2023 Audi A4 to Get Range-Topping EV and Hybrid RS Model

This current B9-generation Audi A4 is set to be replaced in just a couple of years’ time. With new versions of the BMW 3 Series on sale, a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class on the way, and newcomers from Genesis and Alfa Romeo, Audi needs to update its volume selling A4. With the next-generation, presumably called the B10-generation, the Audi A4 will get its typical suite of gasoline, hybrid, and diesel options, along with a fully-electric version and even a hybrid RS version.

“We already have electrification modules today, from mild hybrids to plug-in hybrids – and we will be focusing even more intensively on electrification in the cars that follow.” said Markus Hoffman, head of Audi R&D.

What’s interesting is that, according to this report from Autocar, the fully-electric Audi A4 e-tron will be the range-topping model and will be built on an entirely different platform. The standard A4 will get a typical scalable architecture but the A4 e-tron will be built on the new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture, the same one that underpins the A6 e-tron. So while it will wear the “A4” nameplate, it will be its own standalone model.

This Audi A4 e-tron will come in two flavors; single-motor and dual-motor. The former will separate the A4 e-tron from its A4-siblings even further, as it will be a rear-mounted motor, giving it rear-wheel drive. That will make it the first rear-wheel drive A4 in history.

There’s also going to be an Audi RS4, which will get around 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, but it’s unclear if it will be a hybrid or a fully-electric model. While we’d prefer the latter, we can see Audi Sport going with the former, as Mercedes-AMG is also using a hybrid powertrain with the next-gen C63.

What’s also unclear is the body style. While the Audi A4 has always traditionally come in two body styles; sedan and wagon (with a convertible sprinkled in here and there). While a sedan and wagon are likely for this electric A4, we don’t know if the sedan will be a hatchback-like coupe, similar to the Audi A5 Sportback and all-new A6 e-tron. We know customers prefer those over traditional sedans, so it might make sense to go that route.

There aren’t any other details, as Audi hasn’t really announced anything officially ye. But we’ll give you more as we have it.

[Source: Autocar]