Audi’s New China-only ‘AUDI’ Car Brand Launches Its First Model – The AUDI E5 Sportback

Audi’s high-end New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand, AUDI, has introduced its inaugural production model – the AUDI E5 Sportback. This China-exclusive car brand showcases an illuminated “AUDI” logo written in all caps but without the traditional “Four Rings” insignia. Created in collaboration with the Chinese brand, SAIC, the AUDI E5 Sportback provides luxury customized to suit Chinese lifestyles and preferences. The all-electric AUDI E5 combines Audi’s exceptional driving performance and premium quality with an AI-driven connectivity experience. The AUDI E5 will come in four electric versions, with its launch scheduled to commence in the Chinese market in the summer of 2025.

The AUDI E5 Sportback has made its debut nearly five months after the introduction of the China-exclusive car brand featuring the bright “AUDI” logo spelled in all caps but without the traditional “Four Rings” emblem. Initially showcased as the AUDI E concept car in November, the four-door, fully electric AUDI E5 Sportback was unveiled at the Volkswagen Group Media Night ahead of Auto Shanghai 2025.

Developed in partnership with the Chinese brand, SAIC, the AUDI E5 Sportback offers luxury tailored to Chinese lifestyles and tastes, blending Audi’s exceptional driving performance and premium quality with an AI-powered connectivity experience. Fermín Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project, stated, “Audi’s DNA and engineering excellence are combined with China’s digital ecosystem and innovations, specifically tailored for our tech-savvy customers.”

Constructed on the newly developed Advanced Digitized Platform, the AUDI E5 offers a power output of up to 579 kilowatts and a maximum electric range of 770 kilometers from the 100-kWh battery pack. It features four unique powertrains offering rear-wheel or quattro drive for a dynamic driving experience, enabling the E5 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 kilometers per hour) in 3.4 seconds.

Internally, the car boasts an immersive 27-inch 4K display spanning from pillar to pillar, along with an AI-driven touch- and voice-enabled avatar aimed at humanizing digital interactions. The E5 is equipped with the LiDAR-based AUDI 360 Assisted Driving system designed to provide a safe and comfortable driving experience. Its Parking Assistance system also supports various types of parking spaces (vertical, diagonal, parallel parking).

Audi has announced that the E5 will be available in four fully electric variants, with its market introduction set to commence in the lucrative Chinese market in the summer of 2025. Following the E5, Audi plans to launch two additional all-electric AUDI models in 2026 and 2027. Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, remarked, “With our new China-exclusive brand AUDI, we are continuously pushing boundaries. The E5 Sportback offers the outstanding qualities of Audi, reimagined and tailored to cater to customers in China.”