A Brief History of Audi

Audi's origins date back to 1909 when August Horch founded the company in Zwickau, Germany. The iconic four-ring logo represents the 1932 merger of four pioneering manufacturers — Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer — under the Auto Union banner. After decades of evolution, the modern Audi brand emerged under Volkswagen Group ownership, growing into one of the world's most respected premium car makers.

Audi's reputation for engineering excellence was cemented in the 1980s with the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, which dominated world rallying and revolutionised road car performance. Since then, Audi has consistently pushed boundaries — from aluminium spaceframe construction in the A8 to its latest MHEV plus mild hybrid and e-hybrid plug-in powertrains across models like the A5 and Q5, while the Audi Sport division continues to deliver thrilling RS performance models like the RS3.

Why Choose Audi for Your Next Lease?

Audi represents the pinnacle of premium German engineering, combining Vorsprung durch Technik innovation with refined performance, sophisticated design and cutting-edge digital technology. By choosing a vehicle from our Audi lease range, drivers benefit from advanced powertrain options, exceptional build quality and a first-class driving experience designed around everyday usability.

Models such as the Audi A3 deliver premium compact motoring with efficient TFSI and plug-in hybrid powertrains, while the all-new Audi A5 introduces a new era of executive refinement with its e-hybrid technology and class-leading cabin design. The versatile Audi Q5 SUV combines quattro all-wheel drive confidence with luxury practicality, and the executive Audi A6 pushes plug-in hybrid capability further with up to 62 miles of electric range.

Every Audi is engineered with precision and innovation at its core, from the latest MHEV plus mild hybrid systems and intelligent quattro drivetrains to the brand's signature Virtual Cockpit and MMI infotainment technology. This makes Audi an enduringly popular choice for both discerning private drivers and businesses seeking a premium, efficient fleet solution.

Fun Facts About Audi

🔗 The four rings represent four companies The iconic Audi logo symbolises the 1932 merger of four German manufacturers — Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer — into Auto Union, creating one of the most recognisable badges in motoring history.

🏁 Quattro changed motorsport forever Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system debuted in 1980 and dominated world rallying, proving that 4WD could outperform rear-wheel drive on every surface. It remains central to the brand's DNA today, featuring across models like the Q5 and RS3.

🏆 Audi dominated Le Mans Audi won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans 13 times between 2000 and 2014, including making history as the first manufacturer to win with a diesel-powered car and later a hybrid.

🪶 Audi pioneered aluminium car construction The original Audi A8 launched in 1994 with an aluminium spaceframe body — a technology borrowed from aerospace — making it lighter and more rigid than steel-bodied rivals at the time.

🔊 The RS3 has a five-cylinder engine for a reason The Audi RS3's 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine is a deliberate nod to the original Quattro coupe of the 1980s. It produces 400PS and has a distinctive exhaust note unlike any rival.

📱 Over-the-air updates keep your Audi current Modern Audi models receive software updates remotely, meaning infotainment features, driving systems and efficiency calibrations can be improved without visiting a dealership.

⚡ Audi's new e-hybrid tech works like an EV The latest plug-in hybrid powertrain in models like the A5 e-hybrid offers up to 67 miles of electric range and always defaults to electric driving first — a step-change from earlier PHEV technology.

💡 Audi's lights have their own signature Owners of newer Audi models can choose from multiple daytime running light signatures to personalise their car's appearance, while rear OLED lights can display up to eight configurable patterns.

🇩🇪 Vorsprung durch Technik is more than a slogan Meaning "progress through technology," Audi's famous tagline has been in use since 1971 and continues to drive the brand's approach to engineering innovation across every model.

🏎️ Audi Sport builds some of the fastest cars on the road The Audi Sport division (formerly Quattro GmbH) produces the RS range of high-performance models. The RS3 hits 62mph in just 3.8 seconds, while the S8's V8 manages it in 3.8 seconds too — supercar territory from a luxury saloon.

The Future of Audi

Audi's future is built around electrification, advanced hybrid technology and next-generation digital innovation. As one of the world's most forward-thinking premium manufacturers, Audi continues to invest in dedicated EV platforms, cutting-edge battery development and increasingly efficient combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains designed to bridge the gap between traditional motoring and a fully electric future.

New and updated models — including the all-new A5 with its e-hybrid plug-in technology, the third-generation Q5 on Audi's new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, and the latest A6 e-hybrid with up to 62 miles of electric range — highlight the brand's direction toward longer EV capability, smarter MHEV plus mild hybrid systems and increasingly sophisticated cabin technology. These vehicles combine refined performance with Audi's signature Virtual Cockpit, MMI infotainment and customisable OLED lighting to create a premium driving experience focused on innovation and usability.

Alongside evolving its combustion and hybrid range, Audi is expanding its fully electric lineup with models like the Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron, positioning the brand for a comprehensive transition to zero-emission mobility. Continued investment in quattro drivetrains, software connectivity and sustainable engineering is ensuring Audi remains a major force in the future of premium driving for both personal and business customers.

You can explore the latest personal and business offers across the full range through our Audi car lease deals, providing a simple, flexible and cost-controlled way to experience the next generation of premium performance.

The result is a rapidly evolving lineup that is cleaner, smarter and more technologically advanced than ever — ensuring Audi remains at the forefront of modern, premium motoring for years to come.

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