The Audi 100 was introduced in 1968 as Audi’s step into the upper middle class and became one of the most important nameplates in the brand’s postwar history. Developed at Ingolstadt under Ludwig Kraus, it marked a decisive break from Audi’s earlier, more utilitarian era and helped establish the company as a serious contender in the premium segment. The original C1 generation set the tone with clean packaging and a practical front-wheel-drive layout, and it was followed by a steady evolution through the C2, C3, and C4 generations.
The Audi 100 became especially significant in the 1970s and 1980s as a showcase for technical ambition. The second generation introduced Audi’s first five-cylinder gasoline engine, a configuration that would become closely associated with the brand. Later generations advanced the model’s reputation for aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and efficient engineering, while also supporting more upscale body styles and higher-performance derivatives. Enthusiasts often remember the Audi 100 not only as a core family sedan, but also as the foundation for important offshoots such as the 100 Coupé S and the high-performance and diesel milestones that followed.
By the early 1990s, Audi used the 100 as the basis for a broader model rethink. The C4 generation continued the nameplate’s role as the brand’s mainstream executive car, but in 1994 Audi replaced the Audi 100 designation with Audi A6. That change ended the continuous run of the 100 badge rather than creating a new production period. In that sense, the Audi 100 is best understood as the original C-series lineage that helped Audi move from a recovering postwar manufacturer into a modern premium brand.