On September 16, SAIC Audi officially launched the Audi E5 Sportback, the very first model under the AUDI E sub-brand. A total of four variants were introduced, with prices ranging from 235,900 RMB to 319,900 RMB (approx. $32,900–$44,700), fully consistent with the previously announced pre-sale prices—something rare in China’s automotive market. To further sweeten the deal, the brand also announced a 10,000 RMB insurance subsidy, effectively lowering the cost for buyers.
As Audi’s first co-developed model with SAIC, the E5 Sportback is designed specifically for the Chinese market, symbolizing deep local collaboration. Its naming reflects clear intentions: “E” stands for electric drive, “5” indicates its mid-size positioning, and “Sportback” continues Audi’s classic fastback tradition.
Exterior Design
The E5 Sportback closely mirrors the original AUDI E Concept, with a bold futuristic front fascia featuring a closed grille, matrix-style LED daytime running lights, and an illuminated “AUDI” logo. The headlights incorporate a circular motif, while the grille integrates 942 LED units, producing a dynamic triangular “welcome light show.” Customers can choose from six body colors: Morning Purple, Edge Green, Misty Blue, Flowing Silver, Midnight Black, and Glacier White.
Its liftback silhouette draws inspiration from Audi’s iconic Avant wagons, paired with wide fenders, frameless doors, soft-close features, an electric driver’s door, Brembo four-piston calipers, and digital side mirrors. Dimensions are 4,881 mm (L) × 1,960 mm (W) × 1,479 mm (H), with a 2,950 mm wheelbase, positioning it as a mid-size electric fastback. At the rear, the design echoes the front with ring-shaped taillights, dual spoilers, and a diffuser-inspired bumper, while the large hatchback ensures strong practicality.
Interior & Technology
Inside, the cabin continues the minimalist, tech-driven concept design with a wraparound cockpit. The dashboard features no physical buttons, while the four-spoke steering wheel retains tactile buttons and scroll wheels. Gear selection is operated via a column-mounted shifter. Premium suede-like materials cover key touchpoints, enhancing luxury.
The centerpiece is a 59-inch 4K ultra-wide panoramic display, complemented by 7-inch digital side mirror screens. The floating center console frees up interior space, boosting practicality.
Intelligent Driving & Hardware
The E5 Sportback is equipped with 27 perception hardware units, including LiDAR, three long-range millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 cameras. Its driver-assistance system, co-developed with Momenta, runs on the NVIDIA Orin-X chip, enabling urban and highway navigation assist as well as all-scenario automated parking across 300+ parking situations.
Powertrain & Battery
Four power configurations are available:
Single-motor: 299 hp or 408 hp
Dual-motor AWD: 525 hp or 787 hp
Battery options include CATL LFP (76.2 kWh) and ternary lithium packs (83.3 kWh / 100 kWh). Range varies depending on trim:
Low-power single motor: up to 618 km / 573 km
High-power single motor: up to 773 km / 697 km
Low-power dual motor: up to 623 km / 570 km
High-power dual motor: up to 647 km
Strategic Background
Audi and SAIC began their strategic partnership on July 26, 2023, signing a memorandum to deepen collaboration. By May 20, 2024, both sides formalized the agreement, announcing the Advanced Digitized Platform—a China-focused EV platform aimed at accelerating product cycles by over 30%.
Over the next three years, the joint venture plans to release three pure-electric models: the E5 Sportback, an SUV, and a large sedan. In addition, SAIC Volkswagen executives revealed that the AUDI brand will also introduce range-extended hybrid models, with the earliest debut expected in 2026.
Market Positioning
In China’s automotive landscape, wagons and fastback-styled cars remain niche. With its attractive pricing, strong performance, and advanced intelligent features, the Audi E5 Sportback is set to challenge rivals like the Zeekr 007 GT, NIO ET5T, Hycan S9T, and Denza Z9GT, while offering Audi’s distinctive luxury and design language to a new generation of Chinese EV buyers.
