News

Audi completes second investment wave into South Africa’s EV charging network

• Together with its partners, Audi has invested about R45 million over the past two years into state-of-the art charging technology.
• Audi pioneered installation of ultra-fast public chargers in South Africa last year.
• Now, Audi has raised the bar even further by bringing the very first DC 200kW charger with solar power back-up as part of its second phase of investment in the country’s EV charging network.
• Through these two phases, Audi has installed 76 fast and ultra-fast EV chargers across South Africa. With the latest addition of chargers, the total number of DC and AC charging connectors contributed by Audi now stands at 127.

Johannesburg, January 2023 – Audi South Africa, in partnership with Rubicon, has brought 43 additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations online across the country. These chargers can accommodate a total of 57 EV cars simultaneously, at varying capacities, regardless of model or brand ownership. This is in addition to the brand’s contribution of 70 EV charging connection points nationwide a year ago, when Audi was the first to bring ultra-fast chargers to South Africa.

The latest rollout includes the very first DC 200kW ultra-fast charger in South Africa, which is installed at the largest shopping mall ever built in a single phase – Mall of Africa - enabling compatible cars to ultra-fast charge. The EV battery of an e-tron GT can be recharged within 15 minutes*. The solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at Mall of Africa is one of the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, making this installation a progressive statement towards sustainable charging.

The rest of this second phase of infrastructure investment comprises four 100kW (DC), eight 60kW (DC), five 25kW (DC) and twenty-five 22kW (AC) fast EV charger installations at convenient locations across the country to serve all EV customers. The commissioning of the first and second phase of charging infrastructure means that Audi and partners GridCars and Rubicon, have installed 76 fast and ultra-fast EV chargers across South Africa, representing about 28% of public charging stations in the country.

“The rollout of our second phase of EV charging stations is the next step in realising our vision of sustainable mobility and living our mantra that the ‘Future is an Attitude’,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa. “EVs are the future of mobility and we’re investing not just in hardware infrastructure, but in making electric mobility simpler and more widely available for South Africans, thus enabling the local EV market to grow. By fulfilling our promise from early 2022, we’re demonstrating our commitment to helping take SA into the future of mobility”.

The partnership between Audi, GridCars and Rubicon includes a roaming agreement, which allows billing cards to be interoperable across the two networks, making charging even easier, seamless and accessible for Audi e-tron customers and users of other EV brands.

Greg Blandford, Director of Rubicon Energy & E-mobility, says that as public interest in EVs grows, so will the drive to integrate charging infrastructure, renewable energy and energy storage systems. “Rubicon is fully immersed and committed to the advancement of renewable energy and deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in South Africa. The global adoption of artificial intelligence, smart devices, greener technologies and carbon reduction initiatives has highlighted and accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles. Local availability of more and more EVs, coupled with the increase in fossil fuel costs, will be a major catalyst for EV adoption in South Africa,” he says.

“While load shedding is a reality to which South Africans have become accustomed, it is worth pointing out that our charging network also capitalises on solar installations, where possible, to keep the charging stations optimally operational,” says Sauer. “With a range between 350 and 480km the Audi e-tron models typically do not require a charge every day, so depending on driving style and daily commuting distances, owners will be able to find their nearest charging station and charge their vehicles regularly, with ease”.

The newly added 43 chargers are spread across the provinces as follows:

Gauteng 15
W Cape 11
E Cape 10
KZN 4
Mpumalanga 2
Free State 1
Total 43

High-performance redefined: The all-new Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan

• Legendary five-cylinder engine is now even better - greater torque, greater pull, and greater top speed.
• New torque splitter, used for the first time in an Audi, providing greater lateral dynamics and stability.
• A more expressive design combined with RS-specific controls turns the latest RS 3 models into premium sports cars suitable for everyday use.

Johannesburg , 1 September, 2022 – With the third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS 3 Sedan, Audi is relaunching the sporty top-of-the-line pair in the compact high-performance segment. The award-winning five-cylinder engine now has more torque, making it even more powerful. In combination with the RS torque splitter installed for the first time in an Audi, the A3 series’ emotional flagship model offers performance and lateral dynamics on a whole new level. Local market introduction of the RS 3 model range takes place today with prices starting at R1,215,000 for the RS 3 Sportback and R1,245,000 for the RS 3 Sedan (inclusive of VAT and all taxes).

The 2.5 TFSI: unmatched acceleration and top spee

With its five-cylinder, high-performance engine, the Audi RS 3 is one-of-a-kind in its segment. The 2.5 TFSI has won the “International Engine of the Year” award nine times in a row. In the latest generation of the compact sports car, the engine is now more powerful than ever before. This is mainly due to the increased torque of 500 Newton metres – 20 Newton metres more than in the predecessor. It ranges from 2,250 and 5,600 rpm. The new RS 3 models reach the broad power plateau, which extends to 7,000 rpm, from as low as 5,600 rpm. Boasting 294 kW of power, they sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds thanks to Launch Control – three tenths of a second faster than before. The models’ top speed, which is electronically limited to 250 km/h, can be optionally increased to 290 km/h (if the RS Dynamic package Plus is selected) – just like acceleration, this is an unmatched figure in the compact segment. In the NEDC combined cycle, the RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback consumes 9.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on average.

The impressive propulsion of the multiple award-winning five-cylinder engine is appropriately orchestrated by a new exhaust system. For the first time in an RS 3, it features a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions, thus broadening the sound characteristics even further. The differences can be experienced in the various modes offered by the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. In the dynamic and RS Performance modes, for example, the flaps open much earlier – the electrifying elements of the sound are even more pronounced. The standard RS sports exhaust system brings out the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine even more clearly.

RS torque splitter and specific RS 3 modes for maximum agility

The RS torque splitter, installed for the first time in an Audi, makes the driving experience even more exhilarating and provides a dynamic balance. It replaces the previous rear axle differential with an upstream multiple disc clutch package. Instead, an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts that distributes torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner. This results in even greater stability and agility. During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases torque delivered to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer. In left-hand curves, it transmits the drive torque to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel, and when driving straight ahead, to both wheels. The difference in propulsive forces means that the new RS 3 turns into curves even better and follows the steering angle more precisely – especially when cornering at high speeds.

In addition to the torque splitter, Audi drive select also has an effect on the engine and transmission characteristics, steering assistance, the adaptive dampers, and the exhaust flaps. Different characteristic curves for each of the aforementioned systems create a broad range of driving experiences – from an emphasis on comfort and optimized fuel consumption to highly dynamic and even optimized for the racetrack.

The new RS Performance mode specific to the RS 3, is designed specifically for the racetrack with its own engine and transmission setup and specially calibrated to the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tyres, which are optionally available from order for the first time. There, the torque splitter ensures the most neutral handling possible with little oversteering or understeering in different driving situations. This makes early acceleration possible upon exiting a curve, enabling faster lap times. Another new addition is the RS Torque Rear mode, which makes drifting possible. It is designed for use on closed roads. In this mode, the torque splitter induces considerable oversteer by transferring all of the rearward drive torque to the wheel on the outside of the curve – up to a maximum of 1,750 newton metres. The models also come with efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic modes, as well as RS Individual, which allows the systems to be set individually.

Exterior and lighting: expressive and unmistakable

The design of the new Audi RS 3 is even more dynamic and powerful than that of its predecessor. In the front, the wide RS bumper, the redesigned Singleframe with its distinctive honeycomb grille, and the large air intakes give the compact sports car an expressive appearance. Behind the flared fenders, a slightly protruding air outlet creates a motorsport look. The front axle track has been widened by 33 millimetres. At the rear axle, the new RS 3 Sportback has added ten millimetres.

The RS 3 comes standard-equipped with Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles. LED taillights, including dynamic turn signal lights, door entrance LED lighting with RS logo projection in the front, contour ambient lighting with multi-coloured accents are other exciting standard lighting features as well. The highlight of the RS3 lighting technology is the headlights pixel field of 3 x 5 LED segments, it provides an unmistakable look – when the vehicle is opened, the RS 3 lettering appears on the driver’s side and a checkered flag appears in the pixel field of the other headlight, creating a dynamic scene. When driving, the checkered flag lights up on both sides.

Audi delivers the RS 3 with 19-inch cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design as standard. True racing design is embodied by the optionally available 5-Y spokes with RS branding. The motorsports-inspired finishing touches include the redesigned RS-specific rear bumper with built-in diffuser and the RS exhaust system with a large oval tailpipe on both the left and right side. Some exterior peripherals (as part of the standard Black Styling Package), such as the mirror caps, the inserts in the rocker panels, and the tailgate and roof edge spoilers, are available in carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for an even sportier look. Locally, customers can opt for the optional Black Styling Package Plus or the Aluminum Styling Package Plus which enhances the exterior of the car with either additional gloss black or matte aluminum accents. A total of eight exterior colors are available for the models, including the RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey finishes.

Driving dynamics made visible: the interior

In the interior, too, many elements specific to the RS accentuate its sportiness. The standard equipped 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus displays the revolutions per minute in the “RS Runway” design. In this case, the values are displayed in the opposite direction in a manner that visually resembles an airplane runway – the highest number of revolutions in the foreground and the lowest in the background. In addition, the Audi virtual cockpit plus includes displays for g-forces, lap times, and acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h, 0 – 200 km/h, quarter mile, and eighth of a mile.

The RS-specific blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, blinking in a manner identical to that used in motorsports, to indicate the ideal time to change gears. It is also integrated into the optional head-up display, which is available for the first time that projects relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct line of sight. The 10.1-inch touch display in the instrument panel also displays the coolant, engine, and transmission oil temperatures, as well as the g-forces and, optionally, the pressure of the tyres.

The expressive look is enhanced by the carbon-fiber trim in the instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching. The seat upholstery is optionally available in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red, or, for the first time, green contrast stitching. RS Design packages in red and green are available to match. They include special floor mats with contrast stitching and RS embroidery, as well as seatbelts with matching coloured edges. In the RS design package plus, the seat shoulders, stitching of the seat belt and floor mat as well as the accents around the air vents also come in matching red or green.

Local standard equipment highlights

The Audi RS 3 model range is highly equipped with ideal specification and features which proudly showcase its performance, digital and design points. The following equipment highlights are worth mentioning: Audi RS virtual cockpit; darkened Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light design; Black styling package; Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound; Audi smartphone interface; Audi connect e-call functionality; sport seats in front; RS Sports exhaust; rearview camera; park assist; comfort key with safelock; progressive steering and 19-inch wheels (to name a few).

The new Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 September 2022 and and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan.

Audi’s ultra-fast electric vehicle chargers are live

• In January 2022, Audi committed to progress ultra-fast EV charging technology for South Africa – up to 150kW (DC).
• By pioneering this technology, Audi has helped install the fastest public chargers in the country to date.
• The project, in partnership with GridCars has resulted in 33 installations of fast and ultra-fast EV chargers.
• This includes four 150kW (DC) ultra-fast, five 80kW (DC) fast and twenty-four 22kW (AC) EV charger installations.

Johannesburg, 15 August 2022 – Audi South Africa, in partnership with GridCars, has finalized the installation of 33 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. These represent a total of 70 charge point connectors and expands on the existing network in the country. The chargers range in their charging capacity from 22kW (AC) to 80kW (DC) and 150kW (DC) ultra-fast charging and are immediately available to all South African electric vehicle drivers, regardless of model or brand ownership.

“Audi is committed to ensuring that customers of any electric vehicle can comfortably travel the country, with the reassurance that the EV charging infrastructure is in place to support their progressive choice of mobility. With the public Audi EV chargers now formally in operation and available, our project in ensuring that here are active state-of-the-art EV chargers at key destination and lifestyle venues across South Africa, is tracking well and we are excited to officially encourage all early adopters of electric mobility to utilize these charge points. This is a huge encouragement towards the adoption of EV’s in South Africa as it’s a positive indication towards a growing public EV charging network in our country,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa. The live 150kW (DC) public chargers initiated by Audi are the first for the South African market and will enable +/- 340 KM driving range in approximately 30 minutes. These chargers have been strategically positioned along national roads to support long-distance travel:

1. N1 - Colesburg, Caltex, Northern Cape
2. N2 - Mosselbay, Langeberg Mall, Western Cape
3. N3 - Tugela North, Engen, Kwa-Zulu Natal
4. N4 - Riverside Mall, Mbombela, Mpumalanga

The live 80kW (DC) fast charging stations, enabling +/- 185 KM in 30 minutes can be located at:

1.N1 - Ventersburg, Caltex, Free State
2. N1 - Richmond, Caltex, Northern Cape
3. N2 - The Crags, Engen, Plettenburg Bay, Western Cape
4. N3 - Tugela South, Engen, Kwa-Zulu Natal
5. N4 - Alzu Petroport, Mpumalanga (Audi has upgraded the existing unit from DC 60kW to DC 80kW. GridCars has also installed a new EV charging unit at Kranskop Engen, Limpopo).

The live 22 kW dual (AC) charging stations, enabling +/- 100 KM in about one hour can be located at lifestyle and destination venues in the following provinces:

Western Cape

1. Hazendal Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
2. Franschhoek Motor Museum, Franschhoek
3. Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch
4. Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
5. Thesen Island, Knysna
6. Graham Beck Wine Estate, Robertson
7. The Marine Hotel, Hermanus
8. The Cellars Hohenort Hotel, Constantia
9. D’Hub B&B, Cape L'Agulhas

Gauteng

10. Parkview Shopping Centre, Pretoria
11. Johannesburg Country Club, Auckland Park
12. Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Country Club
13. Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate, Kempton Park
14. Johannesburg Country Club, Woodmead
15. Bryanston Country Club, Johannesburg
16. Kyalami Corner, Johannesburg
17. Virgin Active Bryanston, Johannesburg

Mpumalanga

18. 84 on Main, Dullstroom
19. Hazyview Junction Shopping Centre

Kwa-Zulu Natal

20. Cornubia Mall, Mt. Edgecombe
21. Selborne Hotel & Golf Club, Pennington
22. Cedar Garden B&B, Underberg

Free State

23. Protea Hotel by Marriot, Clarens

North West

24. Village Mall, Haartebeespoort Dam

These publicly accessible charging stations are new and incremental to the current EV public charging network in South Africa and can easily be located on the GridCars live online map.

“As the Audi e-tron model range takes to the road, we continue to enable and partner with those who can empower the transition to an electric future with ease and understanding,” Sauer says.

“Our mission is to continually increase EV charging points across the country in order to drive South Africa’s Green e-mobility revolution forward. The only way to achieve this mission is through consistent and meaningful partnerships that enable the transformation of the automotive industry, helping customers embrace the electric future of mobility,” Winstone Jordaan, Managing Director at GridCars explains.

For more information on Audi’s fully electric e-tron range of vehicles, visit:
https://www.audi.co.za/za/web/en/home-of-electric.html

A connected drive for older Audi vehicles - Introducing Audi connect plug and play

• Designed to serve Audi drivers with vehicles from model year 2008 and onwards that do not have Audi connect installed.
• A new and free digital innovation which started rolling out to Audi owners from 1 June 2022.
• The Audi connect plug and play technology is installed on-site at an Audi Dealership, automatically providing digital and connected functionality between the vehicle and smartphone.

Johannesburg, 4 July, 2022 – Audi South Africa has introduced the national availability of its new Audi connect plug and play device. This innovative technology solution is freely available to all customers whose vehicles have a model year introduction from 2008 onwards and that doesn’t currently offer Audi’s latest connected integrated technology. The Audi connect plug and play app (available on iOS/Android) lets your smartphone use Bluetooth and the Audi connect plug and play hardware to connect to your vehicle, turning it into a connected car in no time at all.

“We understand that Audi customers are keeping their vehicles for a longer period of time and attempting to get the most out of their vehicles through the latest technological and convenience offerings. The Audi connect plug and play device is part of our ongoing commitment to help bring digital innovation to all our customers, through the driving experience” says Hassan Salie Head of Aftersales and Dealer Development at Audi South Africa.

With real time vehicle data, Audi connect plug and play turns the car into a connected vehicle. The retrofit solution offers diverse connectivity features and benefits for older vehicles. Once the hardware is installed and the app is downloaded, customers can expect to experience several benefits with the Audi connect plug and play device and application. This includes an overview of the most important car data (mileage, fuel levels, vehicle identification number); evaluation of their driving style; service appointments; roadside assistance in the case of a breakdown; automated recording of car location; as well as an automated connection to their selected Dealer partner.

The Audi connect plug and play device (hardware) and mobile phone app (software) is required to digitally connect customers with their vehicles, and in turn connect them to their preferred service providers. The registered Audi Dealership will then be digitally equipped to communicate with the Audi driver timeously about service intervals and potentially other offers on hand.

The installation of the Audi connect plug and play hardware is a value added initiative (free of charge) and customers are encouraged to contact their preferred Audi Dealership for a booking and to assess the opportunity for compatibility and installation.

Click for more information on this digital offering visit

Audi progresses electric vehicle safety training for South African First Responders

• Audi is first OEM to train and prepare South African First Responders like fire services and paramedics on the topic of e-mobility and electric vehicles.
• 70 First Responders were trained as part of Audi’s local e-tron launch and EV roll out.
• Class-room and practical based EV training enabled a train-the-trainer facilitation across all portfolios within the Department of Cooperative Governance and the National Disaster Management Centre in South Africa.

Johannesburg, 25 May, 2022 – Audi South Africa today concluded the facilitation of a training programme with 70 South African First Responders hosted at their Dealer Training Academy in Pretoria. The safety and education initiative is the first for the local automotive industry and is part of Audi’s e-tron launch and electric vehicle roll out in the country.

“As part of our planning towards the introduction of our fully electric Audi e-tron model range, we consulted with the Department of Cooperative Governance and the National Disaster Management Centre in South Africa and identified a need to progress the education and information of electric vehicles (EV) to First Responders.

These individuals, like paramedics and fire services play a vital role towards the safety and security of South African drivers and with the growing transition towards e-mobility, there was definitely an important responsibility on our part to bring these teams along our local EV transition or journey,” explains Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.

The training facilitated a programme to “train the trainer”, with South African National Fire and Emergency Services, enabling the team of trainees to be in a position to adequately handle electric vehicle incidents on South African roads. The class room based training content included education and awareness of EV product features; technicalities of charging; and battery operations and safety guidelines to handling an electrically operated vehicle in comparison to an internal combustion engine.

Attendees were also exposed to Audi’s recently launched Audi e-tron models through a practical exercise based on global best training practices.

“With the arrival of more and more electric vehicles on our roads and across the country, the training of this nature was invaluable to our First Responder teams. It is great to see that the future of automotive is taking place in South Africa and that our teams are seen as an important stakeholder within this new era. Thank you to Audi to exposing us to this new topic,” says, Acting Director of Fire Services, Thibedi Jappie Lengoabala.

“EV’s are increasing in popularity and will have an extensive presence on our roads within the next five years. While EV’s will present new and unique challenges to our emergency services, there are effective ways to ensure safe and operative responses to any EV related incident. Skilled and qualified personnel is key to all of this. Audi is proud to start the educational training process with our National Fire and Emergency Services teams, helping to keep them and South Africans safe on the roads.

Understanding the basic EV construction and technicalities will empower emergency and fire services to react with confidence while saving lives, but also limiting as much damage as possible to the vehicle,” concludes Sauer.

Four rings on top of the world: Audi e-tron GT wins at the 2022 World Car Awards

• Flagship electric car wins fifth World Performance Car Award for Audi
• With eleven titles since 2005, Audi is the most successful manufacturer in the history of the World Car Awards

Performance jury won over by the many talents of the e-tron GT quattro Ingolstadt/New York, 14 April, 2022 – The Audi e-tron GT quattro is a big winner at this year’s World Car Awards, which have been presented for the 18th time in New York. Nominated in the categories World Electric Vehicle of the Year, World Performance Car, and World Car Design of the Year, the e-tron GT quattro1 took home the title of World Performance Car at the world’s biggest and most prestigious new car awards ceremony, dubbed the “Oscars of the automotive world.” More than 100 auto journalists from around the world thoroughly tested the cars that qualified and then voted on them for the 2022 honors. “We’re happy that the fully electric Audi e-tron GT quattro was a finalist in three categories only a year after its world premiere,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, after the awards program. "The fact that the Audi e-tron GT quattro takes the title of "World Performance Car" and thus this award goes to Audi for the fifth time makes us particularly proud, of course. The Audi e-tron GT quattro proves that electric mobility can be sustainable, dynamic, and fascinating all at once. That’s why it is an important part of our commitment to electric mobility.”

As of 2026, Audi will only be launching new models with electric drive systems onto the global market. Starting in 2025, all production at Audi locations will be carbon neutral. That is already happening now in Brussels, Győr, and the Böllinger Höfe, where the Audi e-tron GT quattro is produced. Sophisticated thermal management system for reproducible performance The performance that earned the Audi e-tron GT quattro its World Performance Car award is ensured, to a great extent, by a sophisticated thermal management system. In the Audi e-tron GT quattro, that system consists of four thermal circuits. That means that the battery and the components of the drive system each stay at their ideal temperature, resulting in performance characteristics that can be reproduced at any time. Thanks to intelligent thermal management, anyone who uses the e-tron route planner in the e-tron GT quattro1 will put the battery in an ideal temperature range for charging, depending on the exterior temperature, even while the car is driving – which is useful for fast charging with up to 270 kW. Audi continues to expand its winning streak This year's victory brings the brand with the four rings to eleven first places at the World Car Awards. That makes Audi the most successful manufacturer in the history of that award.

• Audi’s victories at the World Car Awards:
• 2005 Audi A6 World Car of the Year
• 2007 Audi RS 4 World Performance Car
• Audi TT World Car Design of the Year
• 2008 Audi R8 World Performance Car
• Audi R8 World Car Design of the Year
• 2010 Audi R8 V10 World Performance Car
• 2014 Audi A3 World Car of the Year
• 2016 Audi R8 World Performance Car
• 2018 Audi A8 World Luxury Car
• 2019 Audi A7 Sportback World Luxury Car
• 2022 Audi e-tron GT quattro World Performance Car

Audi, the first to progress ultra-fast 150kW EV charging in South Africa

• First automotive brand to invest in the latest, ultra-fast EV charging technology for South Africa – up to 150kW (DC) - to benefit growing local EV consumer market.
• Partnership with GridCars to install 70 charge connectors at 33 new public charging sites across the country.

Johannesburg, 20 January, 2022 – Audi South Africa is proud to announce a partnership with GridCars to install ultra-fast charging stations across the country and will become the first electric vehicle brand to invest in this technology through publicly accessible sites. The 150kW public chargers initiated by Audi will be the first for the South African market. The charge points will provide up to 150kW of direct current (DC) charge to electric vehicles; meaning that an Audi e-tron 55 (with a 95kWh battery) will charge from 10% to 90% in approximately 30 minutes. As part of this, Audi will invest in setting up 70 new EV charge connectors across 33 sites in order to expand on the existing public charging network in South Africa, for all electric vehicle drivers.

Progressing local public charging

These publically accessible charging stations will offer all EV consumers regardless of vehicle ownership, the latest, state-of-the-art charging technology available in South Africa, aiming to assist consumers with the adoption of electric mobility. As part of Audi’s pre-launch plans and in preparation for the arrival of the fully-fledged e-tron range in the first quarter of this year, the brand with the Four Rings recognises the role that it can play to ensure that EV adoption is one which South African consumers can make with ease. Investing in the country’s charging infrastructure to support this shift to future mobility is critical. Audi is committed to playing an integral role in this transition to premium sustainable mobility.

“The investment and partnership with GridCars demonstrates our brand philosophy that the ‘future is an attitude’”, Sascha Sauer, Managing Director of Audi South Africa explains. “As we prepare for the arrival of our e-tron range, we understand that there is more to be done as an automotive brand than simply providing the product, we also have to enable and partner with those who can empower the transition to an electric future with ease and understanding. Our public chargers are new, and incremental to the current EV charging network in South Africa,” Sauer says. Audi South Africa is fully embracing the partnership with GridCars and has already commenced with the installation of the local charging investment project since December 2021 and will continue into this year. The investment includes:

• Four 150kW (DC) ultra-fast charging stations, enabling +/- 340km in 30 minutes. These are planned for placement along major highway routes such as the N1, N2, N3 and N4.
• Five 80kW (DC) fast charging stations, enabling +/- 185km in 30 minutes, also planned for location on major highway routes such as the N1, N2, N3 and N4. One of these chargers will close a long-standing gap (Richmond) in the route between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• Twenty-four 22kW (AC) fast charging stations, enabling +/- 100km in about one hour, at public lifestyle and recreational venues across the country and as part of Audi’s destination charging strategy.
• A total of 70 connectors will be available from the above charging stations, further growing the public charging opportunities for all EV drivers.

“GridCars, established in 2009, operates and manages the most extensive network of public charging stations across the country. This exciting partnership and additional investment with Audi not only expands the network, but allows it to be upgraded with additional ultra-fast charging opportunities which is a first for our country, for all EV drivers, regardless of brand or vehicle model. The possibilities for EV adoption in South Africa are already positive and through this partnership with Audi South Africa, we are hoping to further progress the EV journey and tackle the challenges around charging, range and accessibility,” Winstone Jordaan, Managing Director at GridCars explains.

GridCars has already begun the installation of Audi branded chargers at various points across the country, the project kickoff started in December 2021 and will carry on through early 2022 in time for the planned retail launch of the Audi e-tron range in quarter one this year. This investment is over and above the charging stations installed at the ten Audi e-tron Dealerships which will offer additional ten 50kW to 75kW (DC) chargers with 20 connectors.

Introducing a full Audi e-tron range at launch

As part of Audi’s e-tron launch efforts, a full e-tron model range will be available for sale in the next two months, through Audi’s ten e-tron Dealerships nationwide. This includes the e-tron 55 SUV, e-tron 55 Sportback, e-tron S Sportback, and the pinnacle of the line-up, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. For more information and to reserve your Audi e-tron of choice, visit: https://www.audi.co.za/za/web/en/home-of-electric.html

The Audi Q5 gets even better

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• Facelift model now with sharper design and a stronger Q identity
• Rear light cluster featuring new digital OLED technology
• New MMI touch-sensitive controls

Johannesburg, 23 August, 2021 – The Audi Q5 has been a favourite in the premium mid-size segment, across the world and for many years. And now, Audi has made it even better and even more attractive with a refreshed facelift. The optimized Q5 now combines a sporty character with excellent everyday usability and versatility. The sharpened exterior design of this highly successful model now emphasizes the Audi Q SUV identity and boasts a rear light cluster featuring digital OLED technology, for the first time.


The exterior design: Audi Q design language now even more distinctive

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The strong Q identity characterizes the exterior of the refreshed Audi Q5 with its expression of power, robustness and safety. In executing the exterior update, Audi designers further emphasized this look and feel with a series of distinctive details. The octagonal Singleframe is now shallower and appears wider than before. The side air intakes have grown in height and are now structured by trapezoidal insets. The upper section of the LED headlamps features a new signature for the daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the Q5 now has a lighter look with greater ground clearance thanks to the redesigned sill insert. At the rear end is a new trim element between the light clusters and a new diffusor insert with a horizontal fin. In addition to the standard trim there are also two other design trim lines. The Advanced model comes with chromed vertical ribs in the Singleframe, along with under-ride guards beneath the front and rear bumpers in silver finish instead of black. The S line model comprises a sportier honeycomb structure in the Singleframe and a chrome strip framing the rear diffusor. Both Advanced and S line models also include the high gloss styling package as standard which adds more distinctive design elements to the exterior look of the cars with the roof frame and window slot strips in anodized aluminium.

Two of the twelve available paint colours are new – district green and ultra blue. The black appearance package is available as an option on the Advanced, S line and S models and sets expressive accents through black painted areas on the Singleframe, the trim strips on the side windows and the front and rear bumpers. Exterior mirror housings in black are available at additional cost while black roof rails are available as a no cost option.

The interior design: a light touch and first-class quality

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The horizontal emphasis of the interior design conveys a feeling of breadth and lightness. The sculptural, elegant sweep of the trim inlay separates the lower and upper sections of the dashboard, with the focal point formed by the new freestanding MMI touch display with acoustic feedback. The previous rotary/push control on the centre-tunnel console is absent, its place now occupied by a storage cubby.


World first: digital OLED technology in the rear lights of the Audi Q5

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The cockpit of Next-generation OLED lighting technology is available for the first time ever in the modified Q5. OLEDs are extremely efficient organic light-emitting diodes that generate a homogenous light surface. The optional OLED rear light is split into three tiles of six segments each, which enables Audi designers and developers to create different light designs and signatures from a single item of hardware.

Audi Q5 customers can enjoy a rear-light signature animation for the coming and leaving home function. On switching the Audi drive select mode to “dynamic”, the lights change to yet another signature. The OLED rear-light cluster is also equipped with proximity detection: If a road user approaches a stationary Q5 from the rear to within less than two metres, all the OLED segments light up. When the Q5 starts to move, it returns to the original light signature. The prerequisite for the proximity detection function is that the car has one of the tow assistance systems – either Adaptive Cruise Control or Active Lane Assist – on board. The full spectrum of the OLED rear lights is rounded off by dynamic turn indicators. The standard equipment for the Q5 is now LED headlamps, with matrix LED headlamps available as an option. Their intelligent, adaptable high beam offers greater safety and convenience without dazzling other road users.

Spacious and variable: dimensions and interior space

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At 4.68 metres, the redesigned Audi Q5 is now 19 millimetres longer – due primarily to its larger bumpers. Its width (excluding mirrors) of 1.89 metres and height of 1.66 metres remain unchanged. The long wheelbase of 2.82 metres facilitates spacious interior proportions. Audi’s sliding rear bench plus with adjustable backrests is available as an option and enables a luggage space of 580 to 1,580 litres. With the normal rear bench, the luggage space measures 520 to 1,520 litres. A variable folding floor mat is optionally available and a power tailgate is standard on the Q5. Thanks to its intelligent material mix, the Q5 has one of the lightest body shells in the segment, while the cd figure of 0.30 is among the best-in-class. Refined aero-acoustics make for an exceptionally quiet interior.


Control, infotainment and Audi connect: first-class connectivity

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Behind the new control setup in the updated Audi Q5 is a new main unit – the third-generation Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB 3), which offers ten times the computing power of its predecessor, the MIB 2.

Its basis is a conventional dashboard with a centrally positioned driver information system. The top of the range is the Audi virtual cockpit plus – a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital display with three different graphic layouts – is optionally available with the Technology package. The driver controls the displays via the multifunction steering wheel. Audi smartphone interface is now standard throughout the range. A head-up display is also available as an option.

The central 10.1-inch MMI touch display is standard equipment in the Q5. Its menu structure with flat hierarchies makes it extremely easy to use, and is searchable using free text. The driver has the choice of entering characters and letters manually or via voice control, which understands a vast array of everyday terms. The Audi connect online services network the Audi Q5 closely with the internet and traffic infrastructure. The navigation system offers high-resolution satellite images and traffic forecasts. The car-to-x services provided by Audi connect make for even more relaxed driving – helping, for example, to find available parking spots or using online search to guide on destination information (e.g. trading times). The myAudi app connects the user’s smartphone to the car and provides a suite of convenience and safety functions on the go.

A wide assortment of personal settings – from frequently used navigation destinations, seating positions to preferred air-conditioning levels – can be saved in six user profiles, adding to additional driver convenience.

Driveline: powerful performance, low emissions

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The upgraded premium SUV comes to market in South Africa in two engine offerings. The Audi Q5 40 TDI. Its powerful two-litre four-cylinder diesel generates 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 40 TDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The second engine in the range is the Audi Q5 45 TFSI. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI engine generates 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The mild hybrid system (MHEV) available on this model contributes to the low fuel consumption. A belt-driven starter/generator (BSG) supplies the 12-volt vehicle electrical system, which incorporates a compact lithium-ion battery. The BSG recuperates braking energy and stores it in the battery. The MHEV system enables the Audi Q5 45 TFSI to coast with the engine off, and allows for start-stop mode at speeds below 22 km/h. Overall, this results in a fuel-efficiency improvement of approx. 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

Both models are powered by a seven-speed S tronic that sends the engine power to the quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology, which also contributes to efficiency. In normal operation, it sends all the power to the front wheels. If all-wheel drive becomes necessary e.g. in slippery conditions or during dynamic driving, two clutches connect the rear wheels to the driveline in fractions of a second – in many situations, this happens predictively. In terms of traction and performance, the system leaves nothing to be desired.

The running gear: even more comfort and agility

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Both sporty and comfortable – the well-balanced running gear is a great strength of the Audi Q5. The multilink suspension front and rear are exceptionally lightweight, thus improving not only handling, but also efficiency. Available as an option for the Q5 is Audi’s dynamic steering, which varies its ratio by up to 100 percent in accordance with speed and steering angle.

Q5 customers can choose from different setup options. The sports suspension offers an alternative to the standard suspension and is an option for all models except the S line model, in which it is standard. The standard suspension with steel springs is also available with damper control and delivers a broad spread between comfortable and dynamic. As well as damper control, the adaptive air suspension can also vary the ground clearance of the body in five stages, which makes it an exceptionally good match for the Q5.

The Audi drive select handling system, which influences the characteristics of several technical components, is part of the standard equipment package. The driver can choose from up to seven profiles, including off-road and all-road (with air suspension). The hill descent assistant provides support on steep inclines. The Audi Q5 runs as standard on 19-inch alloy wheels with an option to upgrade to 20-inch wheel designs.

Sporty, powerful, and efficient: SQ5 TFSI

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Even sharper, sportier, and more efficient: The optimized Audi SQ5 TFSI now looks even more impressive with a powerful stance and striking details that give it an even more rugged appearance. Vertical fins provide structure to the large side air inlets on the front bumpers. In the octagonal Singleframe grille that is specific to the S models, large octagonal honeycomb sections are linked by narrow bars. These have an aluminium finish, as do the fins on the air inlets.

At the rear, a matte aluminium strip is integrated in the lower bumpers, below which are the diffuser insert and four chromium-plated oval tailpipe trims. Customers have a choice of nine exterior paint finishes. The black styling package, which adds sporty accents, is available on request .Its V6 three-litre petrol engine with an output of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque delivers its power smoothly and forcefully. It accelerates the top model of the Q5 product line from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. An actuator in the exhaust system, gives the V6 a sonorous sound.

Key standard equipment on the Audi SQ5 includes quattro with self-locking centre differential, red brake calipers with “S” lettering, sports suspension system with damper control, S model bumpers in full paint finish, “S” emblem detailing, Audi connect navigation & infotainment, Audi virtual cockpit Plus, Audi smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, rear view camera system, interior accent surfaces painted in glossy black, decorative inserts in matte brushed aluminium, fine Nappa leather with embossed "S“, sports seats in front, rear bench seat plus and sports contour leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function Plus in a 3-spoke flat-bottom design.

Market introduction and pricing

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The new Audi Q5 range will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 September 2021 and is priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro R852,000
Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Advanced R871,000
Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro S line R897,000
Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro S line R947,000
Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro R1,208,000