New Models Audi A2 E-Tron: Prices, Range, and Technology at a Glance

Nearly 30 years after the original A2 flopped, Audi is bringing the name back as an electric car. The compact model aims to win over buyers with its clever design—but comes with Audi’s typically long list of optional extras.

In the late 1990s, the A2—which had been introduced at that time—proved to be a flop despite its high efficiency. Now Audi is reviving the name and introducing the A2 E-Tron as a fully electric car in the upper compact class. The 4.32-meter-long (14.17-foot) five-door model is available for order immediately, with deliveries set to begin in December. Prices start at 38,200 euros ($44,312) for the version with 125 kW/170 PS and a battery with a gross capacity of 52 kWh.  

The base price alone shows that Audi is positioning its new electric vehicle with great confidence, even though it is also seen as the brand’s new entry-level model, intended not only to attract new customers but also to retain existing ones. 

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A Design Reminiscent of the Original A2

The A2 e-tron is in a completely different league than the car that inspired its name, which was introduced nearly 30 years ago. Nevertheless, the Audi designers have incorporated some visual cues from the original. The roofline, which slopes sharply toward the rear, and the transition to the sleek rear end with its high-mounted spoiler are particularly reminiscent of the “predecessor.” That spoiler was positioned to the centimeter at the same height—which Audi considers optimal—as on the original A2. For Jakob Hirzel, this is a sign that “they did a very good job back then, too,” as the exterior designer comments with a wink.  

From every angle, the A2 E-Tron looks very clean and uncluttered, with clearly defined surfaces and no unnecessary frills. However, due to the 2⁄3 to 1⁄3 split between the body and the greenhouse, the side windows at the rear and the rear window are rather small. In addition, the rear windows can only be opened about halfway due to the wheel arches that protrude into the door openings.  

Eye-Catching Door Handles

The front is dominated by a wide black panel—somewhat modeled after the earlier Single-Frame grille—behind which various sensors for the driver-assistance systems are primarily concealed. At the upper edge of the panel, in its outermost corners, the main headlights are concealed behind a rectangular glass panel; above them, the daytime running lights are housed in a narrow slit.  

One striking feature is Audi’s solution for the door handles, which are designed as small wings that open when touched. To lock the doors, a light touch on the sensor surface is all it takes. An integrated energy storage system is designed to ensure that the doors can still be opened even if the vehicle’s electronics fail—for example, after an accident. 

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Adjustable Mounting System for the Interior

A great deal of attention to detail has gone into the interior. For the first time, Audi’s patented “Fidlock” fastening system is being used. It combines magnets with a mechanical fastening mechanism, ensuring that objects—such as a cup holder—not only stay securely in place but also snap into position precisely. There are two such mounting points in the front and three in the trunk. One can be used, for example, to secure a tension strap, and a cable charging pouch can be attached to two of these points on the left side of the trunk, which, at just under 400 liters, is of average size. Dacia has a similar system called “YouClip”—though without magnets.

The trunk capacity can be expanded to a practical 1,330 liters by folding down the rear seats. Hidden under the front hood is a small "frunk" with a capacity of 13 liters. 

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Four Powertrain Options and an LFP battery

The range of powertrains and batteries is quite extensive: There are three battery sizes (52, 61, and 84 kWh) as well as four powertrain options: 

• 125 kW (approximately 168 hp) (starting at 38,200 euros / $44,312), 
• 140 kW (approximately 188 hp) (starting at  41,900 euros / $48,604),
• 170 kW (approximately 228 hp) (starting at 48,900 euros / $56,724) and 
• 240 kW/327 PS (approximately 322 hp) (starting at 51,200 euros / $59,392).

All-wheel drive isn't included yet, but it will likely be added later. All A2 models will initially be rear-wheel drive. 

Audi relies on the rugged, safe, and affordable LFP battery (lithium iron phosphate). Among other things, it has the advantage of being able to be charged to 100 percent without long-term loss of performance and can withstand more charging cycles without degradation. Compared to the nickel-manganese-cobalt or nickel-cobalt-aluminum batteries more commonly used in the premium segments, the range is slightly shorter for batteries of the same size. 

A Range of just Over 640 kilometers

The A2 E-Tron achieves a range of between 420 and 640 kilometers (261 and 398 miles, thanks in part to its c_W value of 0.24—an outstanding figure for a vehicle in this class. The latter range is reserved for the 170-kW version and is only available when the S-Line package with 19-inch Aero tires and sport suspension is ordered. The 140 kW version has the lowest WLTP consumption at 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometers (20.6 kWh per 100 miles). 

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The results for charging power vary. They range from a somewhat disappointing 100 and 105 kW for the two less powerful powertrains to an acceptable 183 kW for the two more powerful ones. Nevertheless, depending on the version, the batteries should be able to recharge from 10 to 80 percent within 24 to 28 minutes. Almost as important for everyday use: an additional 200 kilometers (124 miles) of range should be available after just ten minutes of charging. 

A Long List of Extra Charges Despite a High Base Price

As is always the case with German premium brands, not only are the prices high, but the list of optional extras will also be very long. Among other things, a heat pump must be ordered as an add-on for all trim levels. Optional features include, among others, a panoramic glass roof, a head-up display, LED taillights, a sport suspension, power-adjustable seats, and the Vehicle-to-Load function. Standard equipment, on the other hand, includes the driver and center displays (11.9 and 12.8 inches) housed in a unit oriented toward the driver, navigation, a rearview camera, and inductive, actively cooled smartphone charging. 

The first impression of the new Audi A2 e-tron—formed without even driving it—is impressive. The clean design, the spacious interior with several innovative features, and the wide range of powertrains and battery sizes are all pluses. Unsurprisingly, the biggest drawback—aside from the meager charging performance in the base models—is the Ingolstadt-based (Germany)automaker’s pricing and extra-cost structure.