SAIC-Audi has officially introduced its latest mid-size electric model, the Audi E5 Sportback, marking its debut on September 16. The vehicle is being offered in four trim levels, with pricing set between 235,900 and 319,900 yuan, which translates to approximately 32,500–44,000 US dollars. Built on a next-generation digital platform that SAIC and Audi co-developed, the E5 Sportback is manufactured at the state-of-the-art SAIC Audi Smart Manufacturing Base, symbolizing the strategic partnership between the two companies in China.
In terms of exterior styling, the E5 Sportback takes inspiration from Audi’s E concept but continues to embody familiar elements of Audi’s design language. The brand highlights three key influences: the distinctive rounded wheel arches first seen on the original Audi TT, the smooth minimalist panels inspired by the RSQ concept car, and the muscular, athletic presence of the RS6. Its front end is distinguished by a ring-shaped headlamp cluster, an enclosed front grille with integrated lighting modules, and an illuminated Audi logo placed at the hood’s lower edge. Both the front and rear emblems are crafted from dark chrome and feature a 3D floating light effect, reinforcing the car’s futuristic appearance.
Technology plays a central role in the E5 Sportback’s identity. A roof-mounted LiDAR system powers Momenta EBM’s advanced end-to-end assisted driving functions. Supporting this are 27 individual perception devices: a long-range LiDAR unit, three extended-range millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 cameras. All this hardware is backed by Nvidia’s Orin-X chip, allowing the system to navigate urban streets, highways, and even handle automatic parking.
From the side profile, the vehicle appears sleek and modern, with slightly raised arches, hidden flush-fitting door handles, and electronic side mirrors. The sloping Sportback roofline is designed not only for aesthetics but also to preserve headroom while offering the practicality of a hatchback-style rear. At the back, the car carries a continuous taillight bar with vertical accents, mirroring the theme of the headlights. Audi notes that the lighting design uses 942 LED beads and advanced laser engraving techniques to create nearly 2,000 small triangular projections. Measuring 4,881 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,479 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, the E5 sits firmly within the mid-size sedan category.
Inside, the cabin emphasizes digital luxury and a clean, uncluttered look. A wide digital panel spans the dashboard, combining the instrument cluster, central infotainment, and passenger entertainment displays. The screens for the electronic mirrors are integrated on either side, resembling “ear flaps.” The operating system is the latest Audi OS, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 chip, while the in-car assistant leverages Volcano Engine’s large language model “Douban” for natural conversations, multi-turn interactions, and voice-based vehicle control.
Performance is equally diverse. Single-motor variants produce 299 hp or 408 hp, while dual-motor setups deliver 525 hp or a high-performance 787 hp. Battery packs differ by version, with the entry-level model featuring a 76 kWh LFP unit from SAIC/CALB for 618 km of range. Other versions employ CATL’s NCM batteries, sized at 83 kWh and 100 kWh, offering ranges of 623 km, 773 km, and 647 km. Rapid charging capabilities add over 370 km of range in just 10 minutes.
For driving dynamics, the E5 Sportback incorporates Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds. Adjustable air suspension with 45 mm of travel and CDC variable damping further refine comfort and handling. Entering the Chinese EV market, this new Sportback will compete against rivals such as the Zeekr 007GT and Nio ET5T, reflecting SAIC and Audi’s ambition to carve out space in a premium yet expanding segment.