Every upcoming Audi previewed
Audi is planning to introduce eight new models in the next four years, with some able to travel more than 400 miles on a single charge...
Audi already has a formidable reputation when it comes to electric cars; whether you're looking for an electric SUV like the E-tron, a performance car like the E-tron GT, or something in between, chances are there's an electric Audi to suit your needs. And in the coming years, that range will expand even further.
Here we take a deep dive into everything we know so far about every upcoming Audi, from the next-generation A6 luxury car, to the new TT, and even a self-driving limousine. It's worth noting that these are not updates or facelifts of existing models, either, they are all-new.
Audi Q6 e-tron | Late 2022
A sibling model to the upcoming electric Porsche Macan, the Audi Q6 e-tron will sit between the existing Q4 e-tron and the E-tron SUV in Audi’s lineup.
The Q6 will offer batteries of between 90kWh and 100kWh capacity, providing around 300 miles of range to compete with the BMW iX3. It will also have 800-volt charging capabilities, enabling it to replenish 70% of its charge in 20 minutes from a 270kW charger. While few public chargers can supply that much power right now, more powerful ones are being added all the time.
Its styling will be inspired by the e-tron Quattro concept car from 2017, which featured a large, flat grille, bold haunches, and a tail light bar running the width of the car. Inside, a variety of sustainably sourced materials are used for the interior trim, and you'll find the 10.1in infotainment system from the E-Tron GT performance car,
Expect to pay £55,000 for a Q6, while a coupé version, dubbed the ‘Q6 e-tron Sportback’ will follow in 2023, and should cost from around £60,000. This price thrusts the Q6 into competition with the existing Audi E-tron SUV, the Tesla Model Y, and the iX3.
Audi Q9 | Late 2022
If you’re in the camp that believes bigger is always better, you’ll want to take heed of the Audi Q9. This luxury SUV is set to be the largest, most opulent offering in the brand's history, eclipsing the palatial Audi Q7.
What that means is seating for seven with even more space at the rear than the Land Rover Defender 110, as well a boot large enough to carry all the luggage you could ever need. For reference, the Q7 can take 10 carry-on size suitcases in five-seater mode, with the middle row of seats as far back as it can go.
Engine options will include a 239bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and at least one plug-in hybrid. The 282bhp 3.0-litre diesel from the Q7 (badged ‘50 TDI’) may also be offered for those who need more low-speed grunt, such as for towing a trailer.
Inside the Q9, you’ll find the same 10.1in infotainment system as is featured in the Q4 e-tron electric SUV and the E-tron GT electric performance car; it's a responsive system and features clear graphics. You’re also likely to be treated to high-end materials, including aluminium accents around the centre console, and real leather everywhere else.
Expect to pay around £120,000 for an Audi Q9, placing it in competition with the upcoming Range Rover and the Bentley Bentayga.
Audi A2 e-tron | 2023
The original Audi A2 from the turn of the millennium fell flat on its face for the same reason that you wouldn’t wear a baseball cap to a boardroom meeting. That’s to say that in its day, the utility provided by a relatively affordable small car was perceived as incompatible with the prestige (and cost) of an Audi, so very few people actually bought one.
However, times have changed and the Audi A1 has established itself as one of the few small cars to offer true luxury. Meanwhile, electric cars have demonstrated how beneficial battery power can be for refinement and performance, with the Volkswagen ID.3 – from the same family of brands as Audi – being one of the best of the bunch.
In turn, Audi is set to revive the A2 name plate for a luxurious, small electric car based on the same underpinnings as the aforementioned ID.3. The A2 e-tron will offer between 260 and 340 miles of range, depending on whether you choose its 58kWh or 77kWh battery, and will be able to charge from 10-80% in less than 30 minutes thanks to its 125kW rapid charging capability.
Athletically, it’s likely to be comparable with the ID.3 Pro Performance, which has a 201bhp motor at the rear wheels capable of dispatching 0-60mph in 6.6sec. Meanwhile, the heavier 77kWh ID.3 takes 7.9sec to complete the same sprint.
A high-performance Audi S2 will follow in 2024; it's likely to have four-wheel drive and performance comparable with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 6.2sec.
Styling will be inspired by the Audi AI:ME concept car shown in 2019 (pictured), but scaled down to the size of a Volkswagen Polo. Inside, it’s likely to feature the Audi Q4 e-tron’s 10.1in infotainment touchscreen.
Entry-level 58kWh models of the A2 e-tron should cost around £37,500, which is £4000 more than you'd pay for an ID.3 equipped with the same battery.
Audi A6 e-tron | 2023
Every decade or so, Doctor Who kills off its eponymous main character and ‘regenerates’ them with a fresh face and personality. Audi seems to have taken inspiration from this for its next-generation A6 executive saloon, which is ditching the combustion engine in favour of electric power, as well as taking on a bold new look.
Previewed by last year’s A6 e-tron concept car, it will be capable of more than 435 miles between recharges and be able to charge at rates of up to 270kW – faster than the rival Mercedes EQE. The A6’s performance will also be compelling; entry-level models will be able to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 6.0sec, whereas hotter ‘S’ and ‘RS’ models will cut this down to below the 4.0sec mark.
The new styling will be just as dramatic as the shift to electric power, with soft curves and u-shaped LED headlights replacing the current model’s hard, straight edges. An LED tail light bar will span the rear of the car, and its pattern will be customisable using the infotainment touchscreen.
An estate, or Avant, version will be available from 2024, offering slightly more boot space and rear passenger head room.
Inside, you’ll find the 10.in infotainment touchscreen from the Audi Q4 e-tron, which we like for its clear graphics and quick responses. Sustainable textiles and faux leathers will feature in abundance, with aluminium accents and optional wood panels.
Expect the entry-level saloon to cost £60,000, making it competitive with the EQE, while significantly undercutting the updated Tesla Model S, which will cost from £83,980.
Audi RS6 e-tron | 2023
Sibling rivalries can be drawn-out battles of oneupmanship, and few are more tortuous than the one between Audi and Porsche. 2023 will see Audi level the playing field with a hotter, estate-bodied ‘RS’ version of its upcoming A6 e-tron.
Aimed squarely at the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, the Audi RS6 e-tron is likely to offer around 620bhp and the ability to temporarily boost this to 750bhp, which should yield a 0-62mph time faster than the 3.1sec of the Turbo S. This also exceeds the capabilities of the current Audi RS6 Avant, which completes the same sprint in 3.6sec.
Despite its high power output, the RS6 should still provide a range of more than 300 miles, far surpassing the Taycan Turbo S’ range of 259 miles. As well as lightning-fast straight-line performance, the RS6 will feature the same 270kW charging capabilities as the A6. This matches the Taycan, which can charge from 10-80% in 20 minutes.
The RS6 e-tron is likely to emulate the suspension changes that made the Taycan Cross Turismo such a hit, offering a slightly taller, softer ride than the Audi e-tron GT RS performance car. This additional height made the Cross Turismo feel tailor-made for the broken surfaces of British B-roads, improving ride quality without trading away the sense of connection that made the coupé-bodied Taycan such a hit.
Of course, the estate body means that rear passengers will benefit from additional head room compared with the A6 e-tron saloon, as well as providing slightly more boot space.
Given the extreme performance on offer, expect to pay around £135,000 for an RS6 e-tron, which is £20,000 more than the current RS6. This thrusts it into competition with the upcoming Tesla Model S Plaid at £110,980, and the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo, at £140,360.
Audi TT e-tron | 2024
Twenty-five years after the launch of the original Audi TT coupé, a new version will be launched to usher in the electric era. It will use the same underpinnings as the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 small electric cars, but revised to offer greater power and sportier handling.
These updates mean that the entry-level version of the new TT is likely to send around 250bhp through its rear wheels, enabling it to accelerate from 0-62mph in around 6.1sec. That matches the 2.0-litre version of the current TT roadster, although the new version should have an advantage immediately off the mark, thanks to the instantaneous way that power is delivered by electric motors.
A high-performance ‘RS’ version will continue to be offered, with a 450bhp dual-motor set-up and four-wheel drive. However, the considerable weight of its batteries means that it’s unlikely to beat the current ‘RS’ in a straight line – instead it will likely match that car's 0-62mph time of 3.7sec.
Both models will be capable of at least 250 miles between recharges, thanks to the inclusion of the ID.3’s 58kWh battery as standard. However, those who need more range will welcome the availability of the ID.3’s 77kWh battery as an optional extra, which should allow you to drive more than 300 miles between charges.
Although we praised the ID.3 and Born for their dynamic handling compared with many electric cars, the weight of the new TT’s batteries means it’s unlikely to match the agility of the current model. However, the rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension systems used in the Porsche Taycan could be included on performance versions to improve their sharpness through bends.
The TT’s styling will be inspired by the Audi e-tron GT, with slim LED lights at the front and rear and exaggerated haunches. The same will be true of the interior, which will feature the 10.1in infotainment touchscreen from the GT, and will use textiles that are made from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets.
Expect to pay £40,000 for an entry-level TT, which is more than £6000 dearer than the current version due to the cost of electrification. Although the TT doesn’t have any true rivals, it should offer much greater refinement than the upcoming Toyota GR86 coupé, as well as a more affordable alternative to the dynamic BMW i4.
Audi A9 e-tron | 2026
It’s all well and good driving a luxury car to communicate your success, but what are the Jeff Bezos' and Bill Gates' of the world supposed to drive to suit the absurdity of their wealth? Now there’s an answer in the form of the Audi A9 e-tron, which is poised to set surreal new standards of opulence.
For starters, you won’t even have to drive yourself around in the A9. It’s billed to be capable of driving autonomously where it is legal and safe to do so, meaning the on-board computers take complete control of the car. In this mode, the steering wheel, pedals, and instruments fold away into the dashboard, completely relinquishing control.
When the A9 is in its autonomous mode, the infotainment software is projected across the width of the dashboard and can be controlled using eye tracking technology or hand gestures recorded by a variety of sensors. You’ll be able to watch films, browse the internet, or even join video meetings while the car drives itself, effectively turning the A9 into a boardroom on wheels.
That’s no overstatement, either: the Grandsphere concept previewing the A9 is palatial inside, offering more space than the stretched ‘L’ version of the current Audi A8, but only four seats. Expect it to be finished with sustainably-sourced wood and a variety of synthetic leathers.
Thanks to a range of up to 466 miles, you’ll be able to conduct some very long meetings indeed. You won’t even have to pause for very long when you run out of charge, because the A9 will be capable of charging at rates up to 270kW. This will allow for a 75% recharge in just 25 minutes, as long as you can find a suitably fast charger.
The excess continues in the performance department; a 711bhp dual-motor setup will allow the A9 to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in less than 4.0sec, despite its titanic weight.
And to counteract that heft through corners, it’ll feature the rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension that make the Porsche Taycan such an engaging performance car.
Such indulgences won’t come cheap; the A9 is likely to cost more than £300,000, which far exceeds the cost of more conventional luxury cars such as the Mercedes EQS.
This is due to the high cost of developing the self-driving technology and the futuristic infotainment controls, as well as the high predicted rates of inflation for the years leading up to the A9’s release. Such a price would likely place the A9 e-tron between the next-generation versions of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Audi e-tron Roadster | 2026
The upcoming Audi e-tron Roadster is based on the same concept as a Balenciaga or Gucci tracksuit; it takes the underpinnings from the hyper-luxurious A9 e-tron and turns them into an athletic – yet still suitably posh – accessory for the mega-wealthy.
This means it will feature the same self-driving capabilities as the A9, as well as its ability to fold the driving controls away while doing so. However, the Roadster has an additional party trick; it can adjust the distance between its front and rear wheels (known as the wheelbase) on the fly to suit the style of driving you want to do.
For example, ‘GT’ mode will extend the wheelbase to a similar length to the Audi A8 L luxury car, to provide additional leg room and greater stability at speed. ‘Sports’ mode will do the opposite; constricting the Roadster to the size of the current Audi RS6 to boost agility, but at a cost to leg room.
The Roadster will use the same 711bhp dual-motor setup as the A9, but its smaller size will limit its battery capacity. However, its range will still exceed 300 miles, and you’ll still be able to recharge at 270kW.
The Roadster’s styling will be inspired by luxury convertibles from the 1930s, blended with the design of the Audi Skysphere concept car shown in 2021, with an extensive bonnet and a tightly tapered rear end.
Prices are likely to start at an eye-watering £350,000.
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