Audi at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2024: Innovation at the Rendezvous

• Audi held its Press Conference at the 2024 Motor Show 
• First speech for Robert BRESCHKOW, General Manager Audi France, since he took office last June 
• Passion & Innovation, Audi Sport novelties, presentation of electrified combustion models and 100% electric models: the “best of all three worlds” 
• New PPE platforms, PPC, new products in the range, with the highlight of the World Premiere of the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron 

[source: Audi France]

Roissy-en-France, France – Audi crowned its presence at the 2024 Paris Motor Show with an exceptional Press Conference, hosted by Robert Breschkow, Managing Director of Audi France, and Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the AUDI AG Board in charge of innovation and connected vehicles. The brand with the four rings has unveiled a sample of the 20 new models expected by 2026, all innovative and efficient, illustrating its commitment to sustainable and technological mobility and in perfect agreement with Ingolstadt’s signature “Vorsprung durch Technik “. 

Innovative and Efficient Models 

Audi presented several flagship models that embody the future of the automobile: 

• Audi A5: A fusion of the Audi A4 and the Audi A5, now known as the Audi A5 and A5 Avant, this new Audi A5 combines performance with advanced technology. It is equipped with MHEV+ (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) engines that allow for more environmentally friendly driving while offering a dynamic and sporty driving experience. PHEV engines will arrive on the market in 2025, offering up to 120 km range in full electric. The Audi A5’s assertive design and premium proportions make it a road sedan that perfectly embodies Audi design with cutting-edge technology for a completely reimagined dynamic feel. 
• Audi Q5: A compact and high-performance SUV, theAudi Q5 is equipped with the latest innovations in connectivity and safety, like the rest of the range, such as the recent Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A5, including E3 architecture. This new generation already offers MHEV+ engines, while PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) engines will arrive on the market in 2025. The Audi Q5 combines power, precision and driving pleasure, while reducing CO2 emissions thanks to its hybridization. 
• Audi A6 e-tron: This luxury electric sedan offers a remarkable range of 750 km thanks to its optimized aerodynamics (Cx of 0.21). The new Audi A6 e-tron rethinks the large family sedan segment with more than 500 horsepower in the “S6 e-tron” version, lightning fast charging times and a new interior philosophy that is more digital and connected than ever. 
• Audi Q6 e-tron: A spacious and versatile electric SUV, designed on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform. It offers an extended range of more than 600 km and a dynamic driving experience. The Audi Q6 e-tron is equipped with a 100 kWh battery  and an impressive 270 kW charging capacity, thanks to its 800V technology, allowing for fast and efficient charging. 
• Audi RS e-tron GT performance: A 100% electric high-performance GT, combining an exceptional 925 horsepower with a sophisticated design and cutting-edge technologies. TheAudi RS e-tron GT performance is the most powerful Audi ever produced, offering an unrivalled driving experience thanks to its new suspension that ensures an ideal balance between comfort and driving dynamics. This sporty model is based on an 800 V electric architecture and a charging capacity of 320 kW, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes. 

These vehicles are built on the new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) and PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) platforms, symbols of Audi’s commitment to sustainable and high-performance mobility. 

A world premiere: Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron 

Audi also presented the world premiere of the all-new Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron. This revolutionary model embodies the brand’s vision of electromobility with bold design and cutting-edge technologies. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron is distinguished by: 

• Range: An impressive range of more than 650 km, allowing long journeys without worrying about frequent charging. 
• Design: A powerful and exclusive design, with sporty and elegant lines that reinforce its premium character. 
• Power: Engine power of up to 516 horsepower, on the SQ6 Sportback e-tron quattro version, offering dynamic performance and a responsive ride. 
• Fast charging: A fast charging capacity of 270 kW combined with a 100 kWh battery, like its sister model (the Audi Q6 SUV e-tron) and the Audi A6 e-tron. 

This model perfectly embodies Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” philosophy, combining innovation, performance and sustainability. 

The best of 3 worlds 

Audi stands out for its ability to offer solutions adapted to the three main types of energy: all-electric, all-combustion and mild or plug-in hybridization. 

• All-Electric: Models like the Audi A6 e-tron or Audi Q6 e-tron are built on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform. This platform, developed in collaboration with Porsche, optimizes all-electric with increased fuel efficiency, impressive range, and exceptional charging and driving performance. Benefits include a 50% reduction in energy consumption and a 30% increase in power compared to previous generations, and record ranges. 
• The combustion engine and traditional energies: Audi continues to offer high-performance and innovative combustion models. The new products presented at this conference include the new Audi A5 and the new Audi Q5. In addition, recent launches such as the Audi A3 and the recent Audi RS 3 continue to make the brand’s history and reinforce its iconic image. The Audi RS 3 is particularly famous for its mythical 5-cylinder engine, which offers a unique sound and exceptional performance, especially in the latest restyled livery. 
• Mild or Plug-in Hybridization: The PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) platform is dedicated to combustion models, integrating cutting-edge technologies to offer an unparalleled driving experience. Companion models, such as the new Audi A5 and the new Audi Q5, are designed to offer different degrees of electrification: mild (MHEV+) or plug-in (PHEV). These technologies allow for fuel consumption reductions, power increases and the ability to drive in all-electric mode for distances up to 120 km. 

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability 

Geoffrey Bouquot, recently appointed Member of the Board of Directors of AUDI AG, presented the focus of his strategy and the challenges for the brand, reinforcing Audi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. 

Ambitions for 2026 

Robert Breschkow presented Audi’s flagship products and shared the brand’s ambitions for 2026. He underlined the importance of continuous innovation and Audi’s commitment to sustainable and high-performance mobility. Interviews were offered to learn more about Audi’s future plans. 

Key themes covered 

Several key themes were discussed during the Press Conference, including: 

• Car-to-X: Communication technologies between vehicles and infrastructure for increased safety and efficiency. 
• E3: Audi’s new electronic architecture, enabling advanced digitalization and improved connectivity. 
• Vorsprung durch Technik: Audi’s philosophy of innovation and cutting-edge technology. 
• PPE and PPC: The new electric and combustion vehicle platforms as symbols of Audi’s commitment to sustainable mobility. 
• Digitalization: Audi’s digital advancements, including next-generation infotainment systems, artificial intelligence,  and autonomous driving features. 

Key Quotes 

Robert Breschkow, Managing Director Audi France: 

• “Today, I am pleased to present the latest innovations from Audi, which are more representative than ever of our signature “Vorsprung durch Technik”!” 
• “To sum it up in one sentence: AUDI IS BACK !!” 
• “Our ambition is to keep the “PREMIUM” know-how that characterizes Audi.” 
• “The new PPE and PPC platforms are not just technological features, they reflect our vision for the future: greener, smarter and more exciting mobility, combining design, performance and innovation.” 
• “With 20 launches to come by 2026 with the model variants, Audi demonstrates the “Vorsprung durch Technik” by offering the best of 3 worlds according to the needs of our customers: all-electric, combustion and mild or plug-in hybridization” 

Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the AUDI AG Board in charge of Innovation and Connected Vehicles: 

• “Digitalization is at the heart of our strategy. We develop digital mobility solutions that evolve the way our customers interact with their vehicles and the urban environment.” 
• “We remain true to our commitment to push the boundaries of engineering and technology to deliver cutting-edge products that define the future of mobility.” 
• “I’m excited about what we’re going to achieve together and how we’re going to continue to transform the automotive industry!” 

Proof by example! 

After the invitation of Audi France to discover the brand’s latest advances in sustainable mobility and high performance, Robert Breschkow concluded with a symbolic nod to the fast charging technology of the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron: 

“Ladies and gentlemen, during the 15 minutes spent together, this Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron will have charged almost 400 km… proof of the Vorsprung durch Technik! AUDI IS BACK!”