New electric car brand AUDI launches its first EV in China

A new EV brand called AUDI (a China-only division of the well-known Audi), under the Volkswagen Group, has officially unveiled its first electric vehicle, the E5 Sportback. This sleek, elongated crossover debuted during the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show, and it boasts some noteworthy features.

The AUDI E5 Sportback has a modern and aerodynamic design, and there's no way you can mistake it for any of Audi's products. Its slim headlights and taillights give it a distinctive look. Built on the "Advanced Digitised Platform," developed jointly by Audi Germany and SAIC, the E5 promises versatility with different power options.

Buyers will have a choice of four different power levels: 295 horsepower, 402 horsepower, 570 horsepower, and a top-of-the-line 776 horsepower version. These will be available in either rear-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive configurations. The most powerful E5 model can reportedly accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

All versions of the AUDI E5 come with a substantial 100 kWh battery pack that uses an 800V architecture. This advanced system allows for rapid charging, with the ability to add approximately 230 miles of driving range in just 10 minutes.

AUDI claims a maximum driving range of an impressive 478 miles on a single charge. Take that claim with a giant pinch of salt - the range is calculated according to the CLTC standard, which is famous for being wildly optimistic. To enhance the driving experience, the E5 also features all-wheel steering and an adaptive air suspension system.

Inside, the E5 sports a contemporary design. A large, 27-inch 4K infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset. This powerful system will run various features, including an AI assistant.

The car is also equipped with advanced sensors, including LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras, which AUDI refers to as "several multi-modal sensing units." These technologies support the driver-assist system, which is being developed to handle complex driving situations found in urban environments. The company hasn't elaborated on whether this system will offer Level 2 or Level 3 autonomy.

AUDI plans to expand its model lineup with two additional EVs in 2026 and 2027. While the exact types of vehicles haven't been announced, following current trends suggests the introduction of an SUV and a sedan.

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