The Audi E5 Sportback represents Audi’s first production vehicle to feature the “AUDI” wordmark in place of the traditional four rings. Developed primarily for the Chinese market by SAIC-Audi, the E5 Sportback reflects Audi’s approach to integrating global engineering standards with localised needs.

Built on the same IM electric platform as the MG IM L6, as confirmed by the Audi rep, the E5 Sportback diverges in powertrain calibration, suspension tuning, and interior architecture, reflecting Audi’s objective of creating a midsize luxury wagon suited for domestic consumers.

Positioned between a sedan and a crossover in terms of dimensions, the E5 Sportback is a locally developed premium EV aimed at buyers seeking a blend of performance, technology, and refinement. The test vehicle, the Flagship Quattro, combines dual electric motors, air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a roof-mounted LiDAR system, representing the top trim currently available in China.

Exterior

The E5 Sportback’s exterior combines streamlined aerodynamics with high-tech visual elements closely resembling its concept counterpart. Its proportions are balanced, featuring a long hood, sharply raked windshield, and tapering tail. The front fascia is dominated by a sealed black panel displaying the “AUDI” wordmark, replacing the conventional grille and preserving a visual link to the Singleframe design without functioning as an air intake.

Each headlamp unit contains 471 micro-LEDs capable of programmable patterns, while the rear cluster features 942 light points arranged in a continuous strip. These lights serve multiple functions, including directional indicators, charging status, and approach signals. The attention to dynamic illumination enhances visibility and communicates the car’s operational status to pedestrians and other vehicles. It measures 4,881mm in length, 1,960mm in width, and 1,479mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,950mm.

Flush door handles, frameless windows, and a drag coefficient of 0.22 all contribute to enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. Subtle shoulder lines and the “dual-arch” rear design create visual width and improve airflow, while the air suspension automatically lowers the body at higher speeds. The 20-inch Pirelli PC5 Elect tyres, with integrated foam, reduce rolling noise and contribute to a composed ride. Black window surrounds and unpainted lower panels lend a technical, understated look rather than a decorative one.

Interior

Inside, the E5 Sportback departs from Audi’s traditional layout. The 59-inch digital display comprises three OLED panels, each with separate processing for the driver, centre, and passenger interfaces. Graphics refresh rapidly, maintaining clarity even in bright sunlight. A circular “Audi Assistant” interface manages voice input and essential vehicle controls, including suspension height and seat heating, supplementing physical buttons for frequently used functions.

Materials are a mix of natural wood-like finishes, fabric, and GPU-simulated trims, creating a luxurious feel without excessive decoration. The front seats are well-bolstered, providing support to the driver during spirited manoeuvres.

The rear seats, benefiting from the 2,950 mm wheelbase and flat floor, offer acceptable headroom for adults up to 1.8 meters. Storage capacity is modest. The trunk is long and deep but relatively narrow, reflecting its shared IM L6 architecture. Underfloor compartments house control modules and wiring, so caution is advised when carrying liquids or heavy items.

Build quality is consistent throughout the cabin. Road and wind noise remain low, aided by acoustic glass and triple-sealed doors. Despite the coupe-like profile, visibility is sufficient, and drivers receive ample information from the cockpit without feeling isolated from the road.

Driving Experience

The Audi E5 Sportback Quattro is equipped with front and rear electric motors producing a combined 579 kW, paired with a 100 kWh, 800V battery. Acceleration is strong and consistent, with 0–100 km/h times just over 3 seconds. While the torque delivery is immediate, the car’s character leans toward controlled composure rather than aggressive sportiness.

Low-speed starts are smooth, with throttle response carefully calibrated to strike a balance between daily driving and performance. A simulated engine sound accompanies hard acceleration but can be disabled. Although the performance evokes comparisons to the RS6 in terms of raw power, the E5 feels more like a traditional A-series Audi in its balance and response.

The vehicle offers two primary driving modes, Dynamic and Comfort. In Dynamic Mode, the brake and throttle responses stiffen slightly, the adaptive single-chamber air suspension with CDC continuously adjustable dampers becomes firmer, and the steering gains noticeable weight. The chassis remains neutral under abrupt throttle inputs, and transitions between regenerative and mechanical braking are smooth.

In Comfort Mode, throttle response is softened, the suspension effectively absorbs road irregularities, and the steering is lighter, enhancing low-speed manoeuvrability. The accelerator pedal follows a traditional Audi feel, requiring deliberate pressure to avoid unintended inputs, and single-pedal driving is optional but supported.

Rear-wheel steering allows up to 5 degrees of turn, significantly improving manoeuvrability for the 4.88-meter-long vehicle. At low speeds, the turning radius feels more comparable to that of a smaller car, while high-speed stability remains unaffected. The adaptive suspension recalibrates every 10 milliseconds, providing consistent ride quality across varying surfaces without relying on overly firm damping.

Audi engineers in Shanghai spent over a year tuning the chassis for local conditions, testing across provinces such as Yunnan and Xinjiang. The outcome is a vehicle that delivers controlled body movement without relying on overly firm damping. Ride quality remains consistent across varying surfaces, and cabin isolation at highway speeds compares favourably with higher-priced models, such as the e-tron GT. However, we noted that the Pirelli tyres generate some road noise, especially at higher temperatures.

The roof-mounted LiDAR supports Momenta EBM end-to-end AI-assisted driving. In practice, adaptive cruise control maintains spacing reliably, lane-change assist operates without abrupt steering corrections, and localized perception software helps navigate complex urban and highway traffic, including adverse weather conditions.

Comparison with Zeekr 007 GT Wagon

In a direct comparison with the Zeekr 007 GT Wagon, both vehicles exhibit sporty intentions, with torque levels of around 500 Nm. However, the E5 Sportback demonstrates greater composure in corners, smoother transitions in complex bends, and more confidence-inspiring handling. The Zeekr 007 GT, while driver-focused and practical, required four manual lane-keeping interventions during testing, whereas the E5 only needed two.

The E5’s combination of adaptive damping, intelligent all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering allows the car to remain stable on tight bends, under heavy throttle, or during sudden directional changes. The Zeekr, though competent, felt slightly less stable, particularly on extended cornering sequences or in adverse conditions. These differences highlight Audi’s emphasis on predictability and technical precision over the raw “sport” sensation often touted by competitors.

Verdict

The Audi E5 Sportback Quattro achieves a balance between performance, technology, and composure. It does not chase dramatic visuals or driving extremes, but emphasizes predictability, low noise, and controlled behaviour. Its acceleration is strong yet measured, its handling precise without being overbearing, and its ride refined across varying surfaces.

Compared with peer models such as the Zeekr 007 GT Wagon, the E5 prioritizes control and confidence over raw sportiness. Its dual-motor layout, rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and integrated driver-assistance systems combine to create a driving experience that is stable, predictable, and usable in both urban and high-speed scenarios.

For buyers seeking a technically precise, domestically produced luxury EV in China, the E5 Sportback provides a credible alternative. It is less about visual theatrics or extreme sportiness and more about delivering consistent, measured, and safe electric performance suitable for everyday use and occasional spirited driving.