Audi has officially unveiled the E5 Sportback, a fully electric vehicle developed in partnership with SAIC, aimed at the Chinese market. The model combines futuristic design, advanced digital systems, and strong performance, positioning itself as a competitive option in the premium EV segment. It will be available in four versions, priced between 235,900 and 319,900 yuan (approximately $30,000–$41,000 USD).
Futuristic design with digital mirrors
The E5 Sportback departs from conventional automotive design by replacing traditional side mirrors with digital mirrors integrated into the cabin. These displays support advanced driver-assistance features such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Door Open Warning (DOW), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The exterior draws inspiration from iconic Audi concept cars, blending the rounded wheel arches of the TT, the clean lines of the RSQ, and the dynamic stance of the RS6. Distinctive elements include illuminated ring-shaped headlights, a closed grille with embedded lighting, and a glowing Audi logo.
Both the front and rear feature 3D floating light effects, while the rear end is dominated by a continuous light bar with nearly 2,000 triangular LEDs. Retractable door handles further emphasize the car’s modern styling.
Premium and digital interior
Inside, the E5 Sportback offers a wide digital dashboard that merges the instrument cluster, multimedia system, and passenger display into a single ultrawide panel. The digital mirrors are positioned at both ends of the dashboard. Built on a smart digital platform, the car integrates Audi OS powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295, while the in-car assistant is based on the “Douban” large language model, allowing contextual conversations and deep integration with vehicle functions.
Assisted driving and performance
On the roof, the car carries a LiDAR system supported by 27 sensors and 11 cameras, enabling advanced assisted driving across city streets and highways. The system is powered by Nvidia’s Orin-X chip.
Performance options include single- and dual-motor setups, ranging from 299 hp to 787 hp, with quattro all-wheel drive available in the top variant. The most powerful model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, supported by an adaptive air suspension and variable damping for balance between comfort and performance.
Battery and range
Battery options range from 76 kWh to 100 kWh, offering between 618 km and 773 km of range. Thanks to ultra-fast charging, the car can recover over 370 km in just 10 minutes.
Market outlook
Targeted at the competitive Chinese EV sector, the E5 Sportback rivals models like the Zeekr 007GT and Nio ET5T. With its blend of cutting-edge design, long range, and strong performance, it marks a significant step in SAIC-Audi’s strategy to establish itself more firmly in the premium electric vehicle market.
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