Audi A3, RS3 will only have EVs in 2027 – report

The Audi A3 will continue to exist even as its Mercedes-Benz A-Class rival is said to be preparing to exit.

Autocar next report A3 hatchback and sedan will launch in 2027, only offering electric power and using the new Scalable Systems Platform electric vehicle architecture.

SSP is set to launch on Volkswagen Trinity Projectand will also be the basis for an Audi model called the Apollon.

Audi is said to have rejected the proposal to use the current MEB architecture as the basis for Q4 e-tronamong the numerous models of the Volkswagen Group.

The new architecture is said to offer lower floor heights and improved modularity, allowing for greater differentiation between models.

It will also support the new 800V electrical architecture (compared to MEB’s 400V) with charging speeds of up to 270kW, while Audi says the SSP models will offer a range of up to 700km.

The next A3 is said to offer a choice of single- or dual-engine rear-wheel drive, with a top hot RS3 continue on top of the range.

The RS3 is said to offer faster straight-line performance than the current turbocharged five-cylinder model, which can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The next A3 is tipped to take advantage of its dedicated EV architecture with a shorter overhang and a longer wheelbase.

It will once again serve as the entry point into the Audi range, with A1 bloom and Q2 intersection not replaced at the end of their lives – even if the Cupra, Skoda and Volkswagen brands all have entry-level EVs previewed on the MEB Small platform.

The current fourth-generation A3 goes into production in 2020 but won’t be locally available until 2022. It competes with BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

However, the next A3 may be less competitive.

Autocar reported in April that the next generation of BMW compact cars is being “under consideration” as the current UKL architecture will not support long-range plug-in hybrid models, while the UKL is currently a low-volume model globally.

However, an insider told the publication that China remains a strong potential market for small BMWs, and that if the brand leaves the entry-level luxury space it “will give way to the market”. share for competitors”.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it is cutting the number of entry-level luxury cars model from seven to fourand that’s the popular A-Class seems to be facing the ax because the brand prioritizes more profitable models.

Based on HandelsblattThe A-Class will be discontinued in 2025. The B-Class will also be phased out, leaving behind the CLA four-door coupe and related Shooting Brake wagon, along with the GLA and GLB crossovers.

In addition to the next A3, Audi is developing a range of electric models.

The Q6 e-tron confirmed, sharing power premium platform – co-developed by Audi and Porsche – with Porsche Macan EV.

Audi has previewed the related A6 e-tron in conceptual form, both like a sedan and like an Avant wagonwhile the A4 e-tron will also use the PPE architecture.

Both models are expected in 2024, along with a flagship A8 e-tron previewed by 2021 Grandsphere Concept. One Q8 e-tron SUVs will follow, possibly around the middle of the decade.

Before these models came out, current e-tron – Audi’s first electric car – will be updated in 2023.

The updated e-tron SUV is said to get upgraded electronics and electric motors, a new battery, and a range to match – potentially over 600km, a significant leap from the max. 436km of the current car.

Audi has confirmed last year it will launch the last new global model with an internal combustion engine (ICE) in 2025.

After that, the brand will begin to “phase out the production of internal combustion engines until 2033”.

However, there is a hole and a bit of room in Audi’s plan.

Audi says it “hopes to see continued demand” [for cars with ICE] in China after 2033, that’s why there may be a supply of domestically produced internal combustion engine vehicles.”

It also believes that “the exact moment of decommissioning of the Audi internal combustion engine will ultimately be determined by the customer and the law”.

Audi sells a wide range of vehicles in China specifically for that market, including MEB-based vehicles Q5 e-tron and Q6 is based on MQB.

THAN: Everything Audi A3 • S3 • RS3