Many drivers today find electric vehicles (EVs) to be too expensive. This issue is especially common with luxury brands, where high prices are often the norm. Audi, however, is working to address this challenge. Despite some hurdles in the shift to electric, the German automaker plans to expand its electric lineup, including an affordable entry-level model.
According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Audi intends to introduce a compact, all-electric vehicle in the A3 size range. Audi’s CEO, Gernot Döllner, confirmed the news, stating, “It will be an electric vehicle in the same class as the A3.” Originally slated for release in 2027, the launch of this model has been pushed up to next year.
Details about the upcoming EV remain scarce. It could be based on the Volkswagen ID.3, a compact hatchback, but Audi may choose to update the design since the ID.3 has been on the market for several years. Another possibility is that Audi will base the model on the Volkswagen ID.2all concept, unveiled in March 2023. A production version of this vehicle is expected to launch in 2026, with a starting price of approximately €25,000 ($27,000 USD).
Alternatively, Audi might draw from the Volkswagen ID.Every1 concept, though this is less likely. The ID.Every1 is expected to have a starting price of around €20,000 ($22,000 USD), making it an even more affordable option.
Both the ID.2all and ID.Every1 are hatchbacks with clean, modern styling. Their design appears to be inspired by the iconic Volkswagen Golf, first introduced in the 1970s.
The ID.2all is built on Volkswagen’s MEB Entry platform and offers up to 450 km (about 280 miles) of range on the WLTP test cycle. It also boasts 222 horsepower, which should be ample for a compact vehicle like this.
For Audi, the challenge in creating an affordable EV will be maintaining its luxury brand image. While it is relatively easy to use existing platforms and technology to create a new model, ensuring it feels like a true Audi is more complex. However, Audi has a long history of making mass-market models feel distinctly premium. Despite sharing many components with Volkswagen, Audi vehicles often feel unique and luxurious.
