Audi electric compact SUV to arrive in 2020

A concept version of Audi’s upcoming compact electric car will be revealed early next year, before going on sale at a similar time to the E-tron GT.

Based on the MEB platform, a Volkswagen Group-wide architecture that is being used for VW’s ID range of EVs, the zero-emission model will be an SUV sitting between the Q2 and Q3 in size.

The small EV is likely to become Audi’s biggest-selling electric car when it arrives in 2021, thanks to being the most affordable EV in its line-up.

It will sit alongside the already-launched E-tron SUV and upcoming E-tron Sportback, as well as the flagship E-tron GT, which was recently revealed in concept form. 

Some of the design cues of the E-tron GT, such as the shoulder line, inverted grille and air intakes, are the same for the as-yet-unnamed model, Audi design boss Marc Lichte confirmed to Autocar UK.

Audi is using a number of different platforms for its electric models. The E-tron and E-tron Sportback are based on Audi’s modular longitudinal platform, called MLB, while the E-tron GT is based on the same J1 architecture as the upcoming Porsche Taycan EV. 

Audi’s use of the MEB architecture for the small SUV will ensure the car is more affordable than its bigger electric siblings. The MEB platform is being used for many EVs across the VW Group, including VW, Skoda and Seat EVs, meaning it will benefit from economies of scale. It’s likely that the model will start from around £30,000.

Audi announced last year that it will launch 12 electric models by 2025. Alongside the aforementioned models, there will be five more SUVs.

Also read: Audi E-tron GT concept unveiled as electric flagship

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