Audi has announced the return of its A2 nameplate, launching a new compact electric hatchback with a claimed range of up to 401 miles. The A2 e-tron is positioned as the entry point to Audi's electric vehicle lineup, with a starting price of £32,200. Order books are set to open next month, with the first customer deliveries expected in early 2027.
The new A2 e-tron aims to surpass key competitors in range, including the Kia EV3 and VW ID.Neo, which offer maximum ranges between 370 and 390 miles. Audi attributes the A2's extended range to its efficiency, stating it consumes as little as 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometers (62 miles), making it Audi's most efficient model to date.
Design and Interior
The exterior design draws inspiration from the original 2000s A2, featuring a sloping roofline and a rounded front. However, the new model presents a sleeker, more streamlined profile compared to its boxier predecessor. Modern updates include LED light bars, aerodynamically optimized wheels, and a shape that aligns with Audi's current e-tron design language.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by Audi's panoramic MMI display, which incorporates an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch curved touchscreen. The car comes equipped with Audi voice assist and AI capabilities, along with integrated Microsoft Teams functionality. For audio, a 14-speaker Sonos system is featured, complemented by aero-acoustic measures to ensure a quiet cabin. Seating is a mix of microfibre and cloth, designed for spaciousness, and the boot offers 396 liters of storage, slightly less than the Kia EV3 but more than the VW ID.Neo.
A notable interior feature is the use of 'Fidlock', a magnetic and mechanical fastening system for adjustable cupholders. Standard safety and driver-assistance features are expected to include adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, Parking System Plus, Side Assist with Exit Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Assist. More advanced systems and surround cameras will be optional.
Performance and Battery Options
The rear-wheel-drive A2 e-tron will be available with three battery sizes: 52kWh, 61kWh, and 84kWh. Four power outputs will range from 168bhp to 322bhp.
The entry-level 168bhp model, equipped with the 52kWh battery, is rated for 262 miles of range. The 187bhp variant with the 61kWh battery offers 320 miles of range. The most powerful versions utilize the 84kWh battery, with the 228bhp model achieving 401 miles and the 322bhp model offering 391 miles.
Audi has optimized the A2 e-tron for reduced drag, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.24, the lowest in its compact range. The top-tier 322bhp model has a 124mph top speed and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.7 seconds.
DC fast charging is supported at speeds up to 183kW. The 84kWh battery can reportedly charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 minutes. The smaller battery options support charging at 100kW or 105kW.
The A2 e-tron's efficiency rating is 5.1 miles per kWh, surpassing the Kia EV3's figures. The vehicle also features bi-directional charging, enabling it to power external electronics and a home through its Vehicle-to-Home function.