Audi Launches E5 Sportback as First Production Model of New China-Specific Sub-Brand
Audi has unveiled the E5 Sportback, the first production vehicle from its new China-specific sub-brand. The electric car boasts up to 580kW (776hp) and a range of 770km (478 miles). Developed in collaboration with SAIC, the owner of MG, the E5 Sportback is based on new underpinnings designed specifically for the Chinese market.
The E5 Sportback’s design is a faithful translation of the E Concept shown last year, diverging from Audi’s traditional design language. Notably, it dispenses with the four-ring logo and features a more minimalist design. Positioned similarly to the combustion-engined Audi A5, the E5 is slightly longer and wider, likely to meet Chinese consumers’ expectations for interior space.
Inside, a 27-inch display screen spans the dashboard’s width, with software that prioritizes critical functions and features an app store accessible via facial recognition. The E5 will be available with four battery electric powertrains, ranging from 295hp to 776hp. The top-of-the-line model features four-wheel drive and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, while the entry-level version uses a single rear-mounted motor.
The 100kWh battery pack offers up to 770km (478 miles) of range and can be recharged for 230 miles in 10 minutes. The E5 Sportback also boasts advanced autonomous driving capabilities, using a combination of lidar, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras to navigate both motorway and urban environments. Production is set to begin later this year, with a saloon and SUV following in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The E5 Sportback will be exclusive to China, with no plans for European sales.
