SAIC Audi's A5L Sportback offers mechanical, AI appeal

SAIC Audi is enhancing its brand image with the launch of A5L Sportback – a gasoline-powered vehicle equipped with Huawei's ADS smart driving technology.

"The all-new SAIC Audi A5L Sportback further reinforces the brand positioning of Young, Tech, and Premium," said Stefan Poetzl, president of SAIC Audi Sales and Marketing, at a media briefing on Saturday following the launch event in Shanghai on Friday.

The new model is being positioned as an intelligent premium vehicle that appeals to younger consumers who prioritize advanced technology.

"It caters to both traditional gasoline car enthusiasts who value mechanical performance, and forward-looking users drawn to intelligent cockpits, smart driving technology, and cutting-edge innovations," said Poetzl.

Poetzl also noted that with deep insight into Chinese market, SAIC Audi have tailored the A5L Sportback an exclusive extended body and optimized rear design to meet local preferences, significantly enhancing interior practicality. Combined with its driving assistance features, the model is set to make it a standout choice among Chinese consumers.

"China plays a pivotal role for Audi, and performance in the Chinese market is key to the brand's global trajectory. A model that resonates with Chinese consumers is likely to perform well in other markets too," Poetzl added.

In terms of design, the new model continues the iconic fastback silhouette and frameless door design of the Audi A5 series. It adheres to the series' traditional 0.59 axle-length ratio, offering a sporty coupe-like exterior and a spacious, comfortable interior.

Regarding driving performance, the model carries on Audi's authentic sports lineage. Equipped with the fifth-generation EA888 engine, the model delivers a maximum power output of 200 kilowatts and peak torque of 400 Newton meters, achieving a 0-100 kilometers per hour acceleration in just 5.6 seconds.

The model also features Porsche-derived variable turbine geometry turbocharging, an upgraded Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and mild hybrid electric system, enabling purely electric driving at speeds below 25 km/h. Under comprehensive test conditions, the model achieves an average fuel consumption of 6.46 liters per 100 km.

"The model retains Audi's traditional strengths in design, handling, and chassis tuning, while significantly upgrading its intelligent capabilities," said Xie Shiqi, executive vice-president of SAIC Audi Sales and Marketing.

Notably, the A5L Sportback is the first gasoline-powered vehicle equipped with Huawei's ADS technology and features 32 high-performance sensors including two LiDAR units.

Supported by the latest E3 1.2 electronic architecture based on the Premium Platform Combustion, the vehicle achieves advanced driver-assistance capabilities comparable to electric vehicles, including urban navigation and memory parking assistance.

In terms of the intelligent cockpit, the model adopts an innovative layout featuring a five-screen interactive digital system. This includes an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-in central touch screen, and a 10.9-in privacy screen dedicated to the front passenger.

"The coupe segment, previously seen as a niche market, is gradually becoming mainstream," said Xie. "SAIC Audi is confident in the segment's potential and remains committed to its continued development," Xie said.

Xie added that SAIC Audi's sales network is rapidly expanding and is expected to exceed 240 dealerships nationwide by end of the year. Among these, full-service user centers will comprehensively meet customer needs from vehicle purchase to after-sales service.