Audi Embraces The Blackout Trend, Introduces Q7 And Q8 Competition Plus

In one fell swoop, Audi has announced a series of updates for the A1, A4, A5, Q7 and Q8.

Starting with the crossovers, the 2022 Q7 and Q8 are gaining a new competition plus variant. They feature a sportier exterior with a black grille, blacked out badging and 21-inch aluminum wheels. Buyers will also find red brake calipers as well as carbon fiber accents inside and out.

The competition plus variants will go up for order next month, and German pricing starts at €78,170 for the Q7 and €84,500 for the Q8.

Also Read: Audi Q8 TFSIe Quattro Plug-In Hybrid Launched In Europe With Up To 455 HP

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the A1 Sportback 40 TFSI has been upgraded to produce 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. That’s a modest increase of 7 hp (5 kW / 7 PS).

Besides the upgraded engine, the A1 Sportback 40 TFSI – as well as the 30 TFSI and 35 TFSI variants – can be equipped with a new S line competition package. It includes a matte black grille, blacked out badges as well as Mythos Black accents on the roof and rocker panels. Other highlights include tinted lighting units and platinum gray accents.

Last but not least, the A4 and A5 gain S line competition and S line competition plus variants. The A4 S line competition features a “matte radiator grille, a blade, a strip to protect from stone chipping, an S4 spoiler as well as the Audi rings in the Singleframe grille all in black.” Furthermore, the package adds 19-inch wheels for a more dynamic appearance.

The A4 S line competition plus goes a step further as it includes LED headlights, black mirror caps, illuminated front door sill plates and an ambient lighting system. Models equipped with an engine producing at least 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), also gain red brake calipers.

A5 variants are largely identical, but they feature larger 20-inch wheels. The model also eschews the stone chip protection.

The updated A1, A4 and A5 will go up for order on May 20th in Germany, but it remains unclear if the additions will carryover to other markets.