Marking a bold new chapter in Audi’s electrification journey, the AUDI E5 Sportback—the first production model under the premium New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sub-brand AUDI—made its world premiere at the Volkswagen Group Media Night, just ahead of Auto Shanghai 2025.
Designed for China, built for the future, the AUDI E5 Sportback is a striking, all-electric fastback that brings together cutting-edge performance, intelligent connectivity, and expressive design. With power outputs of up to 579 kW, the four-door EV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and offers an impressive range of up to 770 kilometers. It’s built on the all-new Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP), co-developed with SAIC, delivering next-gen software and over-the-air updates across all vehicle systems. Market launch begins in summer 2025.
AUDI: A Distinct Brand Identity for China
Unlike the legacy Audi brand, this new sub-brand is spelled AUDI—in capital letters and without the four rings—signifying a fresh identity tailored specifically for China’s rapidly evolving mobility landscape. While rooted in Audi’s DNA and engineering heritage, AUDI represents a new design language, a new tech philosophy, and a new business model, built for speed, flexibility, and local relevance. “With our new China-only brand AUDI, we are continuing to push boundaries,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “The E5 Sportback offers the very best qualities of Audi, reimagined for and tailored to customers in China.”
“The AUDI E5 Sportback is our first model based on the Advanced Digitized Platform, and it delivers on our brand promise: the best of both worlds. Audi’s DNA and engineering excellence is blended with China’s digital ecosystem and innovations, specifically tailored for our tech-savvy customers,” commented Fermín Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project.
Leveraging a global development model across Germany and China, Audi and SAIC co-developed the E5 in record time—cutting development by 30%—and setting a new benchmark for cross-border collaboration.
Design That Blends Audi Legacy with Chinese Individuality
From its fluid, dynamic silhouette to its minimalist yet bold aesthetics, the AUDI E5 Sportback reflects both Audi’s design legacy and Chinese lifestyle aspirations. Rounded wheel arches, a sleek Sportback profile, and a futuristic reinterpretation of the Singleframe grille—all fused into a black “light loop” housing functional elements like sensors, lights, and air curtains—give the car a distinct and emotional presence.
A signature element is the AUDI Light Frame: an advanced lighting system with more than 1,000 individual units forming triangular beams. Hidden when off, they create a dramatic visual signature when activated. Add in Matrix LED technology, personalized light animations, and illuminated logos, and the result is a design that’s equal parts elegant and expressive.
A Human-Centered Digital Experience
Inside, the E5 Sportback is a calming yet high-tech sanctuary. Layered horizontal lines, premium materials, and ambient lighting create a refined atmosphere. Standout features include:
- 27-inch 4K panoramic curved display with seamless digital mirror integration
- AUDI OS powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip (30 billion operations/sec)
- AI-powered AUDI Assistant – a customizable, voice- and touch-controlled avatar
- Context-aware Control Bar on the center console
- Luxury materials, including 3D lamella wood inlays with indirect light and a panoramic roof with dimming function
- Fragrance diffuser with three signature scents
- Wireless phone charging (50W) with active cooling
The vehicle’s operating system interfaces with China’s digital ecosystem, supporting apps and services via a facial-recognition-enabled in-app store.
Driving Dynamics That Define the Future
The AUDI E5 Sportback delivers exhilarating electric performance with four available powertrains (220, 300, 425, or 579 kW), in either rear-wheel or quattro all-wheel drive configurations. Audi’s signature driving dynamics are present through adaptive air suspension, CDC (Continuous Damping Control), and progressive all-wheel steering.
Powered by a battery pack of up to 100 kWh, the E5 offers a range of up to 770 km and ultra-fast 800V charging, adding 370 km of range in just 10 minutes.
Safety and Driver Assistance Built for Chinese Roads
The E5 Sportback introduces AUDI 360 Assisted Driving, powered by a comprehensive suite of 29 hardware components, including:
- 100-line LiDAR
- 3 long-range radars
- 12 ultrasonic sensors
- 11 cameras
- Advanced multi-modal sensors
This allows for intelligent, context-aware driver assistance—including Adaptive Cruise Assist for highways and cities, traffic light recognition, and autonomous lane changes. Special attention has been given to Chinese driving environments, with systems trained to recognize two- and three-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, and even street vendors in urban alleyways.
The Parking Assistant supports multiple parking scenarios and includes cross-floor memory parking for complex locations like malls and residential buildings.
Built for the Chinese Market – and Its Future
As the global auto industry pivots to electrification, Audi is doubling down on its commitment to China—its most important market. The Advanced Digitized Platform not only enables fast deployment of NEVs but also forms the basis for a future lineup of China-exclusive connected vehicles in the mid- and full-size segments.
With the AUDI E5 Sportback, Audi is not just entering the next era of electric mobility—it’s helping define it.
