Introducing the Audi E5 Sportback: A Bold Step into China’s Electric Future

Audi debuts the fully electric E5 Sportback under its new China-only AUDI brand, featuring 770 km range, AI assistant, and Snapdragon 8295. Learn more.

AUDIs all-new E5 Sportback made a high-profile debut at Auto Shanghai 2025, marking the launch of a brand-new sub-brand — AUDI — developed exclusively for the Chinese market. This is more than a model premiere; it’s the birth of a new marque that blends Audi’s engineering heritage with China’s cutting-edge digital ecosystem.

The E5 Sportback is built on the Advanced Digitized Platform, co-developed by Audi and Chinese automotive giant SAIC. Visually, the car stands out with its sleek Sportback silhouette, rounded wheel arches, and a distinctive black digital loop that integrates lighting and sensors. The AUDI Light Frame, made up of over 1,000 individual LED elements, gives the vehicle its signature lighting identity. Available in four variants, including rear- and all-wheel drive (quattro), the top-tier version delivers up to 579 kW and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Its 800-volt charging system allows for 370 km of range in only 10 minutes, with a maximum driving range of up to 770 km.

Under the hood, the E5 boasts a Snapdragon 8295 chipset capable of 30 trillion operations per second (TOPS), enabling fluid and responsive digital interaction. A 27-inch 4K panoramic display stretches across the dashboard, paired with a contextual touch control panel. At the heart of the digital experience is the AI-powered AUDI Assistant — a voice- and touch-enabled avatar designed for personalized interaction.

For safety, the AUDI 360 Assisted Driving system uses 29 perception units, including a 100-line LiDAR, long-range radars, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras. It has been engineered to handle complex urban scenarios, such as interactions with e-bikes, scooters, and child pedestrians — reflecting deep localization for Chinese driving conditions.

Production of the E5 Sportback takes place at the new Audi FAW NEV plant in Changchun, China. This facility was specifically built to manufacture electric vehicles based on the ADP platform. As of now, Audi has not disclosed pricing or any plans for export, emphasizing that AUDI is a China-focused brand created to meet the specific needs of local consumers.

In this light, the E5 Sportback is not just another electric vehicle — it’s a statement. A symbol of Audi’s shift towards localized innovation, digital-first experiences, and a new paradigm in premium mobility.

Source: audi-mediacenter.com