Audi is making a stronger case for lessees to keep their EVs rather than hand over the keys. According to CarsDirect, Audi sent a bulletin out to dealerships on Sept. 1 outlining its “BEV Lessee Buyout Option Incentive,” which would take money off of the final price of the vehicle if customers choose to purchase it.
This incentive has been on the table since July 2026, but Audi has reportedly increased the discount amount. Eligible lessees who choose to purchase their vehicle at the end of their lease term can get the following discounts:
The program is scheduled to run through Sept. 30.
Thousands Off of a Vehicle…What’s the Catch?
As a lessee or buyer, there isn’t much of a catch here. If you were truly interested in buying your vehicle at the end of your lease term, you can now get a steep discount.
But why is Audi giving you that discount? It could be a smarter financial decision for the company to do so. Many EVs have experienced steeper-than-expected depreciation, reducing their resale value compared to earlier projections. Dealers have also found themselves with a lot of off-lease EVs as leases started during the pandemic reach their end.
Meaning, these EVs may be harder for Audi to sell at a price that is reasonable for the automaker. If a customer wants to purchase the e-tron at the end of the term, with the discounts applied, it might actually be a win-win for both parties.
A lease buyout incentive like this one helps automakers reduce the number of returned vehicles they must put back on the market. Cox Automotive data notes that used EV values have been influenced by evolving technology, changes in incentives, and fluctuations in supply and demand, all of which can affect residual values.
For e-tron drivers nearing the end of a lease, it might be worth comparing the discounted buyout price with the vehicle’s current market value and the cost of comparable alternatives. A large incentive like this could make keeping the vehicle less expensive than replacing it.
There are only a few weeks left before the deal ends, so act while you can if it’s worth it for your needs.
