Škoda Peaq: Comprehensive testing in extreme conditions

The Škoda Peaq, the Czech car manufacturer’s new flagship model, will celebrate its world premiere on 23 June. During its development, the electric SUV, which is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, underwent extensive testing. Prototypes covered more than 1.5 million kilometres across a wide range of climate zones and conditions on three continents. The demanding real-world testing was complemented by virtual development methods. “The Škoda Peaq is the result of an extensive development and testing process, during which our engineers verified the functionality and durability of all key components and design elements. We tested the Peaq extensively both in laboratories, including climate chambers and wind tunnels, and in real-world conditions – from the heat of the desert to freezing environments 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can drop to −40 °C. The aim was to verify that all components function correctly and reliably even in these extreme situations.” Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development The test prototypes covered more than 1.5 million kilometres and were closely monitored by both the development and quality departments. In addition to Europe, the prototypes were tested in Africa and North America. Extensive virtual testing using high-performance computing supported the simulation of a wide range of scenarios. Every detail tested in frost and heat During development, Škoda specialists focused on situations that Peaq customers might encounter, paying attention to even the smallest details. In conditions well within the Arctic Circle, at temperatures below −30 °C, tests included rapid window defrosting and efficient interior heating. Particular attention was also paid to vehicle behaviour on snow and ice, with the aim of achieving optimal grip, stability and reliable operation of the safety systems. In arid desert environments, Škoda Peaq test vehicles were exposed to intense sunlight for 12 months to assess paint quality and the durability of plastic components. Driving tests in extreme heat also placed heavy demands on the brakes, chassis and cooling systems. On dusty and gravel roads, over which the Škoda Peaq covered thousands of kilometres, engineers validated the interior sealing and the resistance of metal and plastic body components to flying stones. Even in extreme desert heat, the air conditioning system was able to cool the cabin quickly. Flagship model boasting outstanding comfort and Simply Clever features The new Škoda Peaq accommodates up to seven passengers and offers high driving comfort, balanced driving characteristics and low interior noise levels, creating the ideal conditions to enjoy the brand-new sound system by Sonos. From a technical standpoint, the Škoda Peaq makes full use of the Volkswagen Group’s latest MEB+ platform, featuring new, efficient electric motors, batteries enabling a range of over 600 km, and an adaptive DCC chassis. A wide range of Simply Clever features enhance practicality in the Škoda Peaq, including wipers with integrated washers introduced for the first time in a Škoda model. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Volkswagen T-Roc named Best Car for Caravans up to 1,300kg in What Car? Tow Car Awards 2026

The Volkswagen T-Roc has been named the Best Car for Caravans up to 1,300kg in the prestigious What Car? Tow Car Awards 2026. Experts from What Car? and the Camping and Caravanning Club handed the award to the T-Roc (with 1.5 eTSI 150 PS engine and automatic direct-shift gearbox) after putting it through a series of rigorous tests. They included lane changing, towing stability, emergency manoeuvres, braking, hill climbs and reversing; cars were also scored for their overall practicality, value, safety and running costs. The accolade comes just six months after the all-new Volkswagen T-Roc went on sale in the UK, and adds to its other What Car? award this year: Best Small SUV. “It’s clear the Volkswagen T-Roc is the new benchmark for small tow cars; anyone with a lightweight caravan or trailer to tow will be delighted with the T-Roc,” said What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford. “The Volkswagen T-Roc is stable at speed while towing and copes brilliantly with emergency manoeuvres. It is longer than the old model with more space inside, which makes it a great choice for families looking for a compact but roomy car. It is comfortable, practical and punches above its weight as a tow car.” The second-generation T-Roc is available in the UK with Life, Style and R-Line trims, and priced from £31,635 (on-the-road recommended retail price including VAT). It builds on the success of its predecessor with expressive design details, bold new colours, a high-quality interior and even more space for luggage and passengers. Assist systems and technologies from higher vehicle classes are included and, in the future, it will feature a completely new full hybrid powertrain. The T-Roc is one of the most popular models in the Volkswagen range. More than two million units have been sold so far globally since its debut in 2017, making it Volkswagen’s most successful SUV after the brand’s global best seller – the Tiguan. Volkswagen has been the most popular brand with UK car buyers for the past five years. A total of 178,607 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2025, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), equating to a leading market share of 8.84 per cent. Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Warning: scam in the used-car trade

Audi issues warning of a scam happening in the used-car trade. Fraudulent websites and fake catalogs are currently offering used Audi models at particularly low prices in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They aim to lure potential customers and encourage them to purchase or make payments for nonexistent used Audi cars. Used Audi models are currently being offered for sale on deceptively real-looking websites and in catalogs that appear to be legitimate sales channels of AUDI AG or genuine Audi sales material. In fact, neither the sales instruments mentioned nor the vehicles offered actually exist. Those responsible are using fake email addresses, telephone numbers, and bank details and are not afraid to use images of actual employees of Audi sales partners. Unfortunately, several customers have already been victimized by this scam. AUDI AG regrets this very much. Affected persons should inform the police. AUDI AG has filed a criminal complaint in this matter and is cooperating with the authorities in their investigations. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell starts production of CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo, leading a new era of mobility in Europe

The SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell starts production of the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo, leading a new era for mobility as it is ready to electrify Europe from Spain. The arrival of the Electric Urban Car Family, a project led by SEAT & CUPRA on behalf of the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core, is set to make electric mobility accessible across the continent with four fully electric models across three distinct brands, all Made in Spain. The institutional event marking this historic moment was attended by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez; the CEO of the Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume; Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core; CEO Volkswagen Brand and Head of the Supervisory Board of SEAT & CUPRA, Thomas Schäfer; and the CEO of SEAT & CUPRA, Markus Haupt, along with the rest of the company’s Executive Committee. “Today marks much more than the start of production of two cars. It is a milestone for SEAT & CUPRA and clear proof of what we can achieve through teamwork. With the CUPRA Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo, we are not only launching the production of two models, but we are demonstrating our ability to lead and shape the future of mobility. We have completed our transformation, investing more than €3 billion in Martorell and driving a profound cultural change to become an industrial powerhouse. And we’re proud to say that we’re ready to electrify Europe from Spain.” Markus Haupt, CEO of SEAT & CUPRA LEADING THE ELECTRIC URBAN CAR FAMILY The Electric Urban Car Family project is the first of this scale led by SEAT & CUPRA on behalf of the Brand Group Core, marking a significant step in its role within the Volkswagen Group. Built on a shared platform, the Electric Urban Car Family has reduced complexity and costs in production while bringing four distinct models to the market, each addressing different customer demands. Following the new cross-brand governance model, the company will now continue to drive electrification from the Iberian Peninsula by spearheading the continued development of the MEB21 platform. "The Electric Urban Car Family demonstrates how the Brand Group Core leverages synergies and fosters collaboration within the Group to deliver electric mobility at scale. The success of SEAT & CUPRA in leading a cross-brand project for the first time demonstrates the strength of our model: a shared platform that enhances competitiveness in the entry-level segment, delivering €600 million in cost savings, while realizing four clearly differentiated models. Together, these achievements create the foundation to democratize electric mobility across Europe." Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core; CEO Volkswagen Brand and Head of the Supervisory Board of SEAT & CUPRA READY TO ELECTRIFY EUROPE FROM SPAIN The launch of the CUPRA Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo marks the culmination of a historic transformation that reinforces SEAT & CUPRA’s position as automotive powerhouse. After the start of production of the two fully electric vehicles, the state-of-the-art factory in Martorell is ready to lead the way in future mobility with a flexible approach producing electric, hybrid and highly efficient combustion vehicles. “Compelling entry-level cars, affordable for many, offering space and top technology customers know from higher segments: with the Electric Urban Car Family, Volkswagen Group is stepping up the pace of electrification in Europe. We are investing several billions to make Spain a central hub of electromobility. And we are proving a clear point: even as global competition intensifies, we believe in our home market Europe – our Electric Urban Car Family will be from Europe, for Europe. It is now crucial to build on this momentum with a clear Made-in-Europe strategy that ensures a level playing field and strengthens Europe’s industrial base.” Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group MUCH MORE THAN A CITY CAR: THE ID. POLO The new Volkswagen ID. Polo is the all-electric version of one of the most successful models in its history. Sold over 20 million times, the Polo is now entering a new chapter – completely reimagined and systematically geared towards the future. The ID. Polo combines elegant, timeless and clear design with compact but generous space for everyday use and high quality with an attractive entry-level price. The small car also sets technological standards: with a WLTP range of up to 454 km and the new Connected Travel Assist, including automatic traffic light recognition, efficient one-pedal driving or vehicle-to-load function that turns the ID. Polo into a mobile power source for devices such as e-bikes. THE CUPRA RAVAL, READY TO CHANGE THE GAME The arrival of the CUPRA Raval kicks off a new chapter in SEAT & CUPRA’s history, representing the next stage in the CUPRA’s unstoppable growth. In just 4 meters, the most radical version of the urban EV offers a sporty silhouette with a driver-focused, immersive and maximized interior. True to CUPRA’s DNA, it delivers electrifying performance while integrating advanced innovations such as 3D-knitted CUP Bucket seats and dynamic light projections in the door panels. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform, the CUPRA Raval creates its own segment to redefine urban electric mobility, launching with three editions and offering a range of around 450 km. After its market launch in summer 2026, the CUPRA Raval will further accelerate CUPRA’s momentum, with the brand performing better than ever as it reaches its 8th anniversary. With more than 1 million cars sold since its launch, CUPRA has achieved its all-time best first quarter in 2026 with March becoming the best-selling month in its history, as it moves closer to its objective of reaching 3% market share in Europe. Change needs drivers and SEAT & CUPRA is steering the future of mobility. As the only company in Spain that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets cars, SEAT & CUPRA is a cornerstone of the nation’s automotive industry and the driving force behind its electrification. As the company undertakes the biggest transformation in its 75-year history, SEAT & CUPRA is turning Spain into a European hub for electric vehicles. Through the Future: Fast Forward project, and in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, PowerCo, and other partners, the company has invested €10 billion into the country’s electrification. The company is also leading the Electric Urban Car project for the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core and will begin producing 100% electric vehicles, including the CUPRA Raval, at its Martorell plant from 2026. A member of the Volkswagen Group, SEAT & CUPRA sells vehicles under the SEAT and CUPRA brands including the iconic SEAT Ibiza and the company’s bestselling model, the CUPRA Formentor. With over 13,000 professionals and three production centres in Martorell, El Prat de Llobregat, and Barcelona, the company exports over 80% of its vehicles to more than 70 countries. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

AUDI E7X: China-exclusive sister brand unveils its first SUV

Dedicated to and tailor-made for China: following the successful debut of the AUDI E5 Sportback, the AUDI brand – born from Audi’s collaboration with SAIC—today unveiled its first all-electric SUV, the AUDI E7X, at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. As the brand’s second production model, this large SUV is set to stand out in the electric premium SUV segment in China, blending Audi’s progressive engineering excellence, iconic driving dynamics, and craftsmanship with China’s cutting-edge digital ecosystem and tailor-made in-cabin experience for Chinese lifestyles. Produced at the AUDI intelligent production base in Anting, Shanghai, the E7X will launch in the first half of 2026, expanding the brand’s footprint in the Chinese market and delivering on its core promise of the best of both worlds. “With the E5 Sportback, which has been honored as China Car of the Year 2026, we opened a new chapter for Audi in China’s electric age. The AUDI E7X now extends that pioneering vision to the important SUV segment,” says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “With a clear product development roadmap that is seamlessly integrated with the Chinese innovation ecosystem, we look confidently to the future with more tailor-made models to come in the next few years.” “The AUDI E7X is the first SUV built on the Advanced Digitized Platform—a vehicle that balances Audi heritage with future. Totally new yet unmistakably AUDI. Progressive design, superior driving dynamics, and the latest innovations blended in a family-focused SUV,” says Fermín Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project. Measuring 5,049 mm in length, 1,997 mm in width and 1,710 mm in height with a generous 3,060 mm wheelbase, the AUDI E7X is a progressive large SUV with a commanding on-road presence, dynamic proportions, and unrivaled versatility. Built on the jointly developed Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP) with its zonal electronic architecture, it delivers next-generation connected vehicle functionality, full-vehicle over-the-air updates, and seamless integration with China’s digital ecosystem. The E7X is underpinned by a high-performance 900-volt architecture offering two powertrain variants: a 300 kW rear-wheel drive version and a 500 kW variant with quattro traction and dynamic acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Battery packs with 100 kWh or 109 kWh gross capacity offer generous CLTC range, with the larger battery delivering more than 750 kilometers. 4C fast charging replenishes the battery from 10% to 80% state of charge in just 13 minutes. The lidar-based AUDI 360 Driving Assist is tailored for China’s complex traffic conditions. In the E7X cabin, zero-gravity seating, a 21.4-inch rear-seat entertainment display, the Bose Performance Series sound system, and the AI-powered AUDI Assistant 2.0 bring together cutting-edge intelligence and uncompromising comfort. AUDI design language reimagined for the electric SUV The E7X clearly embodies AUDI’s design identity. Perfect proportions and clean surfaces create a monolithic, composed appearance defined by simplicity, reduction, and precision. Signature elements such as the AUDI Light Frame, the powerful shoulder line, and sculptural wheel arches give the SUV a confident road presence. Its strong, elevated SUV stance is balanced with the dynamic character of the E7X – flowing lines and sharp accents create a feeling of motion even when stationary. Short overhangs and frameless doors underscore its dynamic attitude. The bold, upright front embodies status and confidence, emphasized by a striking vertical lighting signature. The front and rear feature a black wraparound loop that integrates all functional elements – high and low beam, taillights, sensors, air intakes – into one cohesive, expressive design. With the iconic AUDI Light Frame, lighting elements remain elegantly invisible when inactive. When activated, more than 1,000 individual triangular lights glow through the paint surface to form the brand’s visual signature element, accentuating the SUV’s width at night and blending cutting-edge technology with emotional design. The E7X is equipped with Digital Matrix LED headlights, boasting excellent illumination, precision, and strong contrast on the road for ultra-clear night vision while intelligently shielding oncoming and preceding vehicles to avoid glare. The lane light illuminates the car’s own lane to help the driver focus on driving events. Integrated position marking from the orientation light predictively indicates the position of the E7X between the lane markers, encouraging safe driving in the center of the lane. Dynamic warning indicators projected onto the road show the driver the distance to the preceding vehicle at night or in rainy and foggy weather, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Warning patterns during parking inform pedestrians and other vehicles about ongoing maneuvers. A smart cabin for exceptional travel comfort The interior of the AUDI E7X is a stylish, comfortable, and fully connected retreat – a space where digital intelligence empowers well-being, and visual reduction meets sophisticated craftsmanship at every turn. The calm and serene atmosphere emerges from the cabin’s horizontally layered architecture and the seamless integration of functions such as smart invisible air vents and speakers with sophisticated sound mesh. The first AUDI SUV is available in two distinct configurations tailored to the diverse lifestyles of Chinese consumers: a five-seater designed for active families and a four-seater crafted for business leaders seeking an exclusive, first-class travel experience. Both configurations offer zero-gravity seating as a defining feature. In the four-seat executive configuration, two independent rear seats are tailored for an enhanced zero-gravity experience: each unfolds into a deeply relaxed lounge position with a maximum recline angle of 120 degrees, supported by a 23-airbag pneumatic adjustment system and a 16-point massage function for the back and cushion. The four-way adaptive headrest, adjustable in height and tilt, accommodates both viewing and resting scenarios, while the integrated electric footrest extends up to 400 mm. The E7X delivers a flagship-level cinema experience with an expansive in-car entertainment screen for rear-seat passengers combined with sophisticated audiovisual technology. The 21.4-inch rear-seat entertainment screen deploys from the headliner on command – controllable by voice, remote, or touchscreen – to transform the cabin into a shared cinema or personal gaming space. Multi-screen interaction with the AUDI Panoramic Display in the dashboard enables simultaneous or split-screen viewing for front and rear passengers, with compatibility for wireless and wired screen projection. The Bose Performance Series sound system – combining up to 26 speakers with an immersive 360-degree spatial audio architecture – introduces a three-dimensional, object-based audio experience to the E7X, recreating a realistic surround sound field for deeper immersion in music and film. The system also features ultra-nearfield seat speakers – including front shoulder speakers and independent headrest speakers for the rear seats. Different volume levels can be set independently across seats, allowing passengers to rest or enjoy entertainment simultaneously without mutual interference. Via AUDI Scene Modes, a single touch transforms the entire space. In Cinema Mode, for example, the rear entertainment screen deploys, the panoramic roof dims, seats recline, and ambient lighting shifts – the cabin reconfigures itself around the moment. To deliver an intuitive and seamless digital experience, the E7X introduces the AUDI Assistant 2.0 as an AI-powered in-car companion that goes well beyond voice control. It manages vehicle functions, answers navigation and range queries, plays music, and engages in open-ended conversation on virtually any topic. Powered by advanced AI, it understands natural conversation, interpreting multiple intents, following context across exchanges, and responding to an unlimited range of requests. Custom-developed with ByteDance, it dynamically adjusts tone and pace to context: concise and efficient on highways, soft and measured at night. On the center console, the AUDI Control – a touch-sensitive bar and roller control – merges Audi’s iconic haptic quality with intuitive digital interfaces. It adapts contextually to any function or content featured in the AUDI Panoramic Display: a curved 27-inch 4K touch display spanning the full width between the A-pillars to bring all visual information together. Customizable top-level screen layouts, immersive real-time 3D environments, and the core promise of delivering the right information, at the right time, in the right place, are powered by the AUDI OS operating system. A carefully crafted premium experience Carefully selected premium materials – including open-pore chestnut, oak wood, and Fine Nappa leather - surround passengers, while indirect ambient lighting adds to the balance of organic warmth with advanced technology. The slatted door inlays – natural wood or microfiber crafted into a sculptural surface pattern with indirect lighting integrated invisibly within - are a signature expression of this design ethos. As an innovative fusion of material and light, they are inspired by modern architecture. High-end materials, a rich tactile experience, and the airy ambiance of the spacious E7X cabin are further elevated by natural light. The panoramic sunroof with two individual sections features smart-dimming technology with five transparency levels ranging from full daylight to complete privacy. An adaptive system maintains soft, comfortable lighting throughout. Impressive electric driving dynamics: unmistakable Audi DNA The AUDI E7X inherits the quintessential Audi driving DNA, reinterpreted for the electric era: with agility, precise handling, and refined, comfortable ride quality, expertly tuned to master China’s diverse road conditions. Customers can choose between two fully electric powertrain variants with system outputs of 300 kW and 500 kW. The rear-wheel drive version with 300 kW delivers 500 Nm of torque, while the range-topping 500 kW quattro version boasts 800 Nm and accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with intelligent four-wheel power distribution that instantly adapts to road conditions for unrivaled traction in all scenarios. The E7X comes standard with all-wheel steering across the entire range. Paired with the progressive steering system for effortless parking and urban driving, it delivers a turning circle of only 10.3 meters, enabling agile U-turns and more stable and precise control during high-speed lane changes. With adaptive air suspension, the E7X further elevates the smooth, comfortable ride. The AUDI drive select off-road mode with dedicated air suspension and ESC settings allows the E7X to venture effortlessly beyond the tarmac. Built on the Advanced Digitized Platform’s high-performance 900-volt architecture, the E7X features two battery sizes with gross capacities of 100 kWh and 109 kWh. The large battery packs allow more than 750 kilometers of range according to CLTC, making the AUDI E7X the ideal companion for both daily urban commutes and long-distance road trips. The 900-volt architecture enables 4C fast charging, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 13 minutes. Innovative driver assistance systems for China The E7X is equipped with the lidar-based AUDI 360 Driving Assist System, co-developed with Momenta and rigorously tested to meet the highest global safety standards. It is tailored specifically for China’s complex traffic conditions and unique driving scenarios for a smooth and intuitive assisted driving experience. Nationwide highway and urban driving assistance with support for both longitudinal and lateral vehicle control can be activated with one click after setting the destination, supporting a more relaxed and confident driving experience for daily commutes and long-distance travel alike. For parking convenience, the E7X offers an extensive range of parking assist functions: memory parking that can be activated with one click at the entrance of garages or parking lots for both aboveground and underground spaces, non-standard parking for flexible parking in built-up residential areas, head-in parking for easier trunk access, and adjustable parking speed to match individual driving preferences. A new era for Audi in China The AUDI brand stands for shared Audi DNA with clear differentiation, and the E7X consistently embodies this identity: it builds on Audi’s engineering excellence, iconic design, and uncompromising quality standards, while embracing China’s digital innovation, unique lifestyle preferences, and evolving market needs to create a premium electric SUV developed from the ground up specifically for discerning consumers. With the E5 Sportback, launched in September 2025, and the upcoming E7X, the AUDI brand is rapidly expanding its product portfolio to address new customer groups in China. The AUDI E7X will celebrate its market introduction in the first half of 2026. The third model of the AUDI brand, an all-electric sedan, is scheduled to premiere as early as 2027. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Škoda presents first interior sketches and announces world premiere date of electric Epiq

Škoda Auto is offering a first glimpse of the interior of the new Epiq. The brand’s most affordable all-electric compact SUV is Škoda’s first series-production model to fully implement all aspects of the Modern Solid design language, focusing on clear layout and minimalist style. The world premiere will take place in Zurich at 2 p.m. on 19 May 2026. The Epiq’s interior has been designed in line with the Modern Solid design language from the outset. The first interior sketches offer an initial impression of the clean, angular design, prioritising clarity and ease of orientation. Horizontal interior architecture replaces a conventional dashboard, enhancing the sense of space and openness, while ambient lighting elements contribute to a welcoming, cosy atmosphere. The clearly structured layout enables intuitive operation, ensuring ease of use for both driver and passenger. An open storage compartment underlines the practicality of the interior, while the free standing centre console integrates wireless charging for added convenience. Sustainable materials are selectively applied in line with Škoda’s Modern Solid approach to the interior. The Škoda Epiq will play a key role in doubling Škoda’s BEV portfolio in 2026. As part of the European Urban Car Family within the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core, this all-electric entry level SUV crossover will help to make electric mobility accessible to a wider group of customers. The world premiere of the Škoda Epiq will take place in Zurich at 2 p.m. on Tuesday 19 May 2026. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

A moment of reflection: Audi at Milan Design Week 2026

At Milan Design Week 2026, Audi is introducing a moment of calm that shapes public dialogue: the installation “Origin”, created in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects. The art installation is also an interpretation of the new Audi design philosophy – clarity, technicality, intelligence, and emotion – turned into an architectural experience that invites visitors to reflect and reconnect. “Origin”: a Portal to the new Audi design era “Origin” distills the essence of progress – leaving only what is necessary, cutting away the superfluous to reveal pure intention. Located in the courtyard of the former Archiepiscopal Seminary – today the Portrait Hotel on Corso Venezia – the sculptural object delicately interacts with its historic surroundings. The structure evolves continuously throughout the day. Shifting reflections and shadows redraw the space, and surfaces reveal new details as visitors move. The architecture itself becomes a calming counterpoint to the sensory intensity of the city. Its matte metallic skin, reminiscent of technical materials such as titanium, subtly absorbs and reflects the chromatic tones of the courtyard. This creates a dialogue between contemporary design and the rich architectural heritage of Milan. More than an object, “Origin” is a living spatial experience – an invitation to step into a moment of quiet presence amid the pace of modern life. Performance, electrified Shown in Milan alongside the installation, the new Audi RS 5, the first high‑performance plug‑in hybrid from Audi Sport, brings electrified performance into everyday use with the precision and refinement Audi is known for. In addition, the brand’s entry into Formula 1 with the Audi R26, also to be seen in Milan, marks a bold step into the world's most advanced motorsport arena – a commitment aimed at technological progress, competitive excellence, and broader cultural reach for the brand. Mobility as cultural discourse With 13 consecutive years of participation, Audi has established itself as a contributor to the global design community that gathers in Milan. The brand consistently uses the platform to explore topics that go beyond automotive: sustainability, urban living, material innovation, and, in 2026, sensory overload. “Our recurring presence in Milan is not about showing cars – it is about contributing to a broader cultural debate,” says Massimo Frascella, Chief Creative Officer at AUDI AG. “In a world that is getting busier every day, design must help people filter the noise, find clarity, and reconnect with what truly matters.” Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com