Audi will launch an entry-level electric car in 2026
In the Audi model hierarchy, the new electric model will be on the same level as the A3. The novelty is planned to be produced at the plant in Ingolstadt, Germany.
Here's What We Know
Audi's transition to all-electric cars is not going as smoothly as planned. Demand for the brand's electric cars fell 7.8% in 2024 (to 164,480 units), and weak sales of the Q8 E-Tron have forced the company to close its plant in Brussels, Belgium. All of this is forcing the company to revise plans for full electrification until 2032 and not even give up on launching new petrol models after 2026.
Despite the difficulties, Audi is not giving up and is preparing an entry-level electric car that will debut as early as 2026, although it was originally scheduled to launch in 2027. CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed this information in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung.
What could this electric car be like?
There is no official information yet, but we can make a few assumptions based on the existing developments of Volkswagen AG.
- First option: Audi could make a more premium version of the Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback. However, the ID.3 has already been on the market for five years and this option looks unlikely.
- The second option: a model based on the VW ID.2all concept. Volkswagen plans to launch a production version of the ID.2 in 2026, priced from €25,000. Audi's related electric car (if that's what it will be) will command a higher price, but less than the Q4 E-Tron - from €46,150 in Germany.
VW ID.2all Concept. Photo: Volkswagen
If the speculation about an adapted version of the ID.2 is correct, Audi will get a compact hatchback that will be an alternative to the new Mercedes CLA. BMW won't have a budget electric car for a few more years - the company plans to release i1 or i2 models closer to 2030.
Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung
