Get ready for an electrifying experience as Audi gears up to unveil its compact electric vehicle (EV) that will hit the market next year! This exciting model will feature a refined version of the Multi-Platform Electric (MEB) architecture that currently underpins the popular Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born. While Audi has successfully adopted this adaptable platform for its Q4 e-tron, this latest incarnation promises to be a size down, providing a phenomenal electric alternative to the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered A3.
Audi's CEO Gernot Döllner has confirmed, "We will build an electric [C-segment] car here in Ingolstadt from next year." This timetable means we can expect the new Audi model to leverage existing technologies within the Volkswagen Group, avoiding the upcoming SSP architecture slated for a 2027 debut. Consequently, this innovative Audi is anticipated to share technical upgrades with the refreshed ID.3 set to debut around the same period. The electric variant will likely feature a rear-mounted electric motor paired with a battery pack situated beneath the vehicle's floor, ensuring both efficiency and performance. While we haven't yet confirmed sweeping changes to the battery technology, we can expect the new Audi to offer multiple battery options, likely including 58 kWh, 77 kWh, and 79 kWh configurations from the current ID.3 line up.
As for how the new electric alternative to the A3 will appear, design expectations are high. It's reasonable to assume that it will borrow various visual elements from the existing MEB-platform vehicles currently on the market. Initially, a standard single motor setup mounted on the rear axle can be anticipated, with the exciting possibility of a dual-motor variant for a high-performance version.
However, Audi is also taking into account special aerodynamic and design features, including a relatively elevated floor and high roofline, complemented by a short bonnet and an upright rear. How Audi's signature design language will be adapted to this sophisticated structure is still under wraps. Nevertheless, it's clear that this project is advanced enough in development that it will not receive the new design principles being crafted by Audi's design chief, Massimo Frascella, who joined just a year ago. That said, small design updates may still be feasible, especially considering rumours surrounding the new Audi Q7.
Last year, Audi revealed its strategic vision to subtly expand its model range while emphasizing established favourites. The decision was made to forgo successors for the A1 supermini and the Q2 small crossover, refocusing efforts towards indirect successors for the A3 family hatchback. This strategic move could offer Audi an attractive entry point, making it a more affordable option compared to premium brands like Mercedes and BMW. During discussions, Döllner emphasized that some models were deprioritized while maintaining a strong focus on critical markets such as China and the United States. He confirmed that the long-awaited entry-level model, expected to launch in late 2026 or 2027, has not been discarded in this reassessment of future initiatives.
When asked about potential cuts to the vehicle line up, Döllner stated, "We did both, really. We extended the timeframe to give us a little more time for these 20 models. I’ve never seen something like this in my career so far. We’ve discussed certain models that we deprioritized while placing emphasis on other ideas." He elaborated on the upcoming entry model, noting it would fall within the A-segment — sized akin to the Volkswagen Golf or A3, possibly even a bit smaller. While Audi isn't planning direct successors for the A1 and Q2, this new addition will position itself nicely below the Q4 e-tron in the C-segment.
Exclusive renderings of what this new electric Audi A3 might look like have drawn inspiration from Audi's AI:ME concept from 2019. Although that concept was slightly shorter than the A3, our illustrations showcase how easily its dimensions could be elongated, delivering a striking, distinctive EV design that will blend seamlessly with Audi's established aesthetic without detracting from the Q4 e-tron’s SUV identity. With shorter front and rear overhangs, this new model is set to claim its spot at the base of Audi's evolving range. However, there's also a possibility that Audi could choose a more traditional design, such as a three-box sedan, which could prove popular in significant markets like the United States and China.
The anticipated all-electric entry-level model indicates that there will likely be no successor to the existing A3 with a combustion engine. Since the current A3 was launched in 2020 and has recently undergone significant updates, transitioning into a purely electric future aligns perfectly with Audi’s strategy. Moreover, the brand is likely to develop tailor-made products to meet American market demands, including larger SUVs. Döllner remarked, "That’s one thinkable option. We have a lot of ideas, and we’ll definitely delve deeper into the North American landscape." He further expressed optimism about Audi's prospects in the U.S., citing untapped potential in a growing market.
While intriguing opportunities abound, Döllner refrained from directly linking Audi with the VW Group’s exciting Scout project—a new line of off-road-oriented SUVs and pickup trucks under development in the United States. "The VW Group has decided to revive the Scout brand, and I was honoured to play a role in that decision a couple of years ago," Döllner recounted. "We’re back with trucks and rugged SUVs, but they’ll be branded as Scout." The path forward is bright for Audi, as the automotive landscape evolves toward electrification. Get ready to witness this electric revolution unfold!