlined branding strategy. Car enthusiasts and Audi fans will need to adapt to these changes as the automotive industry continues to evolve towards a more sustainable future.