This all new Audi e-SUV concept was first announced on November 11th this year and now its ready for sale in early 2026.
The full-size electric SUV measures 5,057 mm (199.1 inches) long with a 3,060 mm (120.5 inches) wheelbase, nearly matching the footprint of the combustion-engine Audi Q7.
It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system (quattro), a 109 kWh battery, and an 800-volt architecture that allows for rapid charging. It boasts a CLTC range of over 700 km and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in about five seconds.
Key technologies include the LiDAR-based Audi 360 Assisted Driving system, which is tailored for Chinese roads, and design elements like a closed-off grille, full-width LED lighting, and a spacious interior.
The Audi e concept’s safety features include the Audi 360 Driving Assist System, which features China-specific driver assistance systems for highways, city traffic, and automated parking.
Other safety features include proactive and reactive measures like pre-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking (Audi pre sense), along with proactive occupant protection like electrical seatbelt tightening and closing windows during an imminent collision.
The concept also has structural integrity, airbag systems, and innovative technologies like the Audi Virtual Cockpit and connectivity services.
This Audi EV is expected to feature a large 27-inch 4K dashboard display and run on the AUDI OS software platform powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, similar to the E5 Sportback.
The Audi e concept is a China-only model because it’s specifically tailored for the unique market there, focusing on tech-savvy younger customers and incorporating localised technology like driver-assistance systems designed for Chinese traffic conditions. Audi launched a new, separate EV brand called AUDI in collaboration with SAIC to meet the specific needs and preferences of Chinese premium car buyers.
Key reasons for this China-only approach for Audi:
Meeting Unique Customer Demands: Chinese premium car buyers are on average younger and more tech-savvy than those in other regions. They have distinct expectations regarding connectivity, digital integration, and automated driving technology. The E concept’s interior features a pillar-to-pillar 4K display, an AI assistant, and a rich app ecosystem designed specifically to cater to these preferences.
Localised Innovation & Speed: By partnering with SAIC, Audi can leverage its partner’s well-established local technology ecosystem and speed of innovation. This collaboration is reported to reduce the time-to-market for new models by over 30%.
Addressing Local Infrastructure and Regulations: The vehicles are developed to integrate seamlessly with Chinese digital services like WeChat and Baidu, and feature specific driver assistance functions optimised for dense urban traffic and local road conditions. They also use the Chinese CLTC range test cycle for performance metrics.
Brand Differentiation: The new line of EVs is launched under a distinct brand name, styled in all capital letters as “AUDI” (without the traditional four-ring logo), to signal a connection to the German heritage while differentiating itself as a new, locally focused electric and intelligent mobility brand.
Market Share and Strategy: China is the world’s largest automotive market, and success requires a highly localised approach to compete with established local EV makers like Nio and Xpeng. This strategy allows Audi to aggressively expand its electric portfolio specifically for this crucial market segment.
Meanwhile, the Audi e concept is not yet for sale, but its production version, likely to be named the E8, is expected to have a starting price of around ¥260,000 (approximately USD36,600) when it launches in China in early 2026.
