A distinctive and powerful introduction
Volkswagen Group’s China-only electric subbrand AUDI, not to be confused with Audi, unveiled its first model at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show. The E5 Sportback is an elongated fastback crossover of sorts, with slim lights front and back and largely angular body features. The underpinning “Advanced Digitised Platform” was developed by Audi Germany and SAIC, and will give the E5 ample flexibility, allowing for different power outputs.
The AUDI E5 will be offered in four variants, with outputs of 295 hp, 402 hp, 570 hp, and 776 hp in either rear-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. The range-topping trim can reportedly accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Regardless of power output, the E5 gets a 100 kWh battery with an 800V architecture that can add 230 miles in 10 minutes. AUDI claims a max driving range of 478 miles, which should go by pretty smoothly thanks to all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension.
View the 3 images of this gallery on the
original article
A fittingly modern cabin
The interior is your usual modern affair, with a 27-inch 4K infotainment screen that spans the length of the dashboard and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset. Other than looking good on paper, it’ll also power the obligatory AI assistant that you probably won’t use alongside LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and what AUDI calls “several multi-modal sensing units”. All of these play a role in the driver-assist system, which is reportedly built for “complex urban driving conditions.” Whether that’s a Level 2 or Level 3 setup remains to be seen.
AUDI
Final thoughts
Two additional AUDI models will launch in 2026 and 2027, although the automaker has not specified what kind of cars they’ll be. If they plan to follow current automotive trends, an SUV and a sedan are the two likely upcoming models. Regardless, other than the questionable name, it seems like the China-only brand is off to a good start. Whether they can outdo state-sponsored companies like BYD and NIO, which have caused other automakers’ sales in the country to plummet, remains to be seen.
AUDI
