Audi announced the development and the introduction of yet another electric car - probably a compact CUV - based on the MEB platform developed for the ID range of electric cars. We will see the first glimpses of the CUV early next year. That is the time when Audi plans to reveal the concept version. I would guess at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The new zero-emission model will be an entry-level Audi electric car, and sizewise it will fit in between the Audi Q2 and the Audi Q3.

New EV E-Tron From Audi With Recognizable Styling

Audi plans to introduce the production version of the car in 2020 which means that it’s in an advanced development phase of the CUV. This is not a surprise as the MEB platform is shared through the Volkswagen group, and it will most likely underpin electric cars from Seat and Skoda as well. True, up until this moment you can only buy the E-Tron SUV while you will have to wait a bit for the other versions. Nevertheless, we can expect a car that does not look too “out there,” but actually takes a familiar look at production Audi models. Sure, including some specialty design cues from electric cars. Nothing extreme, though, mind you.

New Audi Electric Compact Will Complement The Audi All-electric lineup

While many reported that this will be a CUV rather than a hatchback (I believe that as well), some also suggest that the entry-level electric Audi will be an electric compact hatch. Really close to the upcoming Golf-sized ID Neo. With the already unveiled models, Audi will have a 12 vehicle strong all-electric lineup. SUVs will, most likely, make the grunt of the lineup.

The Price

Using MEB architecture, Audi will benefit from shared and cheap (take this with a grain of salt) EV tech. I cannot see it hitting the price of less than $36 grand. The thing is, however, that no one knows if this one will get to the U.S. at all. It will be compact, but “really nice sedan” expensive. Despite the cool factor, I don’t see Americans lining up to buy it.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi e-Tron GT Concept.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Audi E-Tron GT.

Read our full review on the 2020 Audi E-tron Quattro.

Read our full review on the 2015 Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept.