Development of the Audi A2 e-tron has entered a vital testing phase ahead of the premiere of the brand’s entry-level, all-electric hatchback this autumn.

The Audi A2 e-tron has entered a vital testing phase ahead of its premiere this autumn

Confirmed at the Audi Annual Media Conference in March, this pivotal new model will “rejuvenate the Audi model range and broaden access to premium electric mobility”.

Manufactured at Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, the electric hatch marks the return of the A2 nameplate, which was originally used for the carmaker’s innovative, lightweight city car between 1999 and 2005. It will effectively replace the discontinued Audi A1 supermini and Audi Q2 crossover, while acting as an indirect electric alternative to the A3 hatchback.

Designed to be the most affordable entry point into Audi’s electric range, the brand’s smallest EV yet aims to broaden access to premium electric driving while rejuvenating Audi’s compact portfolio for a new era.

The vehicle is expected to sit on the MEB+ platform also used for the new Volkswagen ID.3 Neo as well as the ID. Polo, Cupra Raval and Škoda Epiq.

At the other end of the scale, Audi is also launching the Q9 this summer as the brand’s largest-ever luxury SUV.

Ahead of the arrival of the A2 e-tron, Audi has shown a camouflaged prototype that’s currently clocking up vital test miles on snow and ice, in the wind tunnel at Audi Technical Development in Ingolstadt and on public roads.

Testing includes cold weather trials in Scandinavia, proving the A2 e-tron’s mettle against the most extreme conditions on Earth. The validation process at a secret test site in northern Sweden focuses not only on driving dynamics but also on thermal management and battery performance.

At the same time, Audi’s new baby EV is undergoing aerodynamic optimisation in the wind tunnel in Ingolstadt. With wind speeds of up to 300km/h (186mph), ultra-precise aeroacoustic measurement, and a 235km/h rolling road, the wind tunnel provides ideal conditions for optimising the airflow characteristics, noise development and thermal stability of the A2 e-tron.

To fine-tune the new model’s everyday performance, the development team is also using the diverse conditions of the Altmühl Valley region in Bavaria to test the finely balanced suspension and assistance systems in real road traffic.

The A2 e-tron will target “a broad international customer base that values everyday usability in the city, sustainability, high efficiency and digital connectivity”.

Speaking at the Audi Annual Media Conference, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said: “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.”

The A2 e-tron bolsters the brand’s model initiative and “strengthens a younger, clearer and increasingly electric portfolio and makes entering the brand more modern and more relevant for new target groups”.

By producing the all-electric A2 e-tron at its Ingolstadt HQ, Audi is doubling down on the transformation of its German and European manufacturing hubs. Following an aggressive rollout of over 20 new models in 2024 and 2025, Audi now lays claim to the youngest portfolio among its competition. The A2 e-tron ensures this momentum continues, bridging the gap from the fully electric compact segment to the premium full-size segment, including the upcoming Q9.