2025 Auto Shanghai: Audi Unveils Five New Models

Audi has unveiled five new production models at the 2025 Auto Shanghai, marking the beginning of what the German carmaker calls its “strongest ever model initiative” in China. With the support of its local partners FAW and SAIC, Audi is deepening its commitment to the Chinese market by expanding both its electric and combustion-engine vehicle lineups, including a new sub-brand — AUDI — dedicated exclusively to China.

The automaker’s display at the show featured 19 models, underscoring its dual focus: to remain competitive in the combustion vehicle space while aggressively pushing forward in the electric mobility sector. Central to this initiative are three platform strategies — Premium Platform Electric (PPE), Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), and the Advanced Digitised Platform co-developed with SAIC — which will underpin the next generation of Audi’s China-specific offerings.

A notable theme across Audi’s Shanghai reveals is the emphasis on long wheelbase (LWB) models, tailored to the preferences of Chinese consumers who prioritise rear seat comfort — especially in chauffeur-driven segments. Models such as the A5L, Q5L, and A6L e-tron feature significantly extended wheelbases compared to their global counterparts. 

Among the five debuts at the Audi stand were:

- Audi A5L: Produced by FAW Audi, the A5L features a wheelbase 77 mm longer than the global A5, offering improved cabin space. It is powered by ultra-modern combustion engines with 48V mild-hybrid tech. Audi’s MMI panoramic display, along with a dedicated passenger screen, comes as standard.

- Audi A5L Sportback: A parallel development by SAIC Audi, this variant shares the same combustion platform but brings a distinct design and digital ecosystem tailored for the Chinese market. It combines high-efficiency engines with advanced driver assistance features.

- Audi Q5L: Extending the global Q5’s wheelbase by 125 mm, the Q5L is positioned to meet the demand for spacious premium SUVs. Like its sedan counterparts, it features 48V mild-hybrid systems and is based on the Premium Platform Combustion.

- Audi A6L e-tron: Built on the Premium Platform Electric and manufactured by the Audi FAW NEV Company in Changchun, the A6L e-tron stretches the standard A6 e-tron’s wheelbase by 132 mm. It houses a 107 kWh battery pack capable of delivering up to 770 km of range, supported by 800V architecture for ultra-fast charging.

- AUDI E5 Sportback: The first product under the new AUDI sub-brand created with SAIC, the E5 Sportback merges German engineering with Chinese development speed. Available in rear-wheel and quattro configurations, it produces up to 579 kW and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The model also debuts a radically new design language and a fully digitised interior.

Audi’s presence at Auto Shanghai 2025 also featured a refreshed brand identity at a unified booth co-hosted with its joint venture partners. This collaborative presentation reflects the dual-brand strategy Audi is pursuing in China, designed to leverage FAW’s legacy and SAIC’s local development agility.

This mirrors strategies employed by luxury carmakers in India, where LWB variants of sedans and SUVs are gaining ground. For instance, the BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB cater to a similar preference for enhanced rear-seat space. Audi’s expansion of LWB offerings in China may foreshadow similar regional adaptations in other markets like India, where premium buyers increasingly favour vehicles with more cabin space, especially in the rear.