E5 Sportback showcases Audi's EV ambitions in China

Audi is accelerating its electrification strategy in China with the launch of the E5 Sportback in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Tuesday.

It is the first mass production model from Audi's China-only sub-brand, AUDI, which drops its famous four rings in favor of a lettered badge.

Fermin Soneira, CEO of the Audi & SAIC cooperation project, said over the next two years, the AUDI brand plans to introduce two additional models to expand its electrified lineup in China.

"The new brand blends tradition with innovation, brings together Audi's full technical expertise, and aims to deliver differentiated, China-tailored products," said Soneira.

The E5 Sportback's intelligent features were led by teams in China and tailored to local users.

One example is the Audi Assistant. It is powered by Volcano Engine's Doubao large language model and iFlytek voice recognition, enabling multi-turn dialogue, vehicle control and voice-cloning.

For intelligent driving, Audi said it is the first premium marque to form an in-depth collaboration with Chinese technology company Momenta.

Their jointly developed driver-assistance system is designed for China's complex road conditions and diverse driving preferences.

At the launch event, Stefan Poetzl, president of SAIC Audi sales and marketing, said that as the industry shifts to electrification, China is home to the world's most sophisticated NEV users.

"We will learn from and integrate with the local market to become an essential player in the NEV segment," he added.

Tao Hailong, president of SAIC Volkswagen, said premium brands face challenges in China, especially in the NEV era. "We have found a path for premium brands to transform in the NEV market," he added.

In Tao's view, the definition of "premium" should go beyond smart experiences to include outstanding craftsmanship, chassis tuning and safety technologies, with the E5 Sportback marking a starting point for strategic transformation.

The model's dual-motor permanent-magnet synchronous setup with front and rear drive delivers a combined output rated at 787 horsepower and 800 Newton-meters of torque, enabling 0-100 kilometers per hour in 3.4 seconds.

The chassis features continuous damping control shock absorbers and air suspension, with Brembo four-piston brake calipers, progressive steering and rear-axle steering to balance sportiness and comfort.

The four-door model combines two classic brand silhouettes — fastback and Avant — after five rounds of user research, yielding more forward-looking proportions and lines.

Design elements include a closed, integrated grille and camera-based side mirrors, and lighting inspired by the sphere concept cars.

The E5 Sportback comes standard with CATL batteries with a capacity of up to 100 kilowatt-hours and a China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle range of up to 773 kilometers.

Built on an 800-volt high-voltage fast-charging architecture, the model can add about 380 km of range in 10 minutes, according to the company.