Audi is currently facing a decline in sales, with an 11.8% drop in 2022 and a 4.8% decline in the first nine months of 2023. Despite launching several new models, including the A5, Q5, and A6, the company has not seen a rebound in sales. However, Audi is not giving up and has a slew of new models planned for 2026, including the next-generation Q7, the first-ever Q9, and an entry-level electric car.
The Q7 and Q9 will feature combustion engines, with the possibility of TDI versions in Europe. The entry-level electric car will be a pseudo A2 revival and will be positioned below the Q4 E-Tron. These new models will not feature Audi’s new design language, which was introduced by the Concept C, but will instead retain the current styling theme.
In addition to new models, Audi is also planning to launch RS derivatives for existing cars. The RS5 is likely to be one of the first, and it will probably feature a V-6 engine with a plug-in hybrid setup. The RS6 could also appear in 2026, possibly with a larger V-8 engine. However, there are rumors that the RS6 E-Tron may not happen due to weak sales potential.
Audi has also walked back its earlier plan to go fully electric by 2033, and will instead continue to offer a mix of combustion-engine and electric vehicles. CEO Gernot Döllner has suggested that internal combustion engine (ICE) models could remain in production well into the next decade. This approach is likely a smart one, given the uncertainty of the market and the divided preferences of customers.
Audi’s product onslaught is far from over, with the production version of the Concept C sports car expected to arrive in 2027. The company is also planning to launch high-performance RS models, which will offer maximum driving dynamics. While the details of these models are still scarce, it is clear that Audi is committed to offering a range of options to its customers.
Overall, Audi is taking a pragmatic approach to the changing market, recognizing that customers want a choice between combustion-engine and electric vehicles. By offering a range of models and powertrains, Audi hopes to appeal to a wide range of customers and reverse its declining sales trend.