Audi recently concluded its annual press conference in Ingolstadt just a few days ago, where it laid out some of its plans for 2018 and beyond. According to Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi, the carmaker will “continue the biggest model initiative in its history in 2018,” which was kickstarted by the debut of the all-new A8 and A7 Sportback.
This year already saw the reveal of the latest A6, which features the brand’s 48 V mild hybrid technology like its other four-door siblings. Later in the year, the A6 Sedan will be joined by Avant and allroad quattro version later in the year. In other sedan-related news, the A8 line-up will be expanded to include e-tron plug-in hybrid and W12-powered variants.
Next up is the Q8, a model that was first previewed by the similarly-named concept near the start of 2017 (and the Q8 sport concept later one). The big SUV has already been sighted in prototype form on numerous occasions, and will celebrate its global premiere in Shanghai in June this year.
The second-generation Q3 was also mentioned, which will replace the current model that first entered production in 2011. The carmaker says the compact SUV is one of its growth drivers especially in markets like China and America, and expects the new one to replicate the success.
Other models in the pipeline, which may or may not be launched in 2018, include the SQ2, a high-performance version of the Q2. For the Chinese market, the Q2 and Q5 will both be offered as long-wheelbase versions. It’s clear Audi is going big with SUVs, as it wants every other Audi delivered to a customer to be an SUV by 2025.
To attract younger customers, there will be a new generation for the A1, the brand’s supermini model that first broke cover in 2010. As with other upcoming Audi models, there have been numerous sightings of the new A1, which is said to ride on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform (shared with the Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo).
Electrification will also be a major focus for Audi, and aside from the above-mentioned A8 e-tron, the carmaker will also introduce the plug-in hybrid Q5 e-tron. Lest we forget, Audi’s first production car with fully electric drive, previewed by e-tron SUV prototypes, will debut later in August. “The first five electric cars from our brand will include two sports utility vehicles and two sports activity vehicles,” said Peter Mertens, member of the board of management of Audi AG.
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Audi sales have gone to single digits in Malaysia per month. Malaysians finally realise, they are buying an overpriced VW in disguise.
Nearly every part of the Audi uses VW parts. Why pay premium prices for a VW???
Dei Rajoo, did they say anywhere here about the Malaysian market? Audi is the world’s 3rd biggest luxury car maker. Bigger than Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and Volvo. Im sure they know better what segment works and what doesnt in the global market? Thats what the article is talking about. Stick to the facts.
Rani , no need to global my friend , stick to the facts Audi sales in Malaysia not so good , no need to bising bising , go to Mudah , buy Audi A4 , after 1 years sure you menangis
and yet there are so many recond audis for sale. and i can see so many audi on the road in KL every day. looks like there is strong demand by customers for audi in malaysia .
And I don’t understand why some ppl can choose to buy those ugly and dangerous shoe box alphad and velfir at such ridiculous high price
Simple, because they can afford it and you can’t :)
hahahaha , because only Alphard & Vellfire can sumbat many people inside the car , no body know because of the super dark tinted that’s why some people choose to buy it one more I hear Alphard & Vellfire will join Decepticon in new Transformer movie