Three New Electric Audi’s On The Way
Volkswagen recently revealed their newest all-electric vehicle called the ID.3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month and it seems like they’re not done yet. A new electric model is on the way and it’s expected to be built on a larger platform called the MEB platform. Audi will also be getting their hands on this platform and are expected to build three new electric models from it.
Volkswagen has invested billions into researching and developing their electric vehicle technology and it wouldn’t make sense for them not to share this with other manufacturers under the Volkswagen umbrella. Just last week Bentley made their first deliveries of the new Bentley Bentayga Hybrid and Audi South Africa revealed the all-new Audi etron SUV at the 2019 Festival of Motoring in Kyalami, so it’s pretty evident that the Volkswagen Group are taking the offensive in the emerging electric vehicle market.
Audi’s strategy is to have a 20-model strong electric vehicle product range by 2025. The etron was the first electric model to break cover and will most likely be followed by the etron GT which was revealed as a concept last year. The next model to arrive will be the Audi Q4, along with its ‘sportier’ form as well as a ‘sedan’ form. A quick look at the recent Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback indicate that the sportier Q4 will indeed be a Sportback version, while the sedan will most likely be similar to the Audi A4. All three models will be built on the MEB platform, meaning that they will all be electric.
The MEB platform has been engineered specifically for electric vehicle production. It makes no accommodation for internal combustion engines, instead prioritising floor-mounted battery packs. This brings the benefit of improved interior space. In fact, one of Audi’s designers revealed that they were able to create Q5 levels of space in a vehicle the size of a Q3. The floor mounted batteries also reduce the centre of gravity in these vehicles and the electric motors are much more compact that internal combustion engines.
FAQ
Q: When will Audi's three new electric models be available in South Africa?
Audi plans to launch the Q4, Q4 Sportback, and Q4 sedan by 2025 as part of their 20-model electric vehicle strategy, though South African availability typically follows global launches by 12 to 18 months.
Q: What is the MEB platform and how does it benefit Audi's electric vehicles?
The MEB platform is Volkswagen Group's dedicated electric vehicle architecture that prioritises floor-mounted battery packs and eliminates space for combustion engines, allowing Audi to create Q5 levels of interior space in smaller vehicle packages.
Q: How much will Audi's new electric Q4 models cost in South Africa?
While official pricing hasn't been announced, expect the Q4 to start around R950,000, the Q4 Sportback around R1,050,000, and the Q4 sedan around R1,150,000 based on Audi's current electric vehicle pricing strategy and the etron's R1,600,000 starting price.
Q: Are Audi's new electric models worth buying over the existing etron?
The upcoming Q4 models will likely offer better value than the current etron, with similar technology at lower price points and more practical sizing for South African conditions, making them more accessible entry points into Audi's electric lineup.
Should You Buy It?
Hold off on buying an Audi etron right now and wait for the Q4 models arriving by 2025. The best electric Audi under R1,200,000 in SA will be the upcoming Q4, which promises Q5 levels of space with cutting-edge MEB platform technology at a much more reasonable price point than the current R1,600,000 etron. Unless you absolutely need an electric Audi today, patience will reward you with better value, more practical sizing, and the latest electric drivetrain technology that Volkswagen Group has spent billions developing.
