Audi confirms no new combustion engines as it heads towards an all-electric 2035

Audi is gearing up for an electric-only future and has no plans to develop any new internal combustion engines. The confirmation was given by Markus Duesmann, the German manufacturer’s Chief Executive Officer, in comments to the German publication Automobilewoche.

From now on, Duesmann says Audi will restrict itself to updating its existing diesel and petrol units so they continue to meet ever-tighter emissions regulations.

Audi will not develop any new internal combustion engines

Duesmann was unequivocal and left no room for doubt: “We will not develop any new internal combustion engine, but we will adapt our existing internal combustion engines to the new emissions guidelines”.

To justify the move, he pointed to the increasingly demanding requirements coming from the European Union and took a distinctly critical view of the Euro 7 standard, which is expected to come into force in 2025-arguing that the environment has little to gain from the decision.

Electric offensive on the way

Looking ahead, the Ingolstadt brand will gradually phase out combustion engines across its line-up and replace them with fully electric powertrains. In doing so, it will follow through on the objective announced in 2020: to offer a catalogue of 20 electric models by 2025.

After the e-tron SUV (and e-tron Sportback) and the e-tron GT sports saloon, the next arrival is the Audi Q4 e-tron-a compact electric SUV that will be unveiled to the world in April. It is due to reach the Portuguese market in May, with prices starting from 44 700 EUR.

Audi Q4 e-tron as the entry point to Audi electric mobility

Speaking to Automobilewoche, Duesmann said the Q4 e-tron “will be affordable for many people” and that it will act as a “gateway to Audi’s electric mobility”. The German brand’s boss went further, expressing strong confidence in the next all-electric model: “It will sell well and deliver significant numbers”.

Fully electric Audi by 2035

In January this year, quoted by Wirtschafts Woche, Duesmann had already indicated that Audi is determined to discontinue the production of internal combustion engines-petrol or diesel-within 10 to 15 years. This effectively means the Ingolstadt marque could become an all-electric manufacturer as early as 2035.

W12 swansong and the return of the Horch name

However, according to Motor1, before Audi says a complete farewell to internal combustion engines, there will still be the W12 engine’s swansong. Reportedly, it will “bring to life” an ultra-luxurious version of the A8, reviving the Horch designation-an upmarket German car brand founded by August Horch at the start of the 20th century, which was part of Auto Union alongside Audi, DKW and Wanderer.

Source: Automobilewoche.