Auto Shanghai 2025

Taking centre stage at China’s massive Auto Shanghai show, the new AUDI E5 Sportback marked something of a departure for the Audi brand. Indeed it is the first model from Audi’s sub-brand created solely for the Chinese market under the new AUDI moniker. 

The AUDI E5 Sportback is also the first model based on the Advanced Digitised Platform – a fully electric model outputting up to 579kW and capable of 770 kilometres of range. The platform has been jointly developed with SAIC with the Chinese market its sole target. 

“The AUDI E5 Sportback is our first model based on the Advanced Digitised Platform, and it delivers on our brand promise: the best of both worlds,” says says Fermín Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project.

“Audi’s DNA and engineering excellence is blended with China’s digital ecosystem and innovations, specifically tailored for our tech-savvy customers,” he says of the vehicle which can hit 100km/h from standstill in just 3.4 seconds and can add 370km of of range in just 10 minutes, thanks to its ultra-fast 800 volt charging.

“With our new China-only brand AUDI, we are continuing to push boundaries,” says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “The E5 Sportback offers the very best qualities of Audi, reimagined for and tailored to customers in China.”

But while the E5 Sportback may have stolen the show as the first AUDI model, it was not the only debuting with the famous name. Four other Audi models, all sporting the famous four-ringed logo also made their debut in Shanghai, with long-wheelbase versions specifically for the Chinese market of the Audi A5, A5 Sportback, Q5 and A6 e-tron also revealed to the huge crowd.

The A5L, the next generation of Audi’s bestselling mid-size family sedan will be produced and distributed by FAW Audi. With a wheelbase that is 77 millimetres longer than on the global versions of the A5, it offers far more interior space compared to the last generation. Along with the A5L Sportback, it features ultra-modern combustion engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology based on the Premium Platform Combustion provide superior performance and high efficiency. A hi-tech interior that includes the MMI panoramic display with a passenger display comes as standard in China.

Also based around the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) is the long-wheelbase version of the new Q5 – the Audi Q5L – which boasts a wheelbase 125mm longer than that available on the global market.

Based on the Premium Platform Electric, the A6L e-tron is locally produced at the new Audi FAW NEV Company in Changchun, and features a wheel 132mm larger than the international version as well as a larger 107 kilowatt-hour battery capable of 770km of range. 

Along with the E5 Sportback from the AUDI brand, the showing from Audi demonstrates the brand’s commitment to the Chinese market, says Marco Schubert, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG:

“We are positioning ourselves in China with a portfolio that will excite and inspire our loyal customers and new target groups. With our new models, we offer the best choice of premium mobility. Audi is also becoming even more digital with tailored features and infotainment systems. Chinese customers have a lot to look forward to.”

And while these model variants will not see a global release, the Audi product offensive continues in Australia with the new S3 recently presented to local press as the latest new model to be launched in Australia this year, joining the new A3 Sedan and Sportback, Q6 and SQ6 e-tron models, Q4 e-tron models, as well as the revised Q7 and Q8 models, including the new Q8 plug-in hybrid variant.

These will be joined by a host of both combustion and electric models still to be released Down Under over the remainder of the year.