Audi Gave Up On The Gas A2, Now It’s Making The Q2 EV To Win You Back

Remember the quirky Audi A2 of the early 2000’s? The ultra-light, aluminum spaceframe-based compact was Ingolstadt’s rival to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In many ways, it was the BMW i3 before the i3 existed, a car that felt too far ahead of its time for its own commercial good.

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Launched in 1999 and built until 2005, the Audi A2 was available with five engines, including the record-setting 60 hp 1.2 TDI, which used just 2.99 liters per 100 kilometers (78.7 mpg). Only 176,377 units were produced. Though sales fell short, the A2 has since earned cult status as a modern classic.

The original Audi A2 was offered from 1999 to 2005.

Now, nearly three decades later, Audi appears ready to revisit the spirit of the A2 with the upcoming Q2 e-Tron. Positioned beneath the Q4 e-Tron and effectively replacing the departing petrol-powered Q2. It will share core underpinnings with Volkswagen Group’s next-generation small EVs, becoming the new entry point into the e-Tron range. 

Visual Nostalgia 

This writer’s spy-shot-based illustration reveals a similar upright profile to the A2 of yesteryear, with a more raked windscreen and a roofline that tapers aggressively towards the C-pillar. The proportions lean more toward a hatch-on-stilts aesthetic than the crossover look of the outgoing car.

Up front, slim micro-LED daytime running lights sit high and wide, while the main headlamp units are pushed lower into the bumper. A bold, closed-off grille is framed by sharp creases and more angular air inlets, giving the smallest e-Tron a confident face.

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In profile, there’s deep sculpting on the lower surfaces, and the door handles have been replaced with Mach-e-style winglets. At the rear, design cues are more playful, with a high-mounted spoiler visually dividing the rear glass (a nod to the old A2), and the tailgate is updated with a full-width LED light bar.

Interior Smarts

Inside, the Q2 e-Tron is expected to largely mirror the themes set in the Q3 and Q5. A curved, high-resolution digital driver’s display will be paired with a central MMI touchscreen. Audi’s AI-based voice assistant is likely standard, with support for downloadable apps, including media streaming (such as Disney+) and navigation services.

Other goodies will include a suite of level 2 semi-autonomous driver assists, ambient lighting, and sustainable trim options. Despite its compact exterior, the flat EV floor should free up cabin space, while boot capacity is predicted to land just below the Q4 e-Tron’s 520 litres.

Platform and Powertrain

SHProshots

Underneath, the Q2 e-Tron is expected to ride on Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ architecture. This updated platform promises a stiffer chassis, better energy efficiency, and significantly faster charging compared to earlier MEB-based models.

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Early technical leaks point to a front-wheel-drive base model producing 201 hp (150 kW), paired with a 63 kWh battery expected to deliver around 250 miles (402 km) of driving range. More powerful versions could exceed 268 hp (200 kW), potentially matched with a larger battery offering up to 348 miles (560 km) on the WLTP cycle

Quattro variants with dual motors are also in development, aimed at drivers in colder regions or those looking for more traction and performance. RS-badged performance trims are rumored to be in the works as well.

Rivals and Reveal

The Q2 e-Tron, or possibly A2 depending on final naming, will compete with a growing roster of small premium EVs. These include the Volvo EX30, BMW iX1, Smart #1, Alfa Romeo Junior, and Mini Aceman. 

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While early speculation pointed to a 2027 launch, recent reports suggest the Q2 e-Tron could debut in the second half of next year, with production expected to be based in Germany.

What do you think of the smallest e-Tron’s pint-sized proportions? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.