The Audi A4 e-tron already has a release date: the rival to the BMW i3 will debut on Volkswagen’s new SSP platform

Currently, Germany’s three top-tier premium brands (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) are represented in the D-SUV segment with three electric models: the Q6 e-tron, the iX3, and the GLC Electric. All of them feature 800-volt architectures that allow them to charge from 10% to 80% in just over 20 minutes, along with ranges exceeding 600 km according to WLTP standards.

Interestingly, while BMW and Mercedes-Benz also offer electric sedans in the D segment (the i3 and the Electric Class C), Audi does not yet have an equivalent model. It appears that the four-ring brand has been working on an A4 e-tron for some time to compete with its rivals; however, its release will be later than initially planned.

All indications suggest that the Audi A4 e-tron will be the first vehicle to feature Volkswagen Group’s new SSP platform, an architecture designed to replace both the MEB used in the A2 e-tron and Q4 e-tron, as well as the PPE used in the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron. This platform will be software-defined and bring numerous advancements in terms of cost savings, performance, and onboard technology.

Earlier this summer, Audi’s head of technical development, Rouven Mohr, confirmed that the A4 e-tron would arrive in 2028; however, some German media outlets are now reporting that production has been delayed to spring 2029. This delay is due to the difficulties Volkswagen is facing in developing the SSP platform.

The SSP platform will be used in most of Volkswagen’s future electric cars

Since this platform is meant to support most of the group’s electric vehicles, it needs to be highly flexible and capable of handling 400- and 800-volt systems, various body types, and different lengths... It will also feature a zonal electrical architecture developed in collaboration with Rivian. Due to the ambition of this platform, its development keeps facing delays.

Therefore, once the Audi A4 e-tron hits the market, its two main competitors will already have been on sale for three years. As such, the company will not only need to match their specifications but also surpass them. With the BMW i3 claiming a maximum range of 906 km WLTP and the Mercedes-Benz electric Class C offering around 800 km WLTP, the team in Ingolstadt will have to go all out.

All indications suggest that the SSP will first be applied to models with high sales volumes, likely aimed at maximizing economies of scale. In addition to the Audi A4 e-tron, it will also be used in the fifth-generation Skoda Octavia, as well as in the Volkswagen ID. Golf and ID. Roc. For CUPRA, it is expected to be used in the Tindaya, along with the new generations of the León and Formentor.

Source | Automobile Propre