The next-generation A3, expected in 2027, will be all-electric.
It will be based on the VW Group’s SSP or Scalable Systems Platform.
Audi CEO Markus Duesmann recently said that all upcoming new Audi models will solely be electric starting from 2026. This fact alone lends credence to the suggestion that the premium German automaker will introduce an all-new all-electric A3 and other versions including the RS 3 from 2027.
Volkswagen is working on a Tesla Model 3 Rival Called Project Trinity
The new compact Audi will be underpinned by the SSP or Scalable Systems Platform. It was thought that Volkswagen’s MEB platform (already used for the Q4 e-tron) was going to be used however the SSP will be a better fit. We’ll know more about it soon enough as the Volkswagen ID.4 saloon, aka Project Trinity, will debut the new structure.
This also means that the new all-electric will ditch the basic FWD layout in favour of a single rear-mounted electric motor, according to Autocar. As well, we can certainly expect dual-engine configurations for the S and RS models.
Obviously, at this point in time, there are no details to speak of. However, understanding that the current RS 3 sports a turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine good for 394 horsepower and 369 lb.- ft. of torque, we can safely assume that the RS 3 e-tron’s output will crush these numbers.
Realistically, the SSP supports a new 800V electric architecture, it has a lower floor height and will feature a “unified cell format” and offer a range of up to 435 miles.
