Audi is set to make a significant impact at the 2025 Auto Shanghai, showcasing its commitment to the Chinese market with a total of 19 models displayed alongside its partners FAW and SAIC. A key highlight will be the debut of the first production model from Audi’s new China-only brand, AUDI – the AUDI E5 Sportback. This marks a significant step in Audi’s strategy to cater specifically to the evolving needs and preferences of Chinese customers, particularly in the rapidly growing electric vehicle segment. The introduction of the new AUDI brand signifies a dedicated approach to the Chinese market, building upon Audi’s established presence while forging a new identity for electric mobility within the region. The AUDI E5 Sportback, as the first production model, embodies the brand’s philosophy of combining new electric technology with Audi’s renowned design DNA, aiming to offer Chinese consumers “the best of both worlds.” The “E” in its name clearly indicates its fully electric propulsion, while the digit “5” signifies its placement in the mid-size vehicle segment. The “Sportback” designation reflects Audi’s signature coupé-inspired design, known for its sleek and dynamic silhouette. This first model from the new AUDI brand is specifically tailored to appeal to a new generation of Chinese customers, indicating a strategic move to capture a growing segment of the market. The market introduction of the AUDI E5 Sportback is scheduled to begin in late summer of 2025.
In addition to the debut of the AUDI E5 Sportback, Audi will also be unveiling four other significant models at Auto Shanghai 2025, further underscoring its commitment to the Chinese market. These include the Audi A6L e-tron, the Audi A5L, the Audi A5L Sportback, and the Audi Q5L. These models represent Audi’s strategy of offering both electric and combustion-engine vehicles tailored to the specific demands of Chinese consumers. The Audi A6L e-tron holds particular significance as it will be produced at the new Audi FAW NEV Company production site in Changchun. The completion of this new plant in late 2024, with production commencing in December of the same year, demonstrates Audi’s investment in local manufacturing capabilities for its electric vehicle lineup in China. The introduction of the long-wheelbase “L” versions of the A6, A5, and Q5 highlights Audi’s understanding of the Chinese market’s preference for vehicles with increased rear passenger space and comfort. The simultaneous unveiling of these five new models – the first from the new AUDI brand and four tailored versions of existing Audi models – at Auto Shanghai 2025 signifies a comprehensive and assertive approach to strengthening Audi’s position in the highly competitive Chinese automotive market.
At the 2025 Auto Shanghai, Audi will present a unified front, showcasing a total of 19 models together with its long-standing joint-venture partners FAW (First Automobile Works) and SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation). This joint presence at one of the world’s most important annual automotive exhibitions underscores the strong collaborative relationships Audi has cultivated within the Chinese market. Notably, this year’s show will mark the first time that both the iconic four rings of the Audi brand and the new AUDI brand, distinguished by its four capital letters, will be featured together at a single booth. This symbolic co-location highlights Audi’s dual strategy of building upon its established brand recognition while simultaneously introducing its new, China-specific electric vehicle brand. At the Audi booth, visitors can anticipate an immersive and personalized experience centered around key aspects of the brand’s identity and future direction. These themes include electrification and performance, Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive technology, cutting-edge design, and advanced technology. The booth is designed to be engaging and interactive, encouraging visitors to share their experiences on social media platforms. Audi aims to showcase its development expertise in critical areas such as vehicle range and charging speed for its electric vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, optimized aerodynamics for efficiency, and the brand’s signature leading lighting design. Furthermore, Audi will be introducing its next-generation intelligent cockpit, specifically tailored to the preferences and needs of the Chinese market. This new system benefits from a completely new electronics architecture, enabling Audi to deliver fully customized and holistic digital user experiences in China. This includes a redesigned user interface and enhanced connectivity features, demonstrating Audi’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge and user-friendly in-car experience for its Chinese customers. The Audi press conference is scheduled for April 23rd at 9:40 a.m. Shanghai time, and the Audi booth will be located in Hall 5.1 H, Booth 5A03, at the Auto Shanghai exhibition, which runs from April 23rd to May 2nd, 2025.
Summary:
- Audi will present 19 models at 2025 Auto Shanghai with partners FAW and SAIC.
- The new China-only brand AUDI will debut its first production model, the AUDI E5 Sportback (fully electric mid-size coupé design).
- Four additional debuts include the Audi A6L e-tron (to be produced in Changchun), Audi A5L, Audi A5L Sportback, and Audi Q5L (long-wheelbase versions tailored for China).
- Audi and the new AUDI brand will share a booth for the first time.
- Audi will showcase its expertise in electrification, performance, quattro, design, and technology.
- The next-generation intelligent cockpit tailored for the Chinese market will be introduced.
- Audi’s press conference is on April 23rd, and the booth is in Hall 5.1 H, Booth 5A03.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on a press release and may be subject to change. Specific features and availability of models may vary for the Chinese market.
Source: Audi
AI Assistance: Gemini