Last hurrah of the ICE
Since the August 2019 wild rumor that Audi was considering switching from the MLB platform and its longitudinally mounted engines to the ubiquitous MQB of the A4, we haven’t heard much information about the next A4. This would have saved the Four Rings $1 billion but was scrapped. Oliver Hoffman, the head of technical developments, confirmed that the A4 would stick to MLB.
Hoffman revealed that the next generation of gasoline- and diesel-powered combustion engines will power the A4. Ingolstadt’s Markus Duesmann, Audi boss, stated earlier this year that ICE development has ended. This effectively means that the A4 will be powered by the last generation of combustion engines.
Audi already announced that it will begin production of its last model powered by a combustion engine in 2025. This new model will have a life span of 2033. Hoffman stated that the new A4 would arrive in the middle of the decade. He also said that “we will launch some model a lot sooner [than 2025].”. Hoffman was most likely referring to both the A6 and the two sedans that will be available “for many years” before Audi switches to electric vehicles.
Hoffman continues to state that the new gasoline engines and diesel engines will be the “best we have ever launched.” He also stated that the powertrains will include “more electrification” to comply with the regulations. For the regular models, expect an upgraded 48-volt mild hybrid system and a larger rear mounted battery pack for plug-in hybrid.
Audi’s head for technical development said that an electric A4 was possible, but not on the MLB platform because that would be a compromise in terms of packaging. It could instead be built around the Porsche PPE platform, which Audi has co-developed. Audi is “really pleased to have a strong partnership with Porsche for PPE [platform].” Next year, the new bespoke electric platform with the Macan EV will be unveiled along with the Q6 Etron and the Macan EV. A A6 Etron Sportback is likely to follow suit to go alongside the ICE-powered A6 Sedan.
According to Markus Duesmann, company boss, the next A4 and A6 will continue to be available until the end the decade. This was stated in an interview with Germany’s Manager magazine.