Audi is returning its A2 model, which became iconic thanks to its unusual engineering solutions—but now in a fully electric format, Autocar reports.

The new Audi A2 E-tron has retained the main idea of the original—maximum efficiency, and has a modern electric platform. The first Audi A2, produced since the late 1990s, was one of the most daring cars of its time. It used an aluminum space frame and an unusual aerodynamic shape, which enabled it to combine a spacious interior with very low fuel consumption.

The high cost of production and unusual design, however, had made the model commercially unsuccessful. The new A2 was not created as an attempt to simply repeat the past. Audi was developing a compact electric car that should have minimal air resistance and provide a long range with a relatively small battery.

As a result, engineers came to a shape reminiscent of the original A2: a short front end, a full body, and a flowing silhouette. Unlike the first generation, the new A2 is not a completely experimental model. It is built on the Volkswagen Group’s improved MEB platform, which is also used in other electric cars of the company.

One of the main technical innovations in this car is a battery with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which can be regularly charged to 100%. In addition, this car has a new APP350 electric engine, which is distinguished by high efficiency due to reduced losses during operation.

During tests, the most economical version of the A2 E-tron with a 58 kWh battery showed a range of about 5.4 km per 1 kWh of energy. This enables to expect a range of about 480 km on a single charge, an indicator that surpasses many competitors. The interior of the new A2 is designed in the modern style of Audi: digital screens, a minimum number of physical buttons, and high-quality materials. At the same time, this car has retained its practicality—there is enough space for passengers, and the capacity of the trunk is expected to be at the level of competitors.

However, testers note shortcomings, too. The version with a sports suspension has turned out to be too stiff, and the level of road noise is higher than expected. Experts believe that the new A2 is unlikely to become as bold an engineering experiment as the original, but thanks to high efficiency and an electric powertrain, it can be much more successful than its predecessor. The Audi A2 E-tron should enter the market at the end of 2026.