New Audi A4 to bring next-gen tech and TT-inspired look

He added cryptically that “it will be a future Audi car on a future platform”, later confirming that the architecture, specifically, will be the new SSP skateboard that will be rolled out across the whole Volkswagen Group.

This means it won’t be launched before 2028, which is when that new platform will start to underpin production cars from all Volkswagen Group brands – including the next Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia, and a new flagship Cupra SUV based on the recently revealed Tindaya concept.

It also means the electric A4 will be largely technically unrelated to the existing A6 E-tron, which uses the PPE platform that Audi developed in collaboration with Porsche.

Originally, it was expected that the two executive models would be largely identical under the skin – as has always been the case with the ICE-powered A4 and A6. But moving onto the newer hardware will enable the A4 EV to better compete with the electric 3 Series and C-Class, which will also use their respective manufacturers’ highly advanced new architectures.

No VW Group brand has given explicit details about their engineering targets for SSP-based cars, so it’s not yet clear exactly how far the A4 E-tron will move the game on in terms of performance. But the upcoming C-Class and 3 Series EVs will have roughly 500-mile ranges, the ability to charge at more than 300kW and four-wheel-drive range-toppers with power outputs in the mid-400s, so expect the Audi to be comparably specified.

Audi's Rivian-powered new era

Beyond its raw technical capabilities, SSP is important for the step-change it will bring in computing capabilities, with Audi preparing to use the platform as the basis for its first cars with a software stack developed by Volkswagen Group technical partner Rivian.

The Volkswagen ID 1, due for launch in 2027, will be the first production car to use Rivian elements, but Audi will be the first Volkswagen Group brand to bring cars to market with a complete software architecture developed in partnership with the Californian outfit – and the electric A4 is highly likely to be one of them.

That’s because “Audi has the highest requirements when it comes to functionality”, said Döllner. In addition, the heightened efficiencies and reduced complexity brought by the new technology will tie into the German brand’s push for clearer and simpler operations.

“It’s 2028 when we’ll see [the Rivian software] in the market. We are heavily working on it with the Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture, building up mules right now and working intensively together, so the fi rst cars are already on their way,” Döllner told Autocar.

He revealed that the technology will be introduced in a pair of all-new cars – “if you take a step like that, you do it in a new platform” – which will occupy different market segments.

“From there, we’ll roll it out from these two models, step by step, to the complete line-up,” said Döllner.

He gave no clues to what these first two models will be but said the Rivian stack will have significant implications for the production and capabilities of next-generation Audis.

“It means for us, first of all, reducing complexity,” he said. “In developing the car, we will have much leaner and faster processes in the way we develop the car.

“Over-the-air updates are an integral part of that strategy, so we are more flexible to add functionality or to fix things that are maybe imperfect, and it also helps us to focus our organisation: that software-defined architecture also brings complexity reduction.”

Concept C sets the tone

Audi’s development of a new software-defined family of vehicles comes as it renews its focus on traditional physical controls in pursuit of greater usability – as demonstrated by the new Concept C show car.

The two approaches would seem at odds with each other, but Döllner said digital and analogue elements “fit together perfectly”.