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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Steve Fowler

Audi revives A2 name for new entry-level electric model due this year

Audi's shadowy sketch shows how the new A2 will look – with hints of the original - (Audi)

Audi has confirmed it will revive one of its most recognisable model names for the electric era, with a new A2 e-tron set to be unveiled in the autumn – as part of a push to offer more accessible premium EVs.

The announcement was made at Audi’s Annual Media Conference, where the brand outlined plans to expand its electric lineup at both ends of the market. The A2 e-tron will sit at the entry point of Audi’s EV range, aimed at buyers looking for a smaller, more affordable way into the brand.

The A2 name returns more than two decades after the original model made its debut, known for its lightweight construction and focus on efficiency. Audi says the new A2 e-tron will carry that same spirit into the electric age, targeting customers who prioritise everyday usability, efficiency and digital connectivity.

The original Audi A2 was launched in 2002 and the new model has very similar proportions (Steve Fowler)

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said the new model responds directly to customer demand for more practical EVs. “We’ve listened. Our customers want electric mobility that impresses in everyday life. The A2 e-tron is our promise to deliver exactly that – efficient, compact, and confident. We’re making entry into the electric Audi world easier and more relevant than ever,” he said.

While technical details are yet to be confirmed, Audi has made it clear that the A2 e-tron is aimed at the growing compact EV market, particularly in urban areas. Demand for smaller electric cars continues to rise across Europe, driven by city-based drivers seeking lower running costs, easy manoeuvrability and strong real-world efficiency.

The A2 e-tron is expected to play a key role in broadening Audi’s appeal to a younger and more urban-focused audience. By introducing a more attainable entry point, it also reflects a wider trend among premium brands, many of which are adding smaller EVs to sit alongside their larger, higher-margin models.

Production of the new model will take place at Audi’s Ingolstadt plant in Germany, underlining the company’s continued investment in its European manufacturing base. The addition of another electric model line is part of Audi’s wider transition towards EV production across its factories.

Döllner highlighted the significance of the car for both the brand and its home market. “The A2 e-tron is crucial for our brand and also for our German home. With the production of an additional fully-electric model family in Ingolstadt, we are securing jobs and delivering electric mobility ‘made in Germany’,” he said.

The launch of the A2 e-tron follows a period of rapid product expansion for Audi. The company introduced more than 20 new models across 2024 and 2025 and says it now has one of the youngest model portfolios in the industry, spanning from compact EVs to large luxury vehicles.

That expansion is set to continue in 2026, with Audi focusing on strengthening both the entry level and top end of its range. Alongside the A2 e-tron, the brand has also confirmed plans for a new flagship SUV, the Q9.

Audi has released a first design sketch of the A2 e-tron, previewing a compact silhouette suited to urban driving. There are hints of the original A2 in both the proportions and the high-set rear spoiler. Full details, including specifications and pricing, will be revealed closer to its official debut later this year.

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