What is the Audi E5 Sportback Quattro: A Test Drive of the New Model

The first mass-produced electric vehicle from Audi has been released in the Chinese market, officially abandoning the signature four rings — now the hood sports the inscription "Audi." The E5 Sportback model was developed jointly with SAIC specifically for China and has become part of the brand's new strategy to adapt premium technologies to local expectations.

The car is built on the IM electric platform, familiar from the MG IM L6, but with a completely retuned suspension and power system. The E5 Sportback occupies a niche between a sedan and an SUV, offering a combination of an aerodynamic body, a high level of comfort, and performance. The top-end Quattro version received two electric motors, air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a lidar on the roof.

The exterior of the car is designed in the spirit of technological elegance: smooth panels, flowing lines, and a panel with a logo instead of a radiator grille. The headlights with 471 micro-LEDs and the taillights with 942 points form a light strip that acts as an alarm and charge indicator. The drag coefficient is only 0.22, and the 4.88-meter-long body rests on a 2.95-meter wheelbase. The air suspension can automatically lower the ground clearance, and the silent Pirelli tires with noise-absorbing foam emphasize the smooth ride.

The interior demonstrates a departure from the classic Audi style. The entire front panel is a single 59-inch OLED display, divided into three zones. The central "Audi Assistant" controls the car's systems, including the suspension and climate. The trim combines wood, fabric, and decorative elements, and the front seats provide excellent lateral support. The rear row with a flat floor is comfortable for passengers up to 180 cm tall, but the trunk is limited due to the platform architecture.

The build quality is on par with the best German examples: sound insulation eliminates wind and vibrations, and triple door seals enhance the effect. Despite the coupe-like silhouette, visibility is good, and the ergonomics of the cabin are well thought out.

On the move, the E5 Sportback impresses with its power — the combined output of the electric motors reaches 579 kW, allowing acceleration to 100 km/h in about 3 seconds. The 100 kWh battery operates at 800 V, providing high efficiency. The dynamics are impressive, but the character of the car is calm: even in Dynamic mode, it remains predictable and comfortable. The suspension instantly adapts to bumps, and the rear-wheel steering improves maneuverability in the city and stability on the highway.

Comfort mode makes driving relaxing, the suspension gently absorbs bumps, and the accelerator response becomes smooth. One-pedal driving is available but can be disabled. Audi calibrated the chassis taking into account Chinese roads — tests were conducted in the Yunnan and Xinjiang provinces, which allowed achieving an ideal compromise between stiffness and smoothness. The cabin remains quiet at speed, although the tires add a slight background noise in the heat.

The intelligent Momenta EBM system with lidar on the roof provides accurate road recognition. Adaptive cruise control and lane change assist work smoothly and without jerks, correctly responding to traffic and weather conditions.

Compared to its main competitor, the Zeekr 007 GT Wagon, the new Audi demonstrates greater stability and balance. While the Zeekr requires more manual intervention when using autopilot and is less stable on long turns, the E5 remains confident and predictable, especially during active driving. Both electric cars show a similar torque of about 500 N·m, but Audi offers a more refined behavior, characteristic of business-class cars.

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