AUDI E7X large SUV exposed in China, expected to reach Europe as well
AUDI E7X was revealed by the regulator after the German automaker applied for a sales license in China. It is a large SUV, over 5 meters long, with up to 670 hp, manufactured by the SAIC-VW joint venture.
AUDI (in capital letters) is a new China-only brand that ditched the iconic four-rings logo and focuses only on electric cars. It currently sells one model – AUDI E5 Sportback – a sleek wagon packed with SAIC technologies.
AUDI E7X is their second model based on the AUDI E SUV Concept revealed in November.
Every car sold in China must be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which publishes a monthly list of models that have applied for homologation. Automakers aren’t happy about it because it revealed many of their secrets, but we don’t mind.
The new large all-electric SUV from AUDI will come in two powertrain options – RWD and AWD. The RWD has a single motor with 300 kW (402 hp) output, while the AWD version has an additional 200 kW (268 hp) motor in the front, providing a total of 500 kW (670 hp). The top speed is 230 km/h. Both motors are from SAIC’s subsidiary, Huayu Automotive.
AUDI E7X measures 5049/1997/1710 mm (length/width/height) with quite a long wheelbase of 3060 mm. The curb weight of the AWD version is 2673 kg. It is equipped with a large lidar unit mounted above the front windshield. The new AUDI will be available with 21-inch or 22-inch optional wheels, and the battery will be sourced from CATL. Capacity wasn’t revealed yet.
According to CarNewsChina information from a person familiar with the company, AUDI is considering bringing E7X to overseas markets and Europe as well. Moreover, it was revealed that Volkswagen filed for the E7X trademark at the European Union Intellectual Property Office on December 2.
On November 25, Reuters reported that Volkswagen plans to export China-made vehicles overseas. On Thursday, it was revealed that Volkswagen lobbied the EU to remove tariffs on its China-made cars, and the EC began reviewing them.
