Audi has just pulled the covers off its all-new E5 Sportback, the first model under its China-exclusive AUDI sub-brand (yes, all caps). Built in collaboration with China’s SAIC, this EV wagon is designed to cater specifically to the demands of the fast-growing Chinese electric car market.
🚘 No four rings here — the AUDI brand is separate from the traditional Audi and will initially be limited to China.
Designed for China, Built with Audi E5 Sportback Ambitions
Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the five-door electric wagon combines German engineering with Chinese tech innovation. Despite its resemblance to the A6 Avant in size, the E5 Sportback is no simple rebadge — it’s built on a unique platform crafted through the Audi-SAIC partnership.
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📏 Dimensions: 4,881 mm (L) x 1,959 mm (W) x 1,478 mm (H)
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🚗 Drive Types: Rear-wheel & All-wheel
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🔌 Max Range: 770 km (478 miles)
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🗓 Launch: Summer 2025 (China only)
Audi E5 Sportback’s Local Tech Features
This EV features a China-specific digital ecosystem, powered by the new AUDI OS and a Snapdragon 8295 chip. A massive 27-inch 4K screen spans the dashboard, blending hardware with software like never before.
Some unique features include:
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👤 Facial recognition
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📱 China-integrated app store
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🗣️ Voice assistant powered by ByteDance, with customizable moods via Behavior Select
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🚘 AI-assisted parking with memory-based multi-level navigation
Audi E5 Sportback Smart Driving Tech for Urban Challenges
Autonomous tech has been fine-tuned to handle China’s complex urban roads, including:
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🌆 LiDAR systems trained to detect two-wheelers and tricycles
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🅿️ Self-parking that remembers and navigates parking garages
These features aim to meet the expectations of China’s tech-savvy customers while ensuring safety in crowded city environments.
Audi E5 Sportback Impressive Performance and Charging
The E5 Sportback will be offered in four powertrain variants, including a top model that pushes performance into supercar territory.
🔧 Audi E5 Sportback Power Options:
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🔋 Battery: Up to 100 kWh
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🔌 Charging: 800V fast charging adds 370 km in just 10 minutes
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🌍 Range: Up to 770 km (478 miles) on CLTC
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🌪️ Suspension: Air suspension + optional all-wheel steering
What’s Next for the AUDI Sub-Brand?
The E5 Sportback is just the beginning. Audi and SAIC have already confirmed two more models for launch in 2026 and 2027, expanding the AUDI brand’s reach within China’s premium EV market.
Audi E5 Sportback Specifications
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Conclusion
The AUDI E5 Sportback marks a bold new chapter for Audi, blending German precision with Chinese innovation. With its futuristic tech, high-performance options, and local customization, it’s clear Audi and SAIC are serious about shaping the future of premium EVs in China.
While most of the world may never see this car on their roads, the E5 Sportback sets a benchmark for what’s possible when two global powerhouses join forces. As we await the next models from the AUDI brand in 2026 and 2027, one thing is certain — the EV race in China just got a whole lot more competitive.