Audi presents AUDI E7X and A6L e-tron for China market

Audi presents the AUDI E7X and A6L e-tron in China, highlighting its dual-brand strategy, new electric models and partnerships with SAIC and FAW shaping its local portfolio.

AUDI E7X, the second production model of Audi’s China-only brand, made its debut in Beijing, becoming the centerpiece of the company’s updated strategy in the world’s largest automotive market. The fully electric SUV, offering more than 750 kilometers of range under the CLTC cycle, up to 500 kW of power, and a battery capacity of up to 109 kWh, marks Audi’s move into a segment already dominated by local tech-driven manufacturers.

The arrival of the E7X highlights how deeply Audi is reshaping its presence in China. The company is now operating with two brands: the traditional four-ring Audi and the separate AUDI brand developed with SAIC. The latter focuses on connected electric vehicles integrated into China’s digital ecosystem. Its first model, the AUDI E5 Sportback, was awarded “China Car of the Year 2026,” and the E7X now expands that lineup into the crucial SUV segment.

The E7X combines familiar Audi engineering with locally tailored solutions. Measuring over five meters in length with a 3,060 mm wheelbase, it offers a spacious interior built around digital experiences. Features include an AI-powered assistant, a 21.4-inch rear display, and both four- and five-seat configurations with zero-gravity seats. Quattro all-wheel drive and the AUDI 360 Driving Assist System support both urban and highway driving scenarios.

At the same time, Audi is strengthening its core lineup under the four-ring brand. The Audi A6L e-tron debuts as an electric sedan based on the 800-volt Premium Platform Electric (PPE), delivering up to 815 kilometers of range under CLTC. Its extended wheelbase allows for a larger battery, while technologies such as an augmented reality head-up display and localized digital services underline its China-specific development. Production takes place at the Audi FAW NEV plant in Changchun.

Audi is also continuing its combustion-engine strategy. The new Audi A6L, built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), remains a key product in the market. With a wheelbase extended by 140 mm compared to the global version, it continues a tradition dating back to the late 1990s, when Audi introduced long-wheelbase premium sedans in China. In 2025, the A6L was again the best-selling premium sedan in its segment in the country.

Behind these launches lies a broader strategic shift. Audi and SAIC have signed an agreement to establish an Innovation & Technology Center in Shanghai, focusing on the development of future AUDI models based on the Advanced Digitized Platform. At least four new next-generation vehicles are planned.

This localization reflects the realities of the Chinese market, which remains the largest and one of the most competitive for electric vehicles. Domestic manufacturers such as BYD, NIO, and XPeng continue to set the pace, pushing international brands to adapt through deeper technological integration and locally tailored products.

Audi is also leveraging motorsport to strengthen its brand visibility. Its entry into Formula 1, combined with growing interest in the sport in China, is seen as a way to reach broader audiences and reinforce its positioning both on and off the track.

At Auto China 2026, Audi is not only presenting new models but outlining a new approach to the Chinese market—one built on dual brands, localized technologies, and a broad range of powertrain options.