Audi has announced the return of the A2 nameplate, reimagined as a compact electric hatchback with a projected range of 401 miles. The new A2 e-tron will serve as the entry point to Audi's electric vehicle lineup, with a starting price of £32,200. Order books in the UK are scheduled to open next month, with the first deliveries expected in early 2027.
This new iteration draws inspiration from the original A2, which was produced from 2000 to 2005. Key design cues include a sloping roofline and a rounded nose, though the modern EV features a more svelte, lozenge-shaped profile and a lower roofline compared to its boxier predecessor. Contemporary updates include new taillights, aerodynamically optimized wheels, and sleek light bars that align with Audi's current e-tron design language.
Interior and Technology
The A2 e-tron's interior is characterized by Audi's panoramic MMI display, comprising an 11.9-inch instrument display and a 12.8-inch curved touchscreen. It will feature Audi voice assist and AI capabilities, along with Microsoft Teams integration. For audio, a 14-speaker Sonos system is included, and the cabin is designed for quietness through aero-acoustics. The seats are made from microfibre and cloth, and the hatchback offers 396 liters of boot space, falling between the Kia EV3 and VW ID.Neo in terms of cargo capacity. A unique feature is the use of 'Fidlock', a magnetic and mechanical fastening system for repositionable 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 extras.
Performance and Range
Audi will offer the rear-wheel drive A2 e-tron with three battery options: 52kWh, 61kWh, and 84kWh, providing four power outputs ranging from 168bhp to 322bhp. The base 168bhp model with the 52kWh battery is expected to achieve 262 miles of range. The 187bhp version, equipped with a 61kWh battery, is rated for 320 miles, while the more powerful 228bhp and 322bhp variants utilizing the 84kWh battery are anticipated to deliver 391 and 401 miles, respectively. These range figures position the A2 e-tron favorably against competitors like the Kia EV3 and VW ID.Neo, which offer maximum ranges of 370-390 miles.
The vehicle's efficiency is attributed to a focus on reducing drag, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.24, the lowest for any model in Audi's compact range. The top-performing 322bhp version has a top speed of 124mph and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. DC fast charging is supported at up to 183kW, with the 84kWh battery capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 minutes. Smaller batteries can charge at speeds of 100kW or 105kW. The A2 e-tron also features bi-directional charging capabilities, allowing it to power external electronics and, through its Vehicle-to-Home function, supply power to a residence.