Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the Audi E5 Sportback, an exclusive electric vehicle for the Chinese market, notable for not featuring the traditional Audi rings on its front, instead using 'Audi' lettering. This design choice marks a new sub-brand strategy for China, aiming for a fresher, more modern appeal, better price-performance ratio, and innovation to compete with local EV manufacturers. The car has already seen significant pre-orders.
The Audi E5 Sportback measures 4.88 meters (192 inches) in length, making it a sizable car. It offers 19 or 20-inch wheels, with the review model sporting 20-inch black wheels. Key exterior features include integrated lighting in the paint, Audi lettering in place of rings, optional air suspension and rear-axle steering for enhanced tech. It supports AC and DC charging, with DC peak at 390 kW for the largest battery. Battery options include 76 kWh (LFP), 83 kWh, and a 100 kWh high-spec version promising the highest range. Charging times are impressive, with the LFP battery achieving 10-80% in 13 minutes and the 100 kWh battery in 17 minutes. The rear lighting design and overall aesthetic share similarities with the Skoda Vision 7S and Audi Concept C.
The interior boasts high-quality materials such as soft-touch leatherette, real wood, and microfiber. Digital mirrors are optional, as are automatic doors, which can close by pressing the brake. The frunk is small, suitable only for a charging cable. The steering wheel features real buttons and the classic Audi clicking sounds. A multi-screen setup covers the entire dashboard, offering crisp visuals and fast software, addressing a common criticism of German EVs in China. Seats are microfiber with perforation, offering cooling and heating. The fixed panoramic glass roof has an electrochrome dimming effect that genuinely blocks sunlight. The interior design aims for a 'living room' atmosphere with soft materials and advanced tech, including a 50W inductive charging pad and tactile turning jogs for climate control and volume. Personalization options include dynamic driving modes and function assignments for the physical controls.
The E5 Sportback includes unique 'Easter egg' features activated by gestures on the central pad, such as drawing a heart to display hearts on the screen, a circle for fireworks, or a tennis ball icon for animated Audi tennis balls. These playful features aim to attract a younger audience. The video also showcases an alternative interior trim with bright white microfiber and matte wood, highlighting the subtle integration of ambient lighting that emanates from hidden sources, contributing to a sophisticated feel.
The rear features soft-touch materials, ripple wood, and ambient lighting, with microfiber upholstery and seat heating. The ISOFIX covers are cleverly hidden. Headroom is sufficient for a 189 cm (6'2") individual, but leg angle might be less ideal for tall passengers due to the battery placement. The trunk, accessible via key fob or a hidden button, is described as an estate-like form with a real hatch. It offers 350 liters of space, with a width of 92 cm (36 inches) and length of 1.10 meters (43 inches), extending to 1.90 meters (75 inches) with folded seats, though the seats don't fold completely flat.
The all-wheel-drive model boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 3.4 seconds, thanks to almost 800 horsepower. Dynamic mode stiffens the air suspension for more road feedback, while comfort mode offers a floatier ride. The progressive steering provides more response in dynamic mode, though it's generally softer than European Audi models, likely tailored for the Chinese market. The rear-axle steering enhances agility, especially at lower speeds and in tight corners. The car maintains composure during acceleration and braking, reflecting German engineering influence on its 'sportier' suspension setup compared to other Chinese EVs.
The Audi E5 Sportback features advanced Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, including automatic lane changes and steering on motorways. The system also offers elaborate visualizations. While reliable on motorways, urban driving can be challenging due to aggressive traffic and variations in system responsiveness. Digital camera mirrors are a highlight, offering a wide view and optimal placement near the steering wheel. However, they can be disorienting for those with bifocal glasses or needing to adjust focus between short-distance screens and long-distance road views, though they are considered one of the best applications of this technology.
A crucial aspect for EVs, the Audi E5 Sportback was tested for efficiency. At 100 km/h (60 mph) on the motorway, it consumed 22 kWh/100 km (2.8 miles per kWh), which is not highly efficient compared to some competitors. This could limit its appeal in markets prioritizing efficiency, such as Germany, where high motorway speeds are common. The tested 100 kWh battery delivered a realistic range of about 450 km (280 miles). The charging test showed commendable performance, reaching 17-80% in 17 minutes, with consistent power delivery above 200 kW, close to the promised figures.
Despite some drawbacks like moderate efficiency, a slightly narrow trunk, and a seating position not ideal for very tall drivers, the Audi E5 Sportback offers a modern exterior, exceptional interior quality, and advanced technology. Its strong driving dynamics, quiet cabin, and effective charging capabilities make it a compelling package, especially given its competitive price point in the Chinese market. The car's blend of modern tech with traditional physical controls, as well as the design influences from both Chinese and German teams, signals a hopeful direction for Audi itself, potentially influencing future models in European and American markets.