China's AUDI previews its upcoming E8 with large E SUV Concept

AUDI revealed its E SUV Concept at the Guangzhou Auto Show. This futuristic vehicle is a preview of the brand's second production model, the AUDI E8 SUV. The company launched in November 2024 focusing only on the Chinese domestic market as a part of the Volkswagen Group's broad "In China for China" localization plan.

This relatively new EV brand promises to tackle a common complaint about international vehicles: connectivity and software. By developing products hand-in-hand with local Chinese partners, Volkswagen hopes to create electric cars specifically tailored to domestic users' needs.

The SAIC-Audi joint venture is responsible for designing and building all AUDI models. This partnership allows the new brand to use advanced technology from the local market, including components and software from SAIC's premium electric division, IM Motors. The E5 Sportback was AUDI's first car, and it has already proven the strategy works, racking up more than 10,000 preorders within just 30 minutes of its launch in September.

The new E SUV Concept carries a strong family resemblance to the successful E5 Sportback. The design shows off muscular wheel arches, large road wheels, and the illuminated AUDI logo centered on the rear. A key piece of advanced technology sits right above the front windshield: a LiDAR unit, which suggests serious capabilities for driver assistance features. The concept uses digital rear-view mirrors instead of traditional glass, and it looks nearly ready for mass production - fans can expect the final E8 SUV to arrive in the market in early 2026.

The upcoming AUDI E8 SUV promises powerful performance and next-generation battery technology built on the quick-charging 800V architecture, a premium feature still rare among global competitors. Power will come from a large 109 kWh battery pack, combined with a dual-motor setup rated at 500 kW - that's about 670 horsepower.

The company estimates this powertrain will propel the large SUV from a standstill to 62 mph in just five seconds. The E8 will apparently offer a 435 miles driving range - a huge number by our standards, but it is based on the notoriously optimistic China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). AUDI will also offer more accessible versions, including RWD models and even an EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) variant for drivers who prefer an onboard gasoline generator for backup.

The E SUV Concept is a large, premium vehicle. It stretches just over 16 ft long, 7 ft wide, and stands nearly 5.9 ft tall, all riding on a generous 9.8 ft wheelbase. When the production AUDI E8 arrives in early 2026, industry watchers expect the starting price to be around RMB 260,000, or approximately $36,600.

It is good to see the German car-making giant realizing that success in the world's biggest automotive market requires localized, state-of-the-art electric cars. In fact, sales for the main Volkswagen brand dropped by over 17 percent year-over-year in October, but the traditional Audi brand - the one with the four-ring logo - is actually growing its sales in China, proving that the established luxury segment remains strong.

The 'traditional' Audi brand sold over 49,000 units in October, up 3.5 percent from last year, providing a supportive backdrop for the aggressive launch of the new, EV-focused AUDI brand. The goal is clear: dominate the future of electric mobility with local flavor and technology. But it makes us wonder why Audi cannot make as nice cars as AUDI can and why do we need this naming confusion?

Via