The return of the Audi A4 is delayed, and we know why.
Problems continue to pile up at Volkswagen Group, delaying the introduction of new models. The latest victim is the Audi A4.
Originally promised as a 100% electric model, the return of the Audi A4 is turning into a long-running saga. The German brand’s new sedan was supposed to arrive in 2028, but the timeline has slipped to 2029.
The delay is particularly concerning for the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer when compared to its competitors. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz already have models in this segment, such as the new i3 and Classe C. By the time the A4 arrives, these two rivals will have three years of an advantage in the market.
According to Autocar, this delay has several causes. These include issues with the development of the new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), as well as some technical changes required by Audi.
A platform full of challenges
Although it is not the sole reason for this delay, the SSP platform is at the heart of the problems. Introduced in 2021, this 800 V electric architecture was designed to serve various brands and segments within the Volkswagen Group, gradually replacing the MEB and PPE platforms, as well as the MLB and MQB platforms that underpin models with internal combustion engines.
The initial plan called for production to begin in 2026. At that time, the group estimated that over 40 million cars could eventually use this architecture. However, development issues have already caused delays of at least three years.
Among the main obstacles are the difficulties faced by Cariad, the group’s software division, in developing a common operating system and electronic architecture. This situation forced Volkswagen to turn to the American company Rivian to develop essential software and electronics components for future models sold outside China.
ADVERTISING
The Audi A4 was replaced by the A5, but this only happened within the brand’s lineup. On the used car market, there are over 350 A4s available.
Audi’s Requirements Don’t Help
But software issues don’t explain everything. According to the British newspaper, Audi demanded significant changes to the SSP version intended for the new A4, to ensure a driving position, interior proportions, and comfort level that are closer to what is expected in a sedan of this segment.
One of the changes involves creating dedicated areas for the feet of front and rear passengers, instead of a completely flat floor as typically found in electric vehicles with dedicated platforms. This solution forced engineers to reconsider the layout of the battery and other high-voltage electrical components.
The brand also required a 48 V electrical system, instead of the 12 V originally planned. The higher voltage allows for greater electrical capacity to power more powerful computers and other electronic systems, but it also necessitated additional changes to the architecture developed in collaboration with Rivian.
The result is a more complex platform and a longer development timeline. This is a problem for Audi, as it delays the return of one of its most iconic models due to these issues.