Marking a pivotal transformation in Audi’s China strategy, the newly established AUDI brand – a capitalized variant distinct from the iconic four rings – introduced its first production model, the AUDI E5 Sportback, at Auto Shanghai 2025.

Developed exclusively for China in partnership with SAIC, this high-performance, fully electric fastback showcases the brand’s engineering excellence and deep resonance with local market demands. Set to launch in summer 2025, the E5 is built on the Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP) and designed to integrate cutting-edge technology with emotional design.

Design: Sculpted for Chinese Sophistication

The AUDI E5 Sportback reinterprets Audi’s timeless design language for Chinese tastes. Its commanding fastback silhouette (4,881 mm long, 1,959 mm wide, 1,478 mm high) is accentuated by circular wheel arches and the striking AUDI Light Frame, which replaces the traditional Singleframe grille. A seamless black loop unifies lighting, sensors, air curtains, radar, and spoilers into one futuristic design statement.

From a floating front spoiler to the rear wing and aerodynamic air curtains, every element is both beautiful and purposeful. Illuminated logos and matrix LED headlights with over 1,000 light units underscore Audi’s signature blend of emotion and precision.

Interior: Luxury Rooted in Innovation

Inside, the E5 offers a serene, technologically immersive space. Horizontal layers and natural materials such as 3D lamella wood inlays, ambient lighting, and an automated dimming panoramic glass roof combine modern minimalism with warm sophistication. A curved panoramic display, intelligent air vents, fragrance diffuser, and headrest speakers enrich the luxury experience.

Smart storage features include dual wireless phone charging at 50W with active cooling. Every touchpoint, from tactile surfaces to digital interfaces, reflects a refined human-centric philosophy.

Technology: The Future Inside

At the heart of the E5’s in-cabin ecosystem is the AUDI OS, powered by the QUALCOMM Snapdragon 8295 chip, capable of 30 billion operations per second. A 27-inch 4K pillar-to-pillar display, facial recognition-enabled app store, and seamless smartphone integration form the cornerstone of the car’s digital infrastructure.

The AI-powered AUDI Assistant, featuring natural language processing and haptic feedback, transforms interaction into an intuitive, personalised dialogue. A context-aware Control Bar on the center console adjusts dynamically, reflecting the brand’s premium digital philosophy.

Driving Dynamics: Power Meets Precision

The AUDI E5 Sportback is offered in four fully electric variants:

• 295 hp (RWD)
• 402 hp (RWD)
• 570 hp (quattro AWD)
• 776 hp (quattro AWD)

Delivering up to 770 km of range from a 100 kWh battery, the most powerful variant accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. An 800-volt fast-charging system allows 370 km of range in just 10 minutes.

Adaptive air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and progressive all-wheel steering ensure that the vehicle’s performance remains balanced, poised, and luxurious.

Safety and Assistance: Engineered for China

Designed to navigate China’s complex urban ecosystems, the E5 features 29 perception hardware units, including 100-line LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. The AUDI 360 Assisted Driving System manages adaptive cruise, obstacle avoidance, and urban traffic challenges like e-bikes and tricycles.

China-specific enhancements include nighttime safety, cross-floor memory parking, and child-detection systems, ensuring tailored protection for diverse driving scenarios.

Looking Ahead

With the AUDI E5 Sportback, Audi inaugurates a new chapter in its China journey, blending its storied engineering pedigree with local innovation. This China-exclusive vehicle signals not just a product launch, but the onset of a new brand ethos – one that merges Audi’s legacy with a future defined by intelligence, sustainability, and emotional design. Two additional all-electric models are scheduled for 2026 and 2027, further expanding Audi’s most ambitious product initiative to date.