Marking a significant milestone in Audi’s electrification strategy in China, the all-new AUDI E5 Sportback made its global debut at the Volkswagen Group Media Night preceding Auto Shanghai 2025. This sleek, fully electric fastback is the first model under Audi’s dedicated China-only brand, AUDI (spelled in capital letters without the four rings), signifying a new era for the company in the world’s largest automotive market. The E5 Sportback is specifically designed and engineered to cater to the unique demands and preferences of tech-savvy Chinese consumers, blending Audi’s renowned engineering excellence with China’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
Performance and Powertrain Details: The four-door AUDI E5 Sportback boasts dynamic proportions with a length of 4,881 mm, a width of 1,959 mm, and a of 1,478 mm. It offers a range of potent all-electric powertrains, delivering power outputs of 220 kW, 300 kW, 425 kW, or an impressive 579 kW. These configurations offer either rear-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive, providing a dynamic driving experience with exhilarating acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in as little as 3.4 seconds. The vehicle is equipped with a high-capacity battery of up to 100 kilowatt-hours, enabling a maximum driving range of up to 770 kilometers. Furthermore, its 800-volt charging architecture allows for ultra-fast charging, replenishing approximately 370 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes. Progressive all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) further enhance the E5 Sportback’s refined and dynamic ride.
Advanced Digitized Platform and Connectivity: The AUDI E5 Sportback is the first model built upon the jointly developed Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP), a cutting-edge architecture that underpins its next-generation connected vehicle functionality and enables over-the-air updates for all vehicle systems. Powered by the high-performance QUALCOMM Snapdragon 8295 automotive chipset, the intuitive AUDI OS provides a seamless and lightning-fast user experience. A stunning 27-inch pillar-to-pillar 4K display serves as the primary interface, complemented by digital exterior mirrors and a touch-operated AUDI Control Bar on the center console. The system seamlessly integrates with a rich ecosystem of entertainment and apps via a facial-recognition-enabled in-app store, ensuring effortless smartphone connectivity and synchronization. The AI-powered AUDI Assistant acts as a personal companion, offering intuitive touch and voice interaction.
Design and Interior Experience: The AUDI E5 Sportback presents a fresh interpretation of Audi’s iconic design language, featuring athletic proportions, bold wheel arches (circular, reimagining traditional quattro fenders), and a striking front and rear design highlighted by the new AUDI Light Frame – a reinterpretation of the Singleframe grille. The exterior balances minimalist elegance with dynamic emotion, featuring assertive lighting graphics and a confident Sportback silhouette. Inside, the design emphasizes clear horizontal layers, luxurious materials, immersive speakers with headrest integration, ambient natural lighting, and hidden intelligent air vents with a fragrance diffuser. Pioneering three-dimensional lamella-shaped wood inlays with indirect light, inspired by contemporary architecture, adorn the doors. A panoramic glass roof with automatic dimming enhances the sense of spaciousness and luxury.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: The AUDI E5 Sportback is equipped with the LiDAR-based AUDI 360 Assisted Driving system, a comprehensive suite of 29 perception hardware units designed for a safe and relaxing driving experience tailored to Chinese driving scenarios. This includes a long-range LiDAR, multiple radars and cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. The system offers features such as Adaptive Cruise Assist for highway and urban driving, enhanced Active Safety that can recognize two-wheelers and pedestrians, and Parking Assistance with cross-floor memory parking capabilities.
Summary:
- First model under the new China-only AUDI brand.
- Fully electric fastback with up to 579 kW power and 770 km range.
- Built on the new Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP) with over-the-air updates.
- Features a 27-inch 4K panoramic display and AUDI OS powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon.
- Offers rear-wheel or quattro drive with 0-100 km/h acceleration in as low as 3.4 seconds.
- Showcases a new Audi design language with the AUDI Light Frame.
- Luxurious interior with natural materials, immersive audio, and ambient lighting.
- Equipped with the LiDAR-based AUDI 360 Assisted Driving system tailored for China.
Disclaimer: Specifications and features mentioned are based on preliminary information and may vary for the final production model intended for the Chinese market.
Source: Audi
AI Assistance: Gemini