Audi's iconic A4 model reaches its termination, concluding a storied legacy.

After 31 years of existence, the Audi A4 nameplate is being phased out, marking the end of its traditional form for now. The iconic model, which has offered conventional sedan, coupe, and convertible variants, will be replaced by a new electric hatchback version, the Audi A4 e-tron, set to launch in 2026.

The Audi A4's journey began in the late 90s, with the B6 model, which was highly appreciated for its cabin richness. Since then, the A4 has undergone several generations, with the B9 generation introduced in 2015. However, the sales landscape has significantly changed in recent years.

The Tesla Model 3 has made a significant impact on the sales of the Audi A4 in its category, demonstrating that the 'Medium >$60k' category is not moribund with the right product at the right price. The BMW G20 3 Series, introduced later, also outperformed the Audi A4 in sales.

In 2019, the BMW 3 Series saw 3135 registrations, while the Audi A4 had 1284. By 2022, the Mercedes-Benz W206 C-Class was selling 3566 units, compared to Audi A4's 535. As of June 2022, Audi has sold only 25 A4 cars, making it outsold by the Bentley Continental GT.

In its first full calendar year on sale, the B9 Audi A4 registered 2963 sales. Despite these figures, Audi has chosen to transition away from combustion engines and towards electric vehicles, with the new Audi middle-class model, the electric A4 e-tron, set to replace the current combustion engine A4 model.

The old A4 saloon was replaced by the A5 Sportback, and the Audi A4 now features a hatchback, replacing both the old A4 saloon and the A5 Sportback. The old A4 Allroad has been discontinued.

While the Audi A4 may not be rebranded as an A5 due to complications from Audi's nomenclature changes, the potential return of the Audi A4 in the future remains uncertain, depending on Audi's naming decisions and available options.

The B5 Audi A4 was notable for its 20v 1.8T powerplant, a highly effective engine found in many VAG products. The new Audi A4 e-tron will undoubtedly bring its own unique features, but the details regarding its powertrain and other specifics have yet to be revealed.

The Audi A4's departure marks a new chapter for the brand as it continues to adapt to the evolving automotive industry, focusing on electric vehicles and sustainability. The Audi A4 e-tron will undoubtedly play a significant role in this transition, offering a fresh take on the classic Audi model.