Following last year’s preview, AUDI has now put the E7X on stage at Auto China in Beijing. It is the ringless brand’s second model after the E5 Sportback, and its first move into the crossover space.

Created in collaboration with SAIC, the E7X follows in the footsteps of the E5 Sportback and features a streamlined front fascia with a “black wraparound loop.” It’s joined by a fully enclosed grille with a Light Frame that remains “elegantly invisible when inactive.” When turned on, more than 1,000 triangular lights come to life.

More: Audi’s AUDI Just Greenlit More Models Despite Early Struggles

The model also sports slender daytime running lights and vertical Digital Matrix LED headlights. They’re joined by digital rearview mirrors, frameless doors, and a rakish windscreen that flows into a sloping roof. Other highlights include flush-mounted door handles, aerodynamically optimized wheels, and an oval-shaped rear light surround.

In terms of size, the E7X measures 198.8 inches (5,049 mm) long, 78.6 inches (1,997 mm) wide, and 67.3 inches (1,710 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 120.5 inches (3,060 mm). This means the crossover is slightly shorter than the Q7, but has an additional 2.6 inches (66 mm) between the wheels.

A Minimalist, But High-Tech Interior

Moving inside, drivers are greeted by a flat-bottom steering wheel and a full-width 4K panoramic display. It spans 59 inches and features video feeds from the camera mirrors at the outside edges.

While technology is front and center, AUDI didn’t forget about luxury as the model has Nappa leather as well as premium wood trim. They’re joined by slatted door inlays, ambient lighting, and a Bose premium audio system with up to 26 speakers. Up top, there’s a panoramic sunroof that is split into two sections that have smart-dimming technology offering multiple levels of transparency.

The E7X is offered in four- and five-seat configurations. The former is the star of the show as it has two individual zero-gravity rear seats that recline 120 degrees and offer a 16-point massage as well as a pneumatic adjustment system with 23 airbags. They’re accompanied by four-way adaptive headrests and an integrated electric footrest.

The seats are separated by an elegant console, which features an integrated display as well as storage compartments. There’s also a warming/cooling compartment at the rear of the front center console for drinks and other items.

Elsewhere, there’s a 21.4-inch rear-seat entertainment system that deploys from the headliner. It can be controlled by voice, remote, or touchscreen.

On the topic of technology, there’s AUDI Assistant 2.0. It’s an “AI-powered in-car companion that goes well beyond voice control.” Developed with ByteDance, the assistant “manages vehicle functions, answers navigation and range queries, plays music, and engages in open-ended conversation on virtually any topic.”

Two Powertrains And Fast Recharging

The E7X rides on the Advanced Digitized Platform and features a 900-volt electrical architecture that enables the battery to go from 10% to 80% in as little as 13 minutes. Buyers will also find 100 and 109 kWh battery packs offering a CLTC range in excess of 466 miles (750 km).

AUDI only released a handful of performance specifications, but confirmed there will be a rear-wheel drive variant with a motor producing 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

Customers can also opt for an all-wheel drive crossover, which has 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. This version can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds.

Rounding out the highlights are all-wheel steering and a lidar-based AUDI 360 Driving Assist system. The latter was co-developed with Momenta and has been “tailored specifically for China’s complex traffic conditions and unique driving scenarios.”

Audi’s China play is picking up pace, and the next move is already lined up. Audi’s partnership with SAIC in China will soon spawn its third model, following the E5 Sportback launched last year and the E7X, which will reach customers this quarter.

The German brand’s move to launch a dedicated offshoot, known as AUDI, without the four rings, was controversial but highlighted the ever-growing importance of the Chinese car market.

Read: The New AUDI E7X Looks Nothing Like The Audis You Know

Speaking with Reuters at a recent event in Beijing, the chief executive of the Audi and SAIC partnership, Fermin Soneira, confirmed that “the third car is already in the pipeline.” He described it as a sporty limousine aimed at the high-end market, though specifics remain firmly under wraps.

Audi’s Local EV Push

Interestingly, Audi has just unveiled a new high-end luxury sedan in China, albeit through its FAW joint venture. This new model, known as the A6L e-tron, will be built in Changchun and is an extended wheelbase of the A6 e-tron sold in other markets. It’s underpinned by the company’s familiar Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture and includes 800-volt technology.

While the tie-up with SAIC is expanding, it is experiencing some growing pains. When order books were first opened for the E5 Sportback, AUDI locked in around 10,000 orders for the EV. However, sales have started to decline, with roughly 6,500 sold since January, in part due to the withdrawal of some government subsidies. This decline has forced the brand to cut prices by up to €3,700 ($4,400).

The larger and more expensive AUDI E7X also faces an uphill battle. Positioned as a large, ultra-luxurious electric SUV, it’s in direct competition with rivals from Zeekr, Xiaomi, Li Auto, and others. Powering the base model is a rear-mounted electric motor with 402 hp, while the flagship version has two motors, all-wheel drive, and muscles out 671 hp.

While some of the electric SUVs that Audi sells in Western markets already feel a little outdated compared to the competition, the carmaker has shown that, in China, it can build an EV that feels as if it’s been dropped off from the future. We’re, of course, talking about the E7X, previewed late last year but only just officially launched.

To bring this model to life, the German marque leaned on its partnership with SAIC through the dedicated AUDI brand, which debuted the E5 Sportback last year. Like that model, the E7X bears little resemblance to any Audi sold elsewhere. While pricing details have yet to be announced, it’s a safe bet it will be cheaper than many European alternatives.

Read: This AUDI Is What Happens When A German Brand Asks China What It Should Be

The E7X is a big thing, stretching 198.7 inches (5,049 mm) long, 78.6 inches (1,997 mm) wide, and 67.3 inches (1,710 mm) tall, with a 120.4-inch (3,060 mm) wheelbase. As AUDI was under no obligation to follow traditional design cues in its development, there’s no single-frame grille in sight, just a collection of elements intended to appeal to Chinese buyers.

Chief among these touches is the front fascia, dominated by hundreds of tiny LEDs that replace a traditional grille. The side profile is also quite striking, with sharp lines, flush door handles, and cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors. Just like the front, the rear also sports some wild wraparound LEDs.

Sports Car Levels Of Power

It’s not just the design of the E7X that distinguishes it from typical Audi models, as its underpinnings are also distinct. All models will use CATL battery cells, with 100 kWh and 109.3 kWh packs being available. Depending on the battery pack and electric motor configuration, the SUV’s range will vary between 382 miles (615 km) and 466 miles (751 km).

The base model will be driven by a rear-mounted electric motor producing a hefty 402 hp. Sitting above it will be a dual-motor version delivering 671 hp. This dual-motor version will hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.97 seconds.

While AUDI has released a slew of new images of the E7X and more details about its powertrain, it’s yet to unveil the interior. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to see it in full, as the E7X will be displayed at next month’s Beijing Auto Show.