Audi’s Smallest EV Ever Spotted – Could This Be the A2 e-tron?

Auto lovers have a new item to discuss, as Audi's smallest-ever electric SUV was just caught undergoing testing in Europe, and in the meantime, the automotive world is buzzing. Scheduled to launch in 2027, the new EV will sit below the current Q4 e-tron, giving Audi fans a new compact and (hopefully) lower-priced entry into the brand. While the vehicle is still completely covered in disguise, the early spy photos are enough to confirm that Audi is serious about the exploding small EV segment.

What Will Audi’s Smallest EV Be Called

Naming is undoubtedly one of the hottest debates at the moment. Reports suggest that Audi may be calling it the A2 e-tron, in referring to the much-loved Audi A2 from the early 2000s, or the Q2 e-tron, in speaking to the Automaker's current-name SUV family. Both names have history; one is an acknowledgment of the past and the other a nod to the modern day automaker's SUV family. Whatever the name, branding is important because this model is expected to take the place of the A1 hatchback and Q2 crossover by 2026.

Audi A2 e-tron Design Inspired by the Classic A2

The aesthetical design concept has already generated enthusiasm for long-time Audi enthusiasts. If you enjoyed the original Audi A2 mode, you'll see a familiar pattern—a tall, compact body, use of interior space, and a shape that is more functional than flamboyant. This artistical design concept is looking to embody that same spirit, but it has visual statements of current Audi electric range designs. The short overhangs, sloping roofline and cab-forward shape suggest Audi is looking to create something for the city as practical and urban-friendly without sacrificing premium appeal.

Platform and Performance of the Baby e-tron

Underneath, the new EV is expected to be built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, the updated version of the modular electric toolkit, which offers, among other things, faster charging, greater efficiency, and improved range over today’s EVs. While we can't confirm anything yet, early speculation predicts a single-motor configuration with about 223 horsepower and a range of roughly 280 miles. While we cannot confirm actual horsepower or range numbers, it does coincide with VW planned for its upcoming ID. Polo and ID. Cross products. Nevertheless, if you are going to use Audi's new EV for daily commuting around the United States; it has good numbers for the comfortable range between city driving and highway usage.

Why Audi’s Smallest EV Is Important for US Buyers

The US electric vehicle market is evolving quickly, with compact electric SUVs gaining traction. This new model could be just what buyers want if they want a premium badge, but don't need the size of a Q4 or Q8 e-tron. Major metropolitan areas (NYC, Chicago, and Los Angeles) are becoming more EV-friendly each year, and small size is an advantage with limited parking, stop-and-go, and urban living. If Audi can nail down the pricing, the compact electric SUV could end up being its gateway EV for millennials and others moving into their first luxury electric vehicle. 

Audi Smallest EV Price and Release Date

Although Audi has not provided formal specifications, analysts anticipate that this compact electric vehicle will be less expensive than the Q4 e-tron, which currently starts at a price point over $50,000 in the U.S. Therefore, the extrapolated price is likely to be somewhere between $35,000-$45,000, which places it directly in competition with Tesla's entry-level vehicles, the Hyundai Kona Electric, and the VW ID.4. If priced competitively, it will provide a tremendous opportunity for Audi to carve out a presence in the compact EV market in the U.S. marketplace in 2027.

Audi Baby EV Could Replace A1 and Q2 Models

The new baby e-tron is not just a car; it is also part of a wider transformation strategy rooted in the transition to EVs (electric vehicles). For instance, Audi is aiming to remove customers' ownership of internal combustion engines (ICE) by the end of the decade and is reshaping the portfolio of vehicles. The A1 and Q2 are believed to be some of the models being dispensed in order to make room for this completely new EV as the entry-level Audi. It is a strong statement by Audi and highlights its desire to invest a lot into EVs, as well as creating a path with small everyday models that appeal to a wider range of customers, as opposed to solely focusing on luxury SUVs.

2027 New Audi Electric SUV Specifications (Expected Details)

Conclusion

Audi’s smallest EV looks to be more than just another addition to the lineup: it’s clearly a watershed event for the brand’s electric future. With a retro design, modern EV technology under the hood, and a size that will work in urban environments, it’s squarely aimed at a burgeoning number of buyers looking for premium quality, without all the expense. If Audi hits on performance, range, and pricing, it could be one of the most talked-about compact EVs in the US by 2027. For now, we’ll watch Audi’s next steps while waiting for more official details on the story in the coming months.

ALSO READ: 2027 Audi A2 e-tron Spy Shot Gallery Finally Leaked

Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops