Source: AUDI

Audi’s premium new energy sub-brand, AUDI, has officially turned a new page. Its first production model—the Audi E5 Sportback—made its global debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show.

As a century-old benchmark of German luxury, Audi has partnered with SAIC Motor to create the all-new premium electric sub-brand AUDI. Together with its brand ambassador, Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen, Audi is fully committed to electrification in China.

The AUDI E5 Sportback is positioned as a luxury pure-electric coupe that carries forward Audi’s signature sportback design language while integrating a next-gen smart cockpit and advanced driver-assistance systems—all while preserving the brand’s pure sporting DNA.

The "E" stands for pure electric drive, "5" represents the mid-size vehicle segment, and "Sportback" is Audi’s iconic designation for its classic coupe-style design.

The all-new SAIC-AUDI E5 Sportback have been spotted making its way into showrooms and is reportedly capable of over 700 km CLTC range and 3.4s 0-100 km/h acceleration.

Stephan Fahr Becker – AUDI Chief Exterior Designer

"We excel at translating concept cars into production models flawlessly. From its concept debut to this production version, many can hardly spot any differences—they’re nearly identical."

Source: AUDI

The front fascia was designed at Audi’s Ingolstadt Headquarters through a collaboration between German and Chinese engineers, where the traditional grille has been replaced by a seamless wraparound design.

Headlights and aerodynamic elements are fully integrated, with lower air intakes streamlined for a cleaner look.

For the LED lighting technology, the light panel undergoes base coating before thousands of micro-perforations are laser-etched to allow light emission.

When deactivated, the pattern remains nearly invisible, while the lighting system supports animations and dynamic effects that highlight Audi’s iconic four-ring logo.

Source: AUDI

The profile maintains classic Audi proportions—short front overhang and long wheelbase—paired with 20-inch wheels featuring rotating Audi center caps.

Wheel arches are accentuated to emphasize the quattro all-wheel-drive system, enhancing the car’s muscular stance.

At the rear, the tail lights echo the front design with inspiration drawn from Shanghai’s Bund skyline, while a special floor design maximizes rear headroom without compromising the coupe-like roofline.

Source: AUDI

Thibaut Dereymacker – AUDI Chief Interior Designer

"From concept to production, we retained almost every detail."

The cabin showcases 3D wood trim, exclusive to Audi, paired with ambient lighting to create a modern architectural aesthetic.

Seats are upholstered in ultra-fiber material with integrated headrests for a seamless look.

Source: AUDI

Following Audi’s "Visual Clarity" philosophy, the interior employs horizontal layering to organize functions, with vents and ambient lighting subtly embedded.

The dashboard features a soft curve into the center console, wrapped in the same ultra-fiber as the seats to minimize sharp angles.

A panoramic curved screen—a first for Audi—integrates digital side-mirror feeds in a floating design, while the Audi Intelligent Assistant, operable via voice or gesture, creates an emotional connection with the car.

Stefan Boese & Pirmin Reimeir – Chassis Engineering

"The team behind the R8 and e-tron GT’s quattro systems tuned the E5 Sportback."

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VMC) harmonizes all driving elements, with the progressive steering system offering a tight ratio for sporty handling at center position that becomes more responsive at larger angles.

Rear-wheel steering elevates this further: at low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to achieve a 10.7-meter turning circle, while at high speeds, they rotate parallel to the front wheels for precision.

Source: AUDI

The E5 Sportback offers steel suspension for a balance of comfort and agility, while the optional adaptive air suspension with continuous damping control provides two distinct modes.

Dynamic Mode delivers firmer damping, a lowered ride height, and drift-permissive tuning, whereas Comfort Mode prioritizes light steering and neutral settings for optimal ride comfort.

The model also rides on custom-developed tires tailored specifically for its performance characteristics.

David Renz & Tobias Winkler – Driving Dynamics

"Quattro means perfect traction and dynamic handling."

The system employs dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear axles, with the front axle capable of engaging in under 20 milliseconds during aggressive acceleration or low-grip scenarios.

Christoph Andresen – Smart Cockpit

The Audi Intelligent Assistant takes the form of a planet-like floating orb powered by a Qualcomm 8195 chip and an AI voice model that requires no wake word.

Source: AUDI

The China-specific Audi OS organizes functions into four intuitive pillars—Personal, Navigation, Vehicle Settings, and Entertainment—with high-frequency controls placed within arm’s reach.

The Audi Smart Control system combines tactile feedback, context-aware displays, and two customizable dials for intuitive interaction.

Liu Xinyue – Driver Assistance

The Audi Panorama Assist system leverages standard lidar, 11 HD cameras, 3 radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors for 360° sensing.

It enables full-scenario capabilities, from urban/highway navigation-assisted maneuvers to automated parking (parallel/vertical/diagonal) and multi-floor memory parking.

Designed to operate without HD maps, it works nationwide and offers three driving styles—Gentle, Standard, and Agile—while being optimized for Chinese road conditions.