Audi E5 Sportback Bows in China With Up to 773 km Range & RM140k Price Tag

SAIC Audi has introduced its new Audi E5 Sportback mid-sized model offering for the Chinese market. This EV comes sees four variants available priced between RMB235,900 (RM139,000) and RMB319,900 (RM189,000).

Production will take place at the joint-venture’s Smart Manufacturing Base in China, with the car built on a new digital platform developed jointly by SAIC and Audi.

The E5 Sportback’s design draws inspiration from some of Audi’s icons and concept cars. The rounded arches recall the first TT, the clean surfacing nods to the RSQ concept, while the proportions echo the RS6. 

Up front, the sealed grille carries an illuminated four-ring logo, framed by ring-shaped headlamps that continue the theme into the rear light bar. Together, the lighting incorporates nearly 2,000 triangular elements cut with micro-laser precision.

At 4,881 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,479 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, the E5 sits firmly in the mid-size segment. The sweeping Sportback roofline gives the car a wagon-like practicality, offering more headroom and usable space while keeping the coupe-inspired profile. Flush handles and slim electronic mirrors complete the futuristic look.

Technology takes centre stage too. A roof-mounted LiDAR works with 27 sensors including radars, cameras and ultrasonics, all powered by Nvidia’s Orin X to deliver advanced assisted driving. With Momenta’s AI system, the car is designed to handle city roads, highways and even automated parking.

Inside, the dashboard stretches across the cabin with a full-width display setup that merges driver info, central controls and a passenger entertainment screen. The electronic mirrors feed into small displays on either side, while Audi OS runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295. A digital assistant powered by Volcano Engine’s language model allows natural conversations and voice control.

Buyers can choose between single motor versions starting at 299 hp or dual motor setups topping out at 787 hp. Battery packs range from a 76 kWh LFP unit to larger 83 kWh and 100 kWh NCM options. Claimed range varies from 618 km to 773 km, with ultra-fast charging adding 370 km in ten minutes.

Performance is equally compelling, with quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and adjustable ride height on higher trims. The quickest version completes the sprint in just 3.4 secs, putting it firmly in sports sedan territory too.

The E5 Sportback represents Audi’s most ambitious move yet with SAIC. Positioned against rivals such as the Zeekr 007GT and Nio ET5T, it combines coupe styling with wagon practicality, long-range batteries and cutting-edge tech as Audi looks to secure its place in China’s competitive premium EV segment.

Source: CarNewsChina