Audi has revealed that the fifth-gen A3 will be introduced as an electric-only model, and official sources claim that both the hatchback and sedan versions will abandon petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains by 2027.
- To utilise new SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture
- AWD to be retained for RS versions
- Will rival the Volkswagen ID.3
Next-gen Audi A3: platform and powertrain
The fifth-generation A3 will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s new skateboard-style SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) electric architecture – the same structure that will make its debut on the upcoming ID.4 sedan. However, the upcoming A3 will rival the Volkswagen ID.3.
This platform has reportedly been designed to support a new 800V electric architecture that will offer significantly faster charging times than the existing 400V system on MEB-based models.The new platform will also enable charging speeds of up to 270kWh, which can give give the A3 a 129Km driving range in just 10 minutes. Audi’s CEO, Markus Duesmann states that the SSP architecture will use a ‘unified cell format’ and offer a range of up to 700km. Some of the advantages of the new architecture over the current MEB structure are a lower floor height and greater modularity for increased differentiation between models.
The standard versions of the upcoming electric A3 will abandon front-wheel drive for the first time since the model’s introduction in 1996, however, the performance versions are expected to get dual electric motors with four-wheel drive – reminiscent of the petrol-powered S3 and RS3 versions.
Next-gen Audi A3: expected design and future
Our sister magazine, Autocar UK reports that the next-gen A3 will be conceived as a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, both with incremental increase in dimensions. The design changes will include shorter overhangs, a shorter bonnet line, longer cabin and a larger wheelbase thanks to the new SSP platform.
This also means that the electric RS3 will be the entry point into the brand’s electrified performance range that is topped by the RS e-tron GT. The electrification of the A3 line-up also aligns with recent comments made by Audi CEO Markus Duesmann that all new Audi models will be exclusively electric from 2026.
Audi in India
While its global launch is quite some time away, the all-electric Audi A3 and its sporty versions could make it to our market soon after. The brand currently sells the e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT in India.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
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