The Audi A2 returns as an EV and it brings us back to Y2K
Design is very important in any car. Mess that up and failure will just be around the corner. That was the case for the Audi A2 which while it looked unique, wore highly controversial styling with its wedge-shaped silhouette and weird proportions. It was eventually discontinued in 2005 after years of low sales.
We, however, live in a different time now and automakers are looking at the past to make the future, and buyers are responding. As such, the formerly controversial hatchback returns as the fully electric Audi A2 e-tron, and it shows how a design failure from over two decades ago can still be put to good use.
Taking the spot once again as Audi’s entry-level model, the A2 e-tron now sits where the Audi A1 used to prior to being discontinued a few months ago. It’s much larger than before with measurements at 4,321mm long, 1,791mm wide, and 1,549mm tall, and rides on a 2,770mm wheelbase.
Despite being larger in every dimension, the Audi A2 e-tron brings us back to the early 2000s with styling that’s clearly inspired by the original A2. The wedge shape remains, albeit with softer and smoother lines. This not only gives that “retro” look, but also provides a drag coefficient of 0.24.
The front fascia wears the latest of Audi’s design language, featuring a strip of customizable daytime running lights on top, and headlights that are integrated into the wide front grille panel which is horizontal in shape and inspired by the original A2’s front grille. On the other hand, the rear is upright and features a split-glass design for the rear windshield, and slim horizontal taillights.
The side has been cleaned up with new electronic door handles that are placed just below the window line. And before you mention safety, each door has their own battery to ensure that the doors remain operational in case of the unexpected. The wheels are also inspired by the original Audi A2, and come in sizes ranging from 18- to 20-inches.
Inside, the Audi A2 e-tron is characteristic of an Audi with a curved display that houses an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch Audi MMI touch display. The rest of the interior has been designed to be spacious, especially with the center console which includes a lot of storage space, and a shelf that houses two wireless phone chargers and physical controls for select functions.
The dashboard and door panels are also wrapped in Softwrap, a fabric material made from recycled polyester. An optional panoramic glass roof is also available, along with a Sonos premium sound system with 14 speakers, and 30-color ambient lighting.
As for its powertrain, you guessed it, the Audi A2 e-tron is fully electric, offering as much as 326 horsepower and 545Nm of torque, depending on the variant. LFP battery options are 52kWh and 61kWh in capacity, while the 84kWh option is an NMC battery that allows for up to 630km of range, while the range as a whole is capable of a consumption of 12.8kWh per 100km which Audi says makes it their most efficient model ever.
The A2 e-tron will be produced at Audi’s Ingolstadt plant, with orders opening from September 10, 2026. Deliveries are expected to commence before the end of the year, and pricing in Germany will start at EUR 41,900 or approximately Php 2,782,000.
Should Audi Philippines offer the A2 e-tron here, especially with their continuous push of their e-tron lineup?
