Audi Unveils 770 HP Wagon That Most Of The World Won't Experience | Carscoops

      The AUDI E5 Sportback marks the inaugural product of the collaboration between Audi and SAIC, designed specifically for the Chinese market.

      The newly released AUDI E5 Sportback boasts up to 776 horsepower and a range of 478 miles. AUDI is a fresh brand formed through the partnership of Germany’s Audi and China’s SAIC, with the vehicle featuring unique technology catering to the Chinese audience.

      Audi has officially introduced its first production model under the AUDI sub-brand, the E5 Sportback. It’s important to note that this is not a typographical error; it is indeed AUDI (in all caps, without the iconic four rings) and it represents a completely new initiative developed in conjunction with SAIC. This vehicle, exclusive to China, follows the prior year's E concept and aims to capture a rapidly expanding market with its distinctive features.

      Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the brand-new five-door wagon is entirely electric and offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with a claimed maximum range of 770 kilometers (478 miles). Chinese consumers can expect to see the car available in dealerships by summer.

      AUDI: Combining German Excellence with Chinese Innovation

      While comparable in size to the A6 Avant, measuring 4,881 mm (192.2 in) x 1,959 mm (77.1 in) x 1,478 mm (58.2 in), the AUDI E5 Sportback is much more than a rebranded e-tron. It is constructed on a platform co-developed by Audi and SAIC, aiming to integrate the strengths of both Germany and China.

      Audi emphasizes its design and engineering prowess, while SAIC's input focuses on the E5's digital ecosystem and innovations. “It fulfills our brand promise: the best of both worlds,” states Fermín Soneira, CEO of the new enterprise.

      There is substantial discussion about maintaining Audi's core identity, although it is evident that much of the branding effort is led by Audi, amid claims of distinguishing differences between Audi and AUDI.

      A Digital Ecosystem Designed for China

      This initiative subtly acknowledges that Chinese consumers desire advanced technologies that are now commonplace among domestic brands, which are often difficult for foreign brands to deliver. Central to this is the new AUDI OS, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 automotive chipset, showcased on an impressive 27-inch 4K display that stretches across the cabin's width.

      It incorporates facial recognition and features an app store fully integrated with China's digital landscape. This means it is customized to fit the unique ecosystem of advanced local applications, ranging from payment services to messaging platforms.

      Additionally, there’s a voice assistant developed by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, aimed at enhancing the human-like qualities of the assistant, which can modify its "demeanor" via a feature called Behavior Select.

      Localized Autonomous Driving Technology

      The assessment of premium cars in China also hinges on their autonomous driving capabilities. The AUDI E5 Sportback includes a suite of LiDAR sensors specifically calibrated for the distinct challenges of urban navigation in China. For example, the system is equipped to recognize tricycles and delivery riders on two wheels.

      Moreover, the AUDI features a parking assistant that memorizes routes through multi-story parking structures and can autonomously navigate to a desired parking spot—an innovative functionality ideal for navigating the busy urban landscapes of China.

      Performance and Specifications

      The technical specifications and features of the AUDI E5 Sportback share several characteristics with existing models in Audi's lineup. It includes an 800-volt charging architecture capable of delivering 370 km of range in just 10 minutes, similar to that found in the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) used in the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron.

      Even though the precise technical details of each variant have yet to be disclosed, it is confirmed that the E5 Sportback will come in four variants. Customers can choose from both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options, offering power outputs of 220 kW (295 HP / 299 PS), 300 kW (402 HP / 407 PS), 425 kW (570 HP / 578 PS), or the top-tier 579 kW (776 HP / 787 PS)—comparable to the Audi e-tron GT.

      The high-performance E5 is expected to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in as little as 3.4 seconds, with the largest available battery being 100 kWh, promising a maximum range of 770 km (478 miles) based on the CLTC testing cycle. The E5 will feature an air suspension and an optional all-wheel steering system.

      The E5 Sportback is set to launch in Summer 2025 and will serve as a flagship model for the AUDI brand, with two additional AUDI vehicles expected to be announced in 2026 and 2027.