AUDI, the China-only EV offshoot of the brand, is preparing to broaden its lineup. At the Guangzhou Auto Show, a second model was previewed. Predictably, the concept previews the addition of an SUV, joining the E5 Sportback.
The new vehicle, called the AUDI E SUV Concept, is the second product from Audi’s sub-brand developed with SAIC. The partnership, launched a year ago, was created to give the German automaker a better foothold in China by relying on local engineering, software, and design input.
Advanced Digitized Platform
The SUV follows the E5 Sportback, a wagonlike sedan that quickly drew attention earlier this year with substantial preorder numbers (10,000 in 30 minutes). Like that model, the SUV rides on the Advanced Digitized Platform, a software-focused architecture drawn largely from SAIC’s own EV portfolio.
Early indications suggest Audi is willing to lean heavily on its partner’s technology to regain relevance in the world’s largest EV market.
Although presented as a concept, the SUV looks nearly finished and will supposedly go into production with minor alterations. Even by Chinese premium standards, the vehicle is large, measuring just over 5 meters long and featuring a wheelbase exceeding 3 meters.
Its footprint surpasses that of the now-discontinued Q8 E-tron, signaling where Audi believes Chinese buyers are moving: toward bigger vehicles with generous rear seating and overt road presence.
Like a Ford?
Although the design resembles the E5 Sportback, one can’t help but see a resemblance to Ford’s styling as used on its Explorer—especially the rounded corners of the light cluster pattern point in that direction.
Also noticeable: a lidar pod mounted above the windshield, digital mirror cameras, and sharply creased bodywork. At the rear, a backlit AUDI logo replaces the much-debated omission of the familiar four rings.
The technical details show clear ambition. The top version pairs dual motors for roughly 680 hp and uses an 800-volt electrical system. With a 109-kWh battery, the claimed CLTC range reaches about 700 kilometers.
The figures pitch the SUV competitively against Chinese premium EVs that have lifted expectations for performance and charging speed. The brand says a ten-minute DC session can restore more than 300 kilometers.
Market debut next year
Audi and SAIC have kept pricing under wraps. Still, the production version – likely badged E8 – is expected to open near 260,000 yuan (€31,720), which sits above the E5 Sportback but below many imported luxury SUVs. Pricing will need to be careful, as local competitors continue to release equipment-laden models at aggressive prices. The production model is slated for release in 2026.
Though Audi’s mainline brand, AUDI, has received its share of controversy, it fares better than most global competitors in China, avoiding the steep declines seen by other nonlocal nameplates. The new sub-brand is meant to prevent erosion rather than recover lost ground.
