The luxury electric vehicle decline is real; ask Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and more recently Audi can be added to the list as well. However, while Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin are working on new combustion engines, Audi is yet to comment on that front, even though the A5 series is making its global debut tomorrow, i.e July 16.
So what is exactly going on, then? Audi says that since the arrival of the newer models on the PPE platform shared with Porsche, there has been a decline in demand for the Q8 e-tron. Additionally, Audi says it is facing challenges in re-tooling the Brussels plant due to structural difficulties, which may also lead to a ‘cessation of operations if no alternative is found’, thereby halting production of its electric flagship, the Q8 e-tron. However, it is important to note that no official decision has been taken yet, and more news will follow soon.
Meanwhile, Audi is likely to introduce the Q6 e-tron in India sometime later this year. The Q6 e-tron was unveiled recently, and it shares the PPE platform with the Porsche Macan EV, which was also launched not too long ago. The Q6 e-tron could also possibly be assembled in India.
On the global front, the Audi A6 e-tron will also make its debut not too long after the A5 that’s coming tomorrow, while a new-generation Q5 will be uncovered towards the end of this year. While both these models will eventually make it to India, Audi is yet to comment on the launch timelines. Audi is also said to be working on a Q2 e-tron, but these reports remain unverified for now. However, the car maker does say it will launch more than 20 new models between 2024 and 2025, over 10 of which will be all-electric.
We drove the updated Audi Q8 e-tron a while back; here’s our review if you’re interested!
