Audi E5 Sportback Review: 770 km Range, 776 hp – A New EV Benchmark
Audi E5 Sportback Review: 770 km Range, 776 hp – A New EV Benchmark
🚗 Introducing the Audi E5 Sportback
Audi, in a bold move for the Chinese market, created a distinct brand—stylized as AUDI—free from its iconic four-ring logo. The first model under this marque is the all-electric E5 Sportback, a sleek, fastback-style wagon co-developed with SAIC and built on the new Advanced Digitized Platform (en.wikipedia.org, captainelectro.com, carnewschina.com, carnewschina.com).
🌐 China-First Approach
This vehicle is tailored specifically for China’s discerning EV buyers, featuring local software ecosystems, advanced connectivity, and cutting-edge hardware. It marks the beginning of a new strategy aimed at rapid response to China's unique market needs (audi-mediacenter.com).
📏 Design & Dimensions
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Body Style: Five-door Sportback wagon
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Size: ~4,881 mm long, 1,959 mm wide, 1,478 mm tall, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase (en.wikipedia.org)
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Exterior: Silent, sleek LED light signature with circular front arrangements (~469 LEDs), smooth flush door handles, and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor (carnewschina.com)
⚙️ Powertrain & Performance
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Motor Layout: Available in both RWD and AWD configurations
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Power Options: 220 kW, 300 kW, 386 kW, and up to a thrilling 579 kW (≈776 hp) (carnewschina.com)
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Acceleration: Top trims can sprint 0–100 km/h in an impressive 3.4 seconds (carscoops.com)
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Battery & Range: ~100 kWh NMC battery offering a claimed CLTC range of 770 km (carnewschina.com)
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Charging: 800 V architecture enables 370 km of range in just 10 minutes (carscoops.com)
🖥️ Tech & Interior
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Platform: Advanced Digitized Platform jointly built by Audi and SAIC (audi-mediacenter.com)
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Infotainment System: Features AUDI OS, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295, with a 27" pillar-to-pillar 4K display, app store, and AI-driven assistant (carnewschina.com)
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Driver Assistance: LiDAR-equipped AUDI 360 system with 29 perception units enables advanced autonomous features and support for parking in complex structures (carnewschina.com)
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Ride & Handling: Adaptive air suspension with all-wheel steering enhances driving dynamics (carscoops.com)
🎯 Market Launch & Positioning
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Debut: Shanghai Auto Show, April 2025 (audi-mediacenter.com)
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Dealership Display: Seen in major Chinese cities from May 2025
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Launch Timeline: Model filings approved as of May 24, with deliveries expected by late August or early September 2025
This marks the first of what’s planned to be a China-exclusive model range under AUDI, with follow-up EVs slated for 2026 and 2027 (carnewschina.com).
👍 What Sets the E5 Apart
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Performance: Ultra-fast acceleration (3.4s) and up to 776 hp
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Exceptional Range: 770 km CLTC with 800 V fast charging abilities
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Diamond in Design: Sportback aesthetic with bold LED signature
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Ultimate Tech: Massive 4K display, Snapdragon-powered UI, AI assistant
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Advanced EV Hardware: LiDAR, adaptive chassis, AWD and a sophisticated infotainment ecosystem built for China
🤔 Competitor Positioning & Global Relevance
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Within AUDI line-up: Bridges between Audi’s mainstream EV platform (PPE) and the upcoming Chinese-only line-up (audi-mediacenter.com, sayarabay.com, techeblog.com, carscoops.com)
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Global Comparison: Rivals premium EV wagons like BMW i5, Mercedes EQE; “forbidden fruit” in Western markets—China gets it first (carsguide.com.au)
🌐 Industry Implications
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China Auto Influence: Highlights China's rise, blending German engineering with digital-first innovations (wired.com)
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Brand Strategy: Audi treats China separately with a new look, name and value proposition (“in China, for China”) (audi-mediacenter.com)
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EV Innovation Hotbed: High-speed charging, LiDAR autonomy, panoramic displays—all rolled out in one vehicle showcase China’s tech leadership
✅ Final Verdict
The AUDI E5 Sportback is a bold and compelling signal of how far automotive innovation has come in China—a high-performance, tech-dense EV that marries luxury design with future-forward features. While exclusive to China for now, it sets a high bar globally.
Expect more AUDI models to follow, further elevating standards in performance, range, cockpit tech, and intelligent driving.
✅ Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | AUDI E5 Sportback |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Up to 579 kW (776 hp) |
| 0–100 km/h | ≈3.4 seconds |
| Range (CLTC) | ~770 km |
| Charging | 800 V fast charge: +370 km in 10 min |
| Platform | Advanced Digitized Platform |
| Infotainment | 27” 4K display, Snapdragon 8295, AI voice |
| Driver Assistance | LiDAR + 29 sensors, adaptive suspension |
| Launch in China | July–Sept 2025 (dealerships since May) |
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