Audi entered China in 1988 and did not compete with BMW’s competition for six years. Since then, the two have fought violently for market shares, and now Audi is bringing reinforcements. Note how we wrote the name of the brand in all upper limits in the heading? This is because the E5 Sportback is not Audi, it is an Audi. Let us explain.
Audi is a newly launched sub-fire that was created by a partnership between Audi and its Chinese allies. It dispenses with the iconic four rings and aims to attract “young, technically experienced customers” in China, where the E5 Sportback is sold exclusively.
What exactly is the E5 Sportback? As with all future Audi Badged models, it is fully electrical. His body style is somewhere between an SUV and a car, although he tends to be in the direction of the latter. Without the all-caps branding, we have difficulty saying whether this car is an Audi, an Audi or something completely different.
This is a large vehicle. It extends over 4,881 mm (192.1 inches), extends over a width of 1,959 mm (77.1 inches) and is 1,478 mm (58.1 in). Compared to the BMW i5 touring, it is 179 mm shorter, 59 mm wider and 37 mm lower. However, it is worth noting that the Electric 5 Series car is not sold in China.
Although the E5 does not bear the familiar Audi design language, we are communicated that the company’s F&E center in Germany has coordinated the car. It is offered in four performance outputs: 295 hp, 402 hp, 570 hp and a whopping 776 hp. The top model sprint from 0 to 62 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Chinese buyers can choose between rear and all-wheel drive variants.
The E5 Sportback has a strong 100 kWh battery that delivers up to 770 kilometers (478 miles) range, although this is probably based on the more generous CLTC test cycle. Thanks to its 800-volt-fast charging capacity, it can get back 370 kilometers (230 miles) in just 10 minutes.
Inside, the E5 Sportback does not look like an Audi that we are used to. A massive 27-inch 4K display dominates the dashboard, which is described as “breathtaking” and “impressive”, although some may find it overwhelming. A touch-powered control strip is located below the main screen, flanked by two smaller displays that display feeds from outside cameras and replace traditional mirrors.
The five-seat cabin offers an almost flat floor, which is made possible by a dedicated EV platform. Like many modern Chinese EVs, physical checks are almost unable. In China’s 2025, almost everything is a screen base or touch operation. Other features are a 50-watt wire-free charging bath with active cooling and speakers that are installed directly into the headrests.
The E5 Sportback starts in China this summer. Two more Audi models will follow in 2026 and 2027.
Photos: Audi
