AUDI E5 Sportback

Focusing on ICE models as well as electric models

Audi's media conference held at the Shanghai Motor Show 2025. — Audi has announced that it will be focusing on not only fully electric models but also ICE models. The Q5L shown in the photo was unveiled for the first time at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show.

At the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show, Audi highlighted its commitment to offering a wide range of EV, hybrid, and ICE (internal combustion engine) models in the Chinese market. Together with its local partners, China FAW Group (FAW) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), the company is exhibiting and unveiling 19 models.

Audi plans to strengthen its lineup for the Chinese market from mid-2025 onwards, and will introduce a number of China-exclusive models over the next two years. In addition to the China-exclusive A5L model, which was first unveiled at last year’s Guangzhou Motor Show, China-exclusive models such as the A5L Sportback, Q5L, and A6L e-tron were also unveiled for the first time.

Additionally, the new AUDI brand saw the world premiere of the fully electric sports wagon, the AUDI E5 Sportback. Audi announced the launch of the new brand, AUDI, in collaboration with China’s SAIC in November 2024. The new brand will not use the company’s iconic four-ring logo, but will instead be written with four capital letters, “AUDI.” While maintaining its connection as a sister brand of Audi, the brand will be developed in China as a brand specializing in EVs and intelligent models.

Speaking at the media conference at the Shanghai Motor Show, Audi AG CEO Gernot Dörner explained Audi’s policy in the Chinese market as follows:

“2025 marks the beginning of a new era for Audi in China. At the Shanghai Motor Show, we will be showcasing our strongest model lineup ever. Together with our two local partners, FAW Group and SAIC, we will be unveiling our next generation of China-exclusive models. Our new China-exclusive brand, AUDI, will also reach a new customer segment. With our new BEV and ICE models, we will not only target China’s growing EV market, but also the traditional ICE market.”

Long wheelbase version exclusively for the Chinese market

The Audi A5L Sportback was unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show. — The long-wheelbase model, including the A5L Sportback shown in the photo, was specially developed to suit the Chinese market, where rear-seat livability is a priority.

Five new models were featured at the Audi booth at the Shanghai Motor Show. Each China-exclusive model was developed based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), or Advanced Digitalized Platform (ADP). It combines Audi DNA with the needs and functions of local customers.

The A5L, developed as a successor to Audi’s best-selling mid-size family sedan, the A4, is produced and sold by FAW-Audi. It features a wheelbase that is 77mm longer than the global A5, resulting in a much more spacious interior than the previous A4. The A5L Sportback, which adopts the popular sportback style, is produced and sold by SAIC Motor Corporation and Audi.

The Q5L is the third new model based on the premium platform Combustion. It is equipped with a 48V mild hybrid ICE engine and has a wheelbase 125mm longer than the global Q5 model, ensuring spacious rear seat space just like the A5L.

The fully electric model A6L e-tron, which follows the Q6L e-tron Sportback, is produced at the latest factory, Audi FAW NEV Company, which was newly established in Changchun. The wheelbase has also been extended by 132 mm from the global model, and rear seat comfort has also been significantly improved. In addition to a maximum cruising range of 770 km, it is said to have achieved a shorter charging time than before.

“E5 Sportback” to be released in 2025

The E5 Sportback, a fully electric mid-size shooting brake, was unveiled as the AUDI brand’s first production model. It is scheduled to go on sale in the Chinese market in 2025.

The Audi E5 Sportback, unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show as the brand’s first production model, is a mid-size shooting brake developed in collaboration with partner SAIC. The model combines Audi’s motorsport DNA and design with China’s digital ecosystem and development speed.

The E5 Sportback is equipped with a fully electric powertrain boasting a maximum output of 579kW, and is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive “quattro” configurations. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and has a maximum range of 770km. In addition to an exterior design that sets it apart from previous Audi models, it also features enhanced driver assistance systems and exclusive interior features. It is scheduled to be released in 2025.

Johannes Loschek, President of Audi China, commented on the large-scale unveiling of the China-exclusive model:

“At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, we will unveil a new vision for Audi’s brand identity. Together with FAW and SAIC, we are proving that one plus one is more than two. Our ‘dual brand strategy’ will accelerate innovation and provide our customers with premium ICE vehicles and advanced BEVs that symbolize a new era.”