How to Differentiate Between the Different Classes of Audi
Just like wine, Audi has been producing finer cars with age. This German automaker is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the automotive industry. With high performing and uniquely luxurious sedans, Audi has had an impact on the industry and its place cannot be ignored. German auto industry is the pinnacle of the world’s automotive industry and just like other German automakers, the BMW and Mercedes, Audi too uses an alpha-numeric system to distinguish between the different models. However, Audi does not use the “class” system like Mercedes among the various models.
Browse: CARRO’s top Audi picks
Long story short, Audi follows a simple naming format. For example, base models have an “A” designation and sportier luxury models get an “S.” The sportiest “RennSport” models get an “RS… you get the idea. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
1) The A Series
You’ve probably spotted a number of Audi cars with the labels: A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8. These range from small hatchbacks to mid-sized and large-sized/robust sedans. Usually, the larger the number, the bigger the car both in terms of physical size and engine capacity, like how an A3 is a bigger hatchback than an A1 while an A8 is a robust sedan similar to a Mercedes S-class or BMW 7-series, compared with an A4 which is a normal mid-sized sedan. In essence, the A-class/series are your most basic range of Audi vehicles. However, this does not mean that they are poor performers on the road or even in design and trim.
2) S (Sport) Series
Compared to the A-series, the S series Audi cars come with more standard features and they also have more powerful engines making them substantially faster on the road. Under this series are the S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 which, like the A-series, range from small hatchbacks to mid-sized salons and large salons. However, they have a sports trim meaning they perform better on the roads as compared to the A series. One distinctive feature of the S series is the quad-exit tailpipe which is common to all S series Audis.
3) RS (RennSport) series
RennSport simply means Racing Sport and hence the abbreviation RS. RS models are simply the top of the range with the most powerful engines among all Audis as well as the best interiors. Unlike all the other Audis, the RS series Audis are manufactured separately by Quattro, which is a subsidiary of Audi motors, in an entirely different plant. This is similar to Mercedes AMG or BMW’s M series. One distinctive feature of the RS series is the oval-shaped twin tails pipes which are common in all RS Audis except the RSQ3 which is built with a single oval tailpipe.
Read more: Audi RS-3 review
4) Q series
The Q series is Audi’s SUV range of vehicles. The range comprises of Q3, Q5 and Q7. The size increases with the increase in number and hence the Q3 is the smallest and Q7 the biggest. The Q3 is designed on the A3 platform, the Q5 on the MLB platform while the Q7 is based on the Porsche Cayenne platform.
5) TT series
The TT series is a single model of cars with no variants. These are small sports coupes which are available in 2-door. These small sports machines are equipped with high-performing 2.0-litre TFSI and 2.5-litre turbo five-pot engines, which make them powerful.
Read more: Audi TT review
6) R8
The R series only consists of the Audi R8, but with numerous variants over the years such as R8 LMS Ultra and R8 Spyder. This is Audi’s flagship supercar and you can only compare it to Lamborghini Gallardo which it shares many features with. It is one of the top sports cars around, and many regarded it as the first car to actually surpass Porsche 997.
Read more: Audi R8 Spyder review
