Audi Plans All-Electric A4 e-tron Rival
Audi's CEO confirmed development of an electric A4 built on a new Volkswagen Group electrical platform, with launch reportedly slipping to 2029.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Audi is developing an all-electric A4 e-tron to compete with the BMW i3 and Mercedes C-Class Electric. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the project, which is reportedly delayed from 2028 to 2029.
Why it matters
The electric A4 is positioned as a key priority for Audi as it competes against established electric rivals in the premium segment. Its arrival would extend Audi's electric lineup while testing its new platform approach.
The BMW i3 (2026) lists 441 miles of range and 300kW peak charging, and the Mercedes C-Class Electric (2026) lists 452 miles and 330kW, benchmarks Audi has yet to match or publicly target. Audi has not disclosed the A4 e-tron's range, charging rate or battery capacity.
The players
Audi
Audi is a German luxury automaker and a brand of the Volkswagen Group, known for its premium sedans and SUVs.
Gernot Döllner
Gernot Döllner is the chief executive of Audi, leading the company's product and electrification strategy.
Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group is a German multinational automotive conglomerate that owns Audi and developed the Scalable Systems Platform.
The details
The new model will be the first Audi built on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a new electrical architecture developed by parent Volkswagen Group. The platform draws on technology from the group's partnership with Rivian and is designed to improve efficiency, performance and software integration.
Timeline
2028: Original anticipated launch year for the electric A4.
2029: Reported revised arrival year for the electric A4.
End of the decade: Expected debut window for the Audi A4 e-tron.
2026: BMW i3 and Mercedes C-Class Electric models are on sale.
Roadmap
The electric A4 is the first Audi to ride on the Scalable Systems Platform, the electrical architecture Volkswagen Group developed with technology from its Rivian partnership. Audi is positioning the model against the BMW i3 and Mercedes C-Class Electric as premium brands race to electrify their core sedans.
Buyers considering a premium electric sedan will have another option from Audi, though pricing is expected between £50,000 and £70,000 and exact specifications are not yet public. The BMW i3 starts at £47,925 and the Mercedes C-Class Electric at £57,995 as current benchmarks.
The takeaway
Premium buyers comparing electric sedans should weigh range and charging speed against upcoming Audi specifications once they are released. Waiting for the 2029 timeline may allow more complete data before deciding.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Electric Vehicles section for context on rival premium electric models.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Whatcar.
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