Audi preparing smaller electric crossover for 2020 launch?

The yet-unnamed model could use Volkswagen's MEB platform.

Audi's electric car offensive will include a compact crossover, according to a recent report. It will be the firm's most affordable battery-powered model.

The yet-unnamed model will ride on the modular MEB platform developed by parent company Volkswagen specifically to underpin electric cars, British magazine Autocar learned. It will slot between the Q2 sold in Europe and the second-generation Q3 in terms of size, and using the MEB platform will keep it relatively affordable.

Audi design boss Marc Lichte told Autocar that the crossover will borrow some styling cues from the E-Tron GT concept unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show. Technical specifications -- such as range and battery capacity -- haven't been released yet. However, using the MEB architecture gives Audi the option of offering a single electric motor mounted over the rear axle or dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Audi will preview the crossover with a concept in 2019. It will go on sale in 2021, and it will presumably join the company's line-up in all global markets. When it arrives, it will join the E-Tron (pictured), the E-Tron Sportback making its debut in 2019, and the production version of the aforementioned E-Tron GT in showrooms.

The offensive won't stop there. Audi plans to introduce 12 electric cars by 2025, including five additional SUVs.