Two years ago, Audi made a major change to its nomenclature, transforming the legendary A4 — a model with a three-decade history — into the new A5. The move was part of a clear strategy at the time: odd numbers were reserved for models with internal combustion engines and hybrids, while even numbers were to define exclusively the electric vehicle portfolio (e-tron).
However, this reconfiguration has created more confusion among traditional customers than anticipated. Indirectly recognizing the missteps of the past, the management of the German brand has reassessed the plans. Now, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer officially confirms: the Audi A4 name will return to the market from 2028.
The new Audi A4 will not replace the current A5, but will be marketed alongside it. Although both will compete in the mid-premium segment, the two models will not share common technical elements. The future A4 will be powered purely electrically and will play the role of image and technology vector for the new era of the brand.
Aesthetically, the upcoming A4 e-tron will mark a complete break from the conservatism of previous generations. It will be the first high-volume production model to adopt the new exterior design language recently revealed on the Audi Concept C prototype and the exclusive Audi Nuvolari hybrid supercar.
What can we expect visually?
Under the minimalist bodywork will be hidden the most important technical development of the Volkswagen Group: the SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture. Unlike the current MEB and PPE platforms (used by the Q6 e-tron or A6 e-tron), the SSP platform promises much more efficient battery integration, a superior zonal electronics architecture and ultra-fast charging times.
On the technology side, the new A4 promises to be among the first models to benefit from the expertise of the recently concluded joint venture between Volkswagen and Rivian, which means a completely fluid operating system, fully updatable over-the-air (OTA) and advanced AI capabilities.
If in recent years giant screens have dominated dashboards, the new A4 e-tron will introduce a completely different philosophy. The interior inspired by the Concept C will rely on warm minimalism. Technology and screens will be discreetly integrated so as not to tire the driver's eyes, and Rouven Mohr, Audi's technical director, suggested that the brand will partially return to physical controls and buttons for basic functions — a demand intensified by the brand's customers.
"If you ask me, I completely agree that an Avant is part of Audi's DNA. I think Audi has made the estate car a popular car - we should continue that," said Rouven Mohr, indirectly confirming that the new electric A4 will also receive a practical Avant variant.
While it is premature for the manufacturer to submit official price lists for 2028, we can look at the current premium market landscape to formulate a realistic estimate.
Currently, on the Romanian market, an Audi A5 with a combustion engine starts at around 43,100 euros (VAT included) for the basic petrol version. On the other hand, the main electric rival from Bavaria, the BMW i4 (in the eDrive35 version), has a starting price of around 50,200 euros.
Considering that the new A4 e-tron will be a purely electric model developed on a completely new platform (SSP) and equipped with top technologies, it is expected that the base price in Romania will be positioned slightly above current thermal models.
Thus, we estimate that the starting price for the future electric Audi A4 in Romania will be around 52,000 - 55,000 euros (including VAT) for the rear-wheel drive version with standard battery, with the higher variants with quattro all-wheel drive and extended range to exceed 65,000 euros. Obviously, these amounts will be subject to any government subsidies through the Rabla Plus program valid at the time of launch in 2028.