Audi is set to unveil the new entry-level luxury EV by the end of the year. The new model will likely carry on the A2 name, but the electric version will bring a unique new design and more.
The Audi A2 e-tron will be an affordable entry-level EV
With luxury rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW expanding into the entry-level EV market, Audi wants a piece of the growing segment.
Mercedes launched the CLA EV last year, its most affordable electric vehicle, while BMW is gearing up to launch the iX3 this summer, the first of its Neue Klasse models.
Now, Audi is entering the entry-level EV segment, which will serve as an indirect successor to the A2. According to senior company sources (via AutoCar), the electric version will likely be named the A2 E-tron and will feature a unique design.
The outgoing A2 was a luxury mini-MPV with a hatchback-like design, but prototypes spotted in testing appear more like a crossover.
Audi is finalizing development and is set to reveal the new entry-level EV by the end of 2026. The new A2 E-tron will go on sale next year as Audi’s most affordable EV, starting at around £30,000 ($41,000).
Although initially planned to ride on the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), the A2 E-tron will be underpinned by the same MEB platform as the ID.3.
As such, it will use a 400V electrical architecture with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) powertrain, rather than an 800V system.
Audi will reveal more info closer to launch, including battery pack options and prices. Like the VW ID.3, Audi’s entry-level EV is expected to be available with 58 kWh or 79 kWh battery packs, which provide a WLTP range of up to 369 miles.
Since prototypes appear to have a more aerodynamic profile, the electric A2 could even offer a slightly higher range.
The company’s engineers say the new EV is designed to fill the gap left by the i3, which BMW discontinued in 2022.
While Audi is preparing to unveil the A2 EV, Volkswagen is launching a new generation of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles, starting with the ID. Polo later this year.
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