Audi U-Turns on 2033 ICE Ban – Petrol Lives On
Big news is coming from the house of Audi! The German luxury carmaker has officially reversed its decision to stop producing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2033. This is a major change in strategy, especially after it previously declared that it would end the development of new ICE models by 2026. But now, Audi’s new CEO, Gernot Dollner, has confirmed that the brand will continue to develop and sell ICEs as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for the foreseeable future.
Let’s break down everything you need to know in a simple way.
Why Did Audi Change Its Plan?
Audi initially planned to move to an all-electric future, but that idea has now been put on hold. CEO Gernot Dollner says the main reason for this change is “powertrain flexibility.” According to him, EV adoption is progressing slower than expected, and many global markets still demand traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. So, rather than push only electric vehicles (EVs), Audi is choosing to offer a variety of powertrains to suit different regions and customer needs.
What Models Will Still Have ICE Engines?
Audi has confirmed that new ICE and plug-in hybrid models are already in development and will continue to be manufactured at least until 2033 or beyond. Some of the upcoming models include:
| Model | Powertrain Options |
|---|---|
| Audi A5 | Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid |
| Audi Q5 | Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid |
| Audi Q3 (New) | Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid |
| Audi RS6 (New) | V8 Plug-in Hybrid, Full EV |
The Q3 and A3 will now serve as the entry-level models, as Audi has decided not to bring back the smaller Q2 and A1.
No Electric A3-Sized Model For Now
Another big takeaway is that Audi has no plans to release an all-electric model the size of the A3. This means Audi won’t be building its own version of the Volkswagen ID.2 or Skoda Epiq, which are small EVs in the same segment.
High-Performance RS Line to Get Hybrid and Electric
Even the high-performance Audi RS models will be part of this new strategy. For example, the upcoming fifth-generation RS6 will have both a plug-in hybrid V8 version and a fully electric version. Here’s what you can expect:
| RS6 Version | Platform Used | Power Output Estimate |
| RS6 Plug-in V8 | Premium Platform Combustion | Up to 740hp (borrowed from Porsche) |
| RS6 E-tron | Premium Platform Electric | Approx. 551hp (dual motor setup) |
The RS6 E-tron will use the same 94.8kWh battery as the A6 E-tron, but with a performance tune for higher output.
Porsche Technology Might Be Used
Audi is expected to borrow hybrid systems from Porsche to make the RS6 plug-in hybrid compatible with future Euro 7 emission norms. These could be the same setups used in the:
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo E (740hp)
- Porsche Panamera Turbo S E (782hp)
These setups offer extreme performance. For example, the Panamera does 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 325 km/h.
What This Means for Audi Fans
This move shows that Audi is listening to market demand. Not everyone is ready to switch to EVs, and Audi is making sure its customers still have options. If you love the sound of a V8 engine or want the practicality of a hybrid without going fully electric, Audi has got you covered.
Summary Table: Audi’s New Powertrain Strategy
| Strategy Focus | Details |
| ICE Development | Continues at least until 2033 |
| Plug-in Hybrids | New models to launch by 2026 |
| EV Development | Will continue, but not the only focus |
| RS Performance Models | Both hybrid and electric versions to be offered |
| Entry-Level Models | Q3 and A3, no A1 or Q2 replacements |
| Tech Sharing | Likely hybrid tech from Porsche for high-performance |
Final Thoughts
Audi’s decision to continue with ICE and hybrid vehicles shows that the transition to electric vehicles will take time. It’s clear that Audi wants to offer flexible solutions that work in all parts of the world. Whether you’re a fan of roaring V8 engines or smooth and silent EVs, Audi aims to cater to everyone.
So, if you were worried about losing your favorite petrol-powered Audi, you can relax. The brand is far from saying goodbye to the combustion engine. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the four rings!
