Although Audi just revealed its all-electric e-tron SUV and its e-tron GT concept, the German automaker has no plans of slowing down on zero emission vehicles. According to Autocar, Audi will launch another EV in 2020 ahead of the production-spec e-tron GT the following year. What body style will Audi's second EV utilize? If you guessed crossover then you'd be correct.
However, this will be a compact crossover smaller than the e-tron. It will be based on the same MEB platform that will underpin VW's also upcoming ID range of EVs. In terms of size, this so far unnamed Audi will be parked between the Q2 and Q3.
With a 2020 debut planned and a 2021 on sale date, Audi expects for this compact EV crossover to become its best-selling pure electric vehicle, which makes sense considering the e-tron and e-tron GT are not exactly cheap. Autocar further learned from Audi design chief Marc Lichte that several design cues from the e-tron GT, specifically its shoulder line, inverted grille and air intakes will be carried over and adapted for the compact crossover.
The fact that Audi is planning another EV aligns with its commitment to launch 12 electric vehicles by 2025. The obvious segment choice was a compact crossover, of which sales are currently booming.
Furthermore, this will enable Audi to compete directly with a certain other upcoming compact EV: the Tesla Model Y, which will be based on the Model 3. For now, no other details have been announced because Audi has not even officially stated the vehicle exists in the first place. We expect to begin seeing spy shots in the near future as well. For anyone who thought Audi would only sell high-end EVs with near six-figure price tags, this is proof it won't leave lower price segments behind.