Audi’s new China-exclusive model, inexplicably nonetheless known as “AUDI” however in all caps and unaccompanied by the trademark 4 rings, stays one in every of Ingolstadt’s most weird selections. On the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 present, the corporate unveiled the primary mannequin of the unfortunately-named marque, known as the E5 Sportback.
Basically the manufacturing model of final 12 months’s E idea, this huge hatchback was developed in collaboration with Audi’s Chinese language accomplice SAIC, constructed on the model new Superior Digitised Platform (ADP). Spinning off AUDI from Audi (sure, I understand how ridiculous that sounds) permits the E5 to be catered particularly for the Chinese language buyer by ditching the principle model’s iconic design cues, such because the “quattro” field flares and the singleframe grille.
Of their place are rounded haunches and a brand new Mild Body – a black ring that encircles your complete entrance finish, incorporating the slim matrix LED headlights, the AUDI script, driving help sensors and air inlets. That is framed by an illuminated tessellated sample made up of greater than 1,000 lighting components.
Shifting additional again, you’ll discover a black roof and a kinked window line that leads as much as the thick body-coloured D-pillars, whereas the rear finish receives the identical Mild Body because the entrance, right here forming the taillights. A entrance spoiler, flush pop-out door handles and an elongated rear wing improves aerodynamic effectivity.
Inside, the E5 Sportback adopts a number of design cues already widespread in Chinese language autos. These embrace a full-width 27-inch show panel that homes screens for the motive force, centre and entrance passenger, in addition to headrest audio system and an expansive centre console with storage for 2 telephones and a 50-watt Qi wi-fi charger. You additionally get ambient lighting strips constructed into the wooden inlays and an electrochromic glass roof.
The E5’s infotainment is underpinned by a brand new AUDI OS, working on the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and coming with an AI-powered AUDI Assistant and an app retailer that comes with facial recognition. The aforementioned ADP features a zonal electrical structure, permitting next-generation connectivity and over-the-air updates for all automobile programs.
It is a automobile designed for China, so in fact the E5 will get highly-automated metropolis and freeway driving within the type of AUDI 360 Assisted Driving. Due to a lidar sensor, Adaptive Cruise Help can evade obstacles, establish crimson lights and carry out automated lane adjustments; it may well even detect tricycles and supply riders, Audi says.
The E5 is offered in both rear- or all-wheel drive with energy outputs of 299 PS (220 kW), 408 PS (300 kW), 578 PS (425 kW) or 787 PS (579 kW). Battery sizes ranging as much as 100 kWh allow a variety of as much as 770 km (possible on China’s ridiculously lenient CLTC cycle), whereas an 800-volt electrical structure means you’ll be able to stand up to 370 km of further vary with simply 10 minutes of DC quick charging. Adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering are additionally supplied.
-
AUDI E5 Sportback
Static photograph
-
AUDI E5 Sportback
Element
Seeking to promote your automobile? Promote it with Carro.