Audi launches new EV brand "AUDI" in China

The AUDI E estate gets dual electric motors producing a combined power output of 754 BHP and 800 Nm.

German luxury carmaker Audi has launched a new brand for EVs in the Chinese market. The new brand, simply called "AUDI", is said to be a joint venture operation with the brand's long-term partner SAIC.

The new "AUDI" brand is said to offer products aimed towards younger and more tech-oriented Chinese EV buyers. Alongside the launch of the new brand, the company also revealed its first concept vehicle, the AUDI E - an electric estate.

As per reports, the Audi-SAIC joint venture will make use of Audi's reputation for design & engineering, while pairing it with SAIC's speed-to-market capabilities & local expertise. The first AUDI model is said to have been developed in just 18 months - half the time taken for a traditional Audi model.

Gernot Dollner, CEO of Audi, stated that their partnership with SAIC provides a foundation for a "new generation of advanced, intelligent vehicles, which will be exclusive to China." He further added, "The joint platform allows us to address a promising yet demanding segment with state-of-the-art connected vehicles."

The new AUDI E doesn't feature the iconic four-ring emblem. The estate concept measures 4,870 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, ensuring plenty of interior cabin space. Other features include four-wheel steering, air suspension, a single free-standing curved touchscreen and individual seating for all four passengers, among others.

The AUDI E estate gets an 800V architecture with dual electric motors producing a combined power output of 754 BHP and 800 Nm. The electric motors are paired with a large 100 kWh battery pack, offering up to 435 miles (700 km) on a single charge (CLTC cycle). It has fast charging capabilities, allowing up to 300 km in just 10 minutes.

Source: Autocar