Audi A2 E-Tron Revealed With Incredible 401 Mile Range

More than 20 years after the original Audi A2 left the market, Audi is bringing the name back with a completely different mission. The new Audi A2 E-Tron is an all-electric compact model built around efficiency, usable interior space, long driving range, and everyday practicality. It is expected to reach European customers toward the end of 2026, giving Audi a new entry point into the increasingly competitive compact electric vehicle market.

One of the biggest numbers surrounding the new A2 E-Tron is its claimed driving range. Depending on the battery and powertrain configuration, Audi says the car can travel as far as 401 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure. That figure would translate to roughly 350 miles using the more demanding United States Environmental Protection Agency testing method, although the A2 E-Tron is currently not expected to be sold in the United States.

Audi has kept the exterior dimensions relatively compact. The A2 E-Tron measures 170.1 inches long, 70.5 inches wide, and 61.0 inches tall, while its wheelbase stretches 109.1 inches. Short front and rear overhangs help maximize passenger space, while the gently descending roofline gives the car a shape that stands apart from a conventional hatchback.

Aerodynamic efficiency plays a major role in the design. Audi claims a drag coefficient of just 0.24, making the A2 E-Tron the company’s most aerodynamic compact model. The result comes from several carefully integrated features rather than one dramatic design element.

A nearly enclosed underbody helps smooth airflow beneath the vehicle, while active air intakes at the front open only when additional cooling is required. Audi has also worked on the wheel arches, the space surrounding the tires, and the wheels themselves to reduce turbulence. Buyers will be able to choose alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, paired with 225 or 235 millimeter wide tires.

The front of the A2 E-Tron has a distinctly modern Audi appearance. A large dark panel integrates many of the vehicle’s sensors and primary lighting components, while narrow daytime running lights sit above it. At the rear, horizontal light emitting diode taillights visually widen the car. Even the electric door handles have been shaped with airflow in mind, using haptic sensors and a wing inspired profile that sits neatly against the body.

Inside, Audi has focused heavily on making the cabin feel larger than the exterior dimensions might suggest. A design concept called Softwrap uses a fabric covered surface across the dashboard, doors, and rear passenger area, giving the interior a softer and less conventional appearance.

Technology is centered around an 11.9 inch Virtual Cockpit Plus driver display and a curved 12.8 inch Audi multimedia interface touchscreen. The infotainment system includes Audi’s artificial intelligence powered assistant, connected services, and an E-Tron route planner designed to help drivers plan charging stops during longer journeys.

Moving the gear selector to the steering column creates additional storage space around the center console. The wireless charging area is compatible with the Qi 2.2 standard and can charge 2 smartphones simultaneously at up to 25 watts. Active cooling is included to help prevent excessive heat from reducing charging performance.

Audi is also introducing a Fidlock accessory attachment system. Magnets and mechanical locking points allow items such as cupholders and storage bags to be attached and removed quickly. An available panoramic glass roof provides approximately 17.2 square feet of glass area, while numerous storage areas are positioned throughout the cabin.

Cargo capacity starts at 14.0 cubic feet behind the rear seats and increases to 47.2 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are folded. The 228 horsepower and 322 horsepower versions also receive a small front storage compartment offering approximately 0.5 cubic feet of additional space.

Audi plans to offer the A2 E-Tron with 4 power outputs. All versions use permanent magnet synchronous electric motors and send power to the rear wheels. Output levels are rated at 168, 187, 228, and 322 horsepower.

Performance increases considerably as buyers move through the range. The 168 horsepower model accelerates from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 8.8 seconds, while the 187 horsepower version completes the same run in 7.9 seconds. The 228 horsepower model lowers that figure to 7.0 seconds.

At the top sits the 322 horsepower A2 E-Tron, which reaches 62 miles per hour from a standstill in 5.7 seconds and has a maximum speed of 124 miles per hour. The remaining versions are limited to 99 miles per hour.

There will also be 3 battery capacities. The 52.0 and 61.0 kilowatt hour battery packs use lithium iron phosphate chemistry, while the larger 84.0 kilowatt hour battery uses nickel manganese cobalt chemistry.

The entry 168 horsepower model combines the 52.0 kilowatt hour battery with a claimed range of up to 263 miles. Moving to the 187 horsepower version and 61.0 kilowatt hour battery increases the maximum range to 320 miles.

The real range champion is the 228 horsepower version equipped with the 84.0 kilowatt hour battery. Audi claims up to 401 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure. Interestingly, choosing maximum performance does not sacrifice much range. The 322 horsepower version uses the same 84.0 kilowatt hour battery and is rated for as much as 391 miles.

Charging performance depends on the configuration, with the more powerful versions supporting direct current fast charging at up to 183 kilowatts. Audi estimates that charging the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent can take approximately 24 to 29 minutes.

The A2 E-Tron can also do more than simply consume electricity. Vehicle to Load functionality allows the battery to supply power to compatible external equipment. In markets where the necessary infrastructure is supported, Vehicle to Home technology can send stored electricity back into a house, allowing the vehicle to function as part of a home energy system.

Pricing in Germany begins at €38,350 for the 168 horsepower model with the 52.0 kilowatt hour battery. More powerful versions with larger batteries and additional equipment will push beyond €50,000.

The original Audi A2 was known for doing things differently, and its unusual engineering eventually gave it something of a cult following. Audi appears to be taking a similar approach with the new A2 E-Tron. Instead of chasing extreme performance, the focus is on efficiency, interior space, technology, and especially driving range.

A compact Audi electric vehicle capable of a claimed 401 miles between charges could make the A2 name far more significant the second time around. Unfortunately for American Audi fans, current expectations suggest this compact electric model will remain focused on Europe.