Audi range will grow to 60 car models by 2020

Audi boss Ruper Stadler has revealed more about the company’s plans to expand its model range from 49 to 60 variants by 2020.  The baby Q1 will be one of the first to arrive but Stadler sees potential for more bodystyles of more of its models, too.

“Look at what we did in the A5 product derivatives, with the Sportback, the Coupe and the Cabriolet – this we could also do with the A6 and A7,” said Stadler. Adding Coupe and soft-top versions of the A6 would clearly give Audi the rival to the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet that it’s been lacking so far.

“We feel there is potential in the C and D segments, let’s say in the price bracket of about 70,000 to 80,000 EUR,” said Stadler, hinting at the fact that Audi will be looking to rival the new S-Class Coupe and forthcoming S-Class Cabriolet models, too.

But before Audi embarks on these more expensive offerings, it wants to focus on its young, loyal buyers. The model to help do that, according to Stadler, is the Q1. “With the A1 we introduced a lot of buyers to the brand who had previously had nothing to do with it… with the A1 and the Q1 we will be well fitted in the premium segment.”

Stadler suggested the Quattro could be making a comeback as well, saying, “When you see the Sport Quattro concept for example, you know we have plenty of ideas.” The Sport Quattro concept was unveiled with two different powertrains: one a plug-in hybrid and another a highly tuned 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo.

What do you think of Audi's expansion plans? Is 60 models too many or should they make more? Tell us in the comments section below...