Audi has been selling China-only models for decades, going back to the A6 C5 of the early 2000s. Much has changed since then, as the once-dominant German luxury brands have steadily lost ground to fast-rising domestic automakers. With feature-packed, tech-heavy cars offered at far lower prices, Chinese brands have surged in recent years to the detriment of legacy players. Knowing it can’t beat them, Audi has decided to join them. It has deepened its ties with SAIC to extend the partnership beyond the usual crop of long-wheelbase sedans. The joint venture has spawned a separate brand with an unimaginative name: AUDI. Written in all caps, the newcomer abandons the iconic Four Rings that hark back to the Auto Union era. We’ve already seen the first production model, the E5 Sportback, a pseudo wagon off to a strong start. Audi… um, sorry, AUDI, is now previewing its second vehicle at Auto Guangzhou 2025. Officially still a concept, the E SUV will enter production next year. At 199 inches (5057 millimeters) long and 80.4 in (2042 mm) wide, it’s longer than the E5 Sportback. Its wheelbase is even more generous at 120.4 in (3060 mm), which isn’t surprising given Chinese buyers’ insatiable appetite for abundant rear legroom. As an SUV, it naturally sits higher, at 70.3 in (1786 mm). As with the E5 Sportback, the SUV’s styling has virtually nothing in common with international Audi models. The new AUDI brand will remain exclusive to China, where all its models will be built and fully electric. The upcoming SUV rides on the same Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP) co-developed with SAIC that already underpins the high-riding wagon. Although it adopts a true SUV body style, many design cues mirror the E5 Sportback. From the side cameras and roof-mounted LiDAR to the flush door handles and C-shaped lighting, the second model is clearly cut from the same cloth. The oversized AUDI script, where you’d ordinarily expect the rings, still takes some getting used to. AUDI E SUV concept Its scale is immediately evident from the massive 23-inch wheels wrapped in 285/40 R23 Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. It’s larger than the now-defunct Q8 E-Tron and aims for a “monolithic, composed, and distinctive” appearance. AUDI even claims the E SUV concept has “perfect proportions,” though whether it can stand out in an overcrowded segment is another matter. The electric luxobarge packs a sizeable 109-kWh battery offering over 435 miles (700 kilometers) of range under China’s lenient CLTC cycle. At a compatible fast charger that supports peak power, a 10-minute session adds enough energy for 199 miles (320 kilometers). Although it’s not a traditional Audi, AUDI still uses the “Quattro” label for its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. With one motor on each axle, the E SUV reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in just five seconds. AUDI hasn’t disclosed the weight, but it’s likely heavier than the E5 Sportback, which tops out at a porky 5,165 pounds (2,343 kilograms). AUDI plans to launch the electric SUV in 2026. Pricing remains unknown, but it will almost certainly cost more than the E5 Sportback. The lower-riding EV ranges from the equivalent of $33,000 for the base version to $45,000 for the flagship model. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
+49 others
