Audi launches AUDI E5 Sportback and expands China portfolio with five new debuts

Audi debuts AUDI E5 Sportback and four China-dedicated models at Auto Shanghai 2025, redefining its premium electric and combustion lineup.

At Auto Shanghai 2025, Audi revealed its roadmap to reclaim prominence in the world’s largest car market. With five debuting production models, state-of-the-art platforms, and a sharpened focus on digitalization, the brand is signaling a renewed commitment to Chinese customers. Working alongside its two local partners, FAW and SAIC, Audi is advancing a dual-front strategy tailored to local needs and global aspirations.

The highlight was the debut of the AUDI E5 Sportback — the first production model from the newly launched China-only sub-brand AUDI. Co-developed with SAIC, the fully electric Sportback fuses Audi’s performance DNA with a Chinese-native digital ecosystem. The E5 features both rear-wheel and quattro all-wheel drive options, and in its most powerful configuration, delivers up to 579 kilowatts of output — enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 3.4 seconds. It also offers an impressive range of up to 770 kilometers, along with adaptive air suspension for enhanced comfort.

Also premiering were the A5L, A5L Sportback, Q5L, and A6L e-tron — all engineered specifically for China. Built on the Premium Platform Electric, Premium Platform Combustion, and Advanced Digitized Platform, these vehicles deliver propulsion flexibility, advanced digitization, and localized comfort. Notably, the A6L e-tron, assembled at the new Audi FAW NEV Company plant in Changchun, offers a 132 mm longer wheelbase than its global counterpart, a 107 kWh battery, and 800-volt fast-charging tech.

Audi’s marketing approach in China is built on a dual-brand strategy. FAW-Audi continues to adapt global models, while SAIC-Audi creates entirely new offerings targeted at Chinese consumers. The introduction of the AUDI brand marks a bold step away from tradition — even dropping the iconic four rings — as the brand repositions itself to speak directly to a younger, tech-savvy audience.

In total, Audi and its partners showcased 19 models at Auto Shanghai 2025. While five new production vehicles took center stage, the full portfolio demonstrated the breadth of Audi’s commitment to the Chinese market. Executives emphasized that this event marks the beginning of Audi’s strongest model initiative to date in China — combining electric and combustion-powered innovation to meet evolving consumer demands.

But Audi’s plans extend beyond domestic borders. The Volkswagen Group is preparing to export selected China-made models to other parts of Asia, as well as to South America and the Middle East, expanding the strategic role of its Chinese operations.

Auto Shanghai 2025 was more than a product showcase. It was a statement of intent. As German premium brands face intensifying local competition, Audi is countering with localization, innovation, and speed. This is not mere adaptation — it’s a strategic reset.

Source: audi-mediacenter.com