Browse
Log in / Register
Share
April 2, 2025 – Audi has resurrected one of its most unconventional nameplates, the A2, as an electric hatchback that prioritizes aerodynamics and efficiency above all else. The original A2 (2000-2005) was a cult classic thanks to its aluminum spaceframe and record-breaking fuel economy, but it was a commercial flop. Now, Audi is betting that an EV version – the A2 E-tron – can turn that legacy into a sales success, especially in the competitive U.S. electric compact segment.
Unlike the Mini or Renault 5, the new A2 wasn’t designed to deliberately evoke the past. Audi’s brief was simple: create a smaller EV than the Q4 E-tron with maximum aerodynamic efficiency to squeeze more range from a modest battery pack. The result is a shape that naturally echoes the original – a short, bluff nose flowing into a teardrop body with a truncated tail and a distinctive split rear window. The drag coefficient is expected to be among the best in its class, though official figures aren’t released yet.
The 2025 A2 E-tron rides on the latest evolution of Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, shared with the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, and upcoming ID.2. But Audi has made key upgrades. The mid-range 58kWh battery uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which allows frequent 100% charging without degrading lifespan. A new APP350 permanent-magnet synchronous motor (188 hp, 258 lb-ft) is mounted at the rear, driving the rear wheels. It features thinner materials, reduced oil volume, and a separate oil pan to minimize drag, boosting efficiency.
Audi estimates the 58kWh version will achieve over 5.5 miles per kWh – translating to a real-world 300+ miles on a full charge. Lower-range 52kWh and higher-range 79kWh options (both NMC) will also be available. That range would put the A2 ahead of rivals like the Volvo EX30 (up to 275 miles), Mini Countryman E (up to 260 miles), and Renault Megane E-Tech (up to 280 miles). In the U.S., the A2 will compete with the Tesla Model 3 (which starts around $45,000) and the upcoming Chevy Equinox EV (around $35,000). The A2’s estimated $33,000 starting price (£33,000 in the UK) makes it a strong value proposition.
Our early peek under the camouflage reveals a cabin that feels more like a modern
