Audi is taking the opposite approach in 2026, gearing up for a major wave of new products kicking off this year and extending well into the next several years. We've already gotten a glimpse of some of what's coming, like the new RS5 and the updated Q4. But there's plenty more on the way that we haven't seen yet—including a few SUVs Audi is hoping will make a real dent in the competitive three-row segment.
Some of these models won't arrive until later in the year, but the first wave of Audi's new lineup is just a few weeks away. Here's what's coming. European readers might remember the A2. If not, here's the quick rundown: the original Audi A2 was a quirky, ultra-efficient compact family car that launched in 2000 and built a loyal following before ending production in 2005.
Now, Audi is bringing the name back with a similar focus on efficiency. This time around, though, the A2 returns as a compact electric vehicle under the E-Tron banner, with design cues inspired by the original's distinctive look. Like the first model, it's expected to be a Europe-focused product, so don't expect to see it in the US. It should ride on Volkswagen Group's MEB or MEB+ platform, with battery options likely ranging from around 58.0 to 79.0 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to approximately 200-280 miles of range.
View Price on AmazonEven though the market has cooled a bit, Audi isn't backing away from China—in fact, it's doubling down. Or rather, AUDI is, as it's branded locally. The company launched its first EV there last year, the E5 Sportback, and now a second model is on the way. The E7X is a fully electric SUV developed through Audi's joint venture with SAIC. It shares a lot with the E5 Sportback, including its design language and powertrain, using an advanced 900-volt system that delivers up to 670 horsepower and roughly 290 miles of range on the US cycle.
The new RS5 is finally here, and it's a big step up from the standard S5, which didn't exactly set the world on fire. The RS5 gets a serious performance boost thanks to a plug-in hybrid setup built around a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 paired with a 25.9-kilowatt-hour battery. Combined, it produces 603 horsepower and 608 lb-ft of torque. One of the best parts? It comes in two body styles—a sharp sedan and a stunning wagon.
Whether the wagon makes it to the US is still up in the air, but we're keeping our fingers crossed. The RS5 should go on sale in just a few months, though pricing hasn't been announced yet—and it won't be cheap. Even after an unfortunate prototype crash during Nürburgring testing, the next RS6 still looks like it's shaping up to be something special. It's expected to stick with Audi's iconic twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, likely paired with some form of hybrid assistance. Output could push past 700 horsepower.
And just like the RS5, there's a chance we'll see multiple body styles, possibly including a sedan alongside the traditional wagon—especially with the S7 and RS7 being phased out. Expect a debut in the coming months. The Q4 E-Tron quietly lives on, now updated for the 2027 model year. It's still a Europe-only model, but it remains one of Audi's more popular compact EVs there. Updates include a larger battery, now up to 185.0 kilowatt-hours, along with faster charging—going from 10 to 80 percent in about 27 minutes.
Source: motor1.com
