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Audi plans to introduce a new economy-class electric vehicle in 2026
- The plans of Audi’s CEO to introduce a new electric car into the lineup have been disclosed.
- The new model, which has not yet been named, will be in the same segment as the Audi A3.
- Production of the new Audi model will take place in Ingolstadt, starting in 2026.
Audi may have decided, but it will not affect the planned release of new electric cars. One of them will be an entry-level model, similar to the Audi A3 with an internal combustion engine, expected to launch next year.
This information was shared by Audi’s CEO, Gernot Döllner, during an interview with a German newspaper. The Audi boss described the upcoming model as “an electric car in the same class as the A3.” Döllner also revealed that the electric car will be produced in Ingolstadt, starting in 2026.
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The current generation, introduced in 2020 based on the MQB architecture, received a mid-term update in 2024. This means that the still-unknown electric car – which might take the A2 E-tron or A3 E-tron badge – will be a standalone offering sold alongside the A3, rather than replacing it.
The timing of the compact Audi’s launch allows us to believe it will be based on the existing MEB architecture, sharing it with the entire VW ID family. It is assumed that the new SSP platform, dedicated to electric cars, will arrive in 2028 or 2029, being the foundation for the VW Golf MK9 and future electric versions of the VW T-Roc, Skoda Octavia, and Cupra Leon.
It is likely that the new Audi will adopt a five-door hatchback body style, which is more popular in Europe than four-door sedans. Of course, one cannot rule out the possibility of a small crossover. In any case, the model will likely inherit the latest design language of the Ingolstadt brand, combining it with advanced interior technologies and competitive range figures.
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The entry-level electric car might become Audi’s version of the future model, which is also expected to go into mass production in 2026. If this is the case, its prices will be higher than the sub-€25k VW model, in line with the more premium market positioning of the Audi brand within the VW Group.
Besides the A3-sized electric car, Audi’s CEO also revealed that the company will introduce a new model this April, which is being locally developed with the help of SAIC.
Audi is currently experiencing a tough period due to less than expected adoption of electric cars, fierce competition, and political instability. The German automaker recently announced that by 2029 they will balance, doing this in a “socially responsible” manner.
