At the Shanghai Auto Show, the German automaker unveiled the first vehicle under its new brand AUDI (intentionally written in all caps and without the iconic rings), created specifically for the Chinese market. It’s called the AUDI E5 Sportback, an all-electric shooting brake with an impressive 787 hp, blending striking design with cutting-edge features.
AUDI E5 Sportback represents the whole industry
The Audi E5 Sportback is comparable in size to an AUDI A6 Avant, measuring 4.8 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, and 1.4 meters high. Built on a platform co-developed by Audi and SAIC, it embodies the fusion of German engineering and Chinese technology. This new base—dubbed the Advanced Digitised Platform (ADP)—will underpin other future models from the joint venture and supports radar, LiDAR, and autonomous driving technologies.
The E5 features 800-volt technology, similar to that used in Europe’s PPE-based A6 and Q6 e-tron models, enabling ultra-fast charging: up to 370 km of range in 10 minutes. There will be four variants of the E5 Sportback, available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with power outputs ranging from 299 hp to 787 hp, and a 100 kWh battery. The top variant boasts an estimated range of 770 km (CLTC cycle).
Inside, the focus is clearly on Chinese customers. The new AUDI OS infotainment system is powered by a Snapdragon 8295 chip and displayed on a massive 27-inch 4K screen that spans the entire dashboard.
The system includes facial recognition and features a voice assistant developed by ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok), which can alter its “personality” via a Behavior Select function. The digital experience is fully integrated with the Chinese ecosystem—covering payments, messaging apps, and more.
With its blend of performance, premium tech, and deep integration into China’s digital landscape, the AUDI E5 Sportback represents a bold step for Audi’s ambitions in the world’s largest EV market.
