Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the Audi E5 Sportback, noting its unusual lack of Audi rings on the front, replaced by the 'Audi' lettering. This decision reflects a new sub-brand strategy primarily for the Chinese market, aiming for a fresher, more modern, and value-oriented electric vehicle. The car has already seen significant pre-orders, indicating strong interest.
The E5 Sportback measures 4.88 meters (192 inches) in length, making it a sizable vehicle. It offers 19 or 20-inch wheels and optional air suspension and rear-axle steering. Battery options include LFP batteries of 76 kWh, 83 kWh, and a top-spec 100 kWh, with impressive DC fast charging capabilities (e.g., 17 minutes for 10-80% on the 100 kWh battery). The rear also features the 'Audi' lettering and a distinctive integrated light bar design.
The E5 Sportback is priced between 30,000 and 40,000 euros in China, a competitive price point for its large battery and performance (0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds for the AWD top model). The interior boasts high-quality materials like soft-touch leatherette, real wood, and microfiber. It features real buttons on the steering wheel, a full-width screen setup, and comfortable seats with heating and cooling options.
The car includes advanced features like optional digital mirrors with a unique integration, automatic doors, and a true electrochrome panoramic glass roof that effectively blocks sunlight. The cabin offers a 'living room' atmosphere with sophisticated design and ambient lighting without visible light strips. Notable features include an inductive charging pad, physical turning jogs for climate and volume, and customizable functions for these controls. The narrator highlights 'Easter eggs' with the AI assistant, such as generating hearts, fireworks, or tennis balls on the screen when specific gestures are made.
Despite its 'Sportback' designation, the trunk offers 350 liters of space and is described as more akin to an estate, with easy access. The rear seating provides adequate knee and headroom for the reviewer (6'2"), though the seating position for tall adults might not be ideal due to the battery placement under the floor, leading to a slightly higher leg angle.
The driving experience is exhilarating, especially the all-wheel-drive model's acceleration. The air suspension and rear-axle steering contribute to a sporty yet comfortable ride. The dynamic mode offers a stiffer suspension and more responsive steering, while comfort mode provides a softer ride. The reviewer suggests using individual mode to combine dynamic steering with comfort suspension. The car feels stable and upright during aggressive driving and high-speed lane changes.
The digital camera mirrors are praised for their placement and large display, though the short focal length can be an issue for some. The E5 Sportback offers excellent noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) insulation, with dual acoustic glass for both front and rear side windows, making it very quiet even at freeway speeds.
The steering, while progressive, is softer than European Audi models, likely tailored for the Chinese market. The power delivery is smooth, with a rear-wheel bias for efficiency, using the front motor only when needed. The car also features advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems, which perform well on motorways, including automatic lane changes, but can be overly aggressive in complex city traffic.
The review switches to the rear-wheel-drive model, which still offers strong acceleration. The rear-axle steering significantly enhances agility in tight corners and U-turns. Despite being a heavy vehicle due to its 100 kWh battery, the E5 Sportback handles exceptionally well, balancing sportiness with comfort, a notable achievement for its price point.
The charging test revealed excellent performance, achieving 17-80% state of charge in 17 minutes, close to the advertised figures. However, the efficiency is a potential 'catch,' with consumption of 22 kWh/100 km (2.8 miles/kWh) at 100 km/h (60 mph). This results in a real-world range of about 450 km (280 miles) for the 100 kWh battery, which is not the most efficient compared to some competitors, likely due to a focus on other aspects for the Chinese market.
The Audi E5 Sportback impresses with its modern exterior, exceptional interior quality, and advanced technology. While its efficiency is not class-leading, and seating position could be optimized for taller drivers, its overall package, especially considering the price, makes it a highly suitable EV for the Chinese market. It also incorporates design philosophies like physical controls and a 'living room' interior that are desirable in European and American markets, suggesting a positive influence on future global Audi models.