Audi's 2027 Lineup Shows How Badly It Needs A Comeback
Much-Needed Updates
Audi of America's struggles from 2025 have, unfortunately, carried over into 2026. It's not how the company wanted to move forward, but at least it's making an effort to at least soften the blow. With that, changes to select models have been announced for the 2027 model year, and it's one the German automaker needs to pursue to pursue its path to recovery.
Some models are getting trim updates and upgrades, and we also know new models are on the horizon. The announcement couldn't have come sooner, either, as the company's future hangs in the balance.
The New Models
We can expect several all-new models from Audi for 2027. Most recently revealed was the A6 Allroad, featuring a body even wider than the sedan's and exclusive off-road features. It's been confirmed that it's coming to America with a 3.0 TFSI engine. For those looking for an Avant that isn't an RS model, line up here.
The Allroad is a niche product, though, but Audi's pinning more of its hopes on the redesigned Q7. It is, after all, a crucial model for the company that desperately needed a full model change. The all-new model should help bring in more interest and sales for the automaker, and it's quite possibly the most important 2027 model Audi rolls out.
Soon to be fully revealed is the Q9, serving as Audi's flagship SUV and indirect successor to the A8. This one has the potential to be a volume model, as it's aimed at vehicles like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Should the Q9 prove a hit, it could help Audi lure in a fair number of customers from BMW and Mercedes showrooms.
The A5 Range has been Simplified
The car formerly known as the A4 gets a far simpler lineup for 2027. Instead of the usual three trims of Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, it's now just A5. Audi is going with option packages instead of individual trims, claiming it offers more flexibility for customers. The same applies to the 2027 S5, which is also getting more option packages in lieu of trims.
A new package for the A5 is the Sport Plus, throwing in adaptive S sport suspension, S line exterior and interior treatments, unique wheels, and a badge delete. For the S5, the new Vosprung package adds the front passenger screen, adaptive suspension, parking assist with remote functions, and more. The 2027 A5 now starts at $50,400, while the S5 carries a base price of $63,600.
Value Enhancements for A6 and Q3
The 2027 A6 benefits from additional interior customization options and more standard equipment. It now includes a heated steering wheel and surround-view camera, while the Driver Assistance package includes a built-in dashcam, a head-up display, and the Dynamic Interaction Light system.
Moving to Q3, the 2027 model gets a tire pressure monitoring system and Adaptive Rear Assist with automatic emergency braking. Also new is the Convenience Package, which bundles popular options such as the heated steering wheel, 360-degree cameras, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Park Assist. The Driver Assist Package now also comes with Park Assist Pro with remote function and trained parking, like the recently tweaked A3.
Other Updates
As for other models, the A6 e-Tron and Q6 e-Tron receive software and hardware updates, while the Q8 gets the S Line package as standard starting with the 2027 model year. The RS Q8 then gets double-pane windows at no extra cost.
For the e-Tron GT, the high-gloss black Singleframe grille is included in the Forged Carbon package. As for the A8, it hangs on for the 2027 model year, getting minor updates to keep it alive for at least one more year in the U.S.
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This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM.