In a historic industrial building in the center of Paris, Audi lifted the veil of secrecy on a new compact electric car. The A2 e-tron, reviving a name that left the lineup more than two decades ago, is meant to strengthen the brand's position in a segment where Chinese competitors are advancing ever more aggressively.
The car stands out for its outstanding efficiency — just 12,8 kWh per 100 km on the WLTP cycle, making it the most efficient production Audi in history. Its range reaches 646 km, and its drag coefficient is 0,24. Production has been set up at the plant in Ingolstadt, Germany, using already existing robots and equipment, which made it possible to cut development time by 21 months.
Audi's sales have been falling for the second year in a row: down 7 % in the first half of 2026 amid competition in China and American tariffs. Company head Gernot Döllner emphasized that what Europe needs is precisely compact and economical cars, where premium means the sensible use of resources, not merely more power or size.
The model is aimed at European buyers: rear-wheel drive, batteries of 52, 61 and 84 kWh, power from 125 to 240 kW. The price in Germany starts at 38 200 euros, orders open on 10 September, and the first deliveries are in December. Bidirectional charging is already standard, including Vehicle-to-Load.
This is not just a new car but a signal of a rethink in strategy: Audi is betting on local production and the affordability of premium electric cars precisely where demand for compact options is growing fastest. Competition with Chinese brands in Europe is becoming ever sharper, and efficiency plays a key role here.
Isn't it true that in a world where every kilometer on electricity is valued ever more highly, such an approach looks especially timely? This development is unfolding against the backdrop of the broader efforts of European automakers to adapt to the new realities of the market.
In the end, the A2 e-tron shows how German quality, modern technology and practicality for everyday life in European cities can be combined — a step that could help the brand regain lost ground.
