A few months after Audi unveiled the all-electric E5 Sportback in China under its new all-caps AUDI brand, pricing for the model has now been confirmed. As is often the case with new EVs in China, the E5 arrives at surprisingly low prices, even by the country’s competitive market standards.

The pitch is simple: blend German engineering and build quality with the advanced tech features that Chinese automakers have made their trademark.

Read: Audi Launches New AUDI Brand Without Four-Ring Logo In China

Four different versions of the E5 will be offered: the Pioneer, Pioneer Plus, Pioneer Quattro, and Flagship Quattro. Prices for the base Pioneer started at 235,900 yuan or $32,800. This version comes with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 295 hp (220 kW) and is equipped with a 76 kWh battery pack. It has a claimed range of 384 miles (618 km) on the CLTC cycle.

Sitting above this model is the Pioneer Plus. It retains the rear-wheel drive layout, but power has been increased to 402 hp (300 kW). It also comes standard with a larger 100 kWh battery pack, bumping up the price to 269,900 yuan ($37,500), and growing the range to 480 miles (773 km).

Starting at the same price is the Pioneer Quattro. It has a smaller 83 kWh pack, but dual motors, delivering a combined 518 hp (386 kW) and covering 387 miles (623 km) on a charge.

The Flagship Quattro model is priced from 319,900 yuan ($44,500), which is still very reasonable. It has a 100 kWh battery, 402 miles (647 km) of range, and pumps out an impressive 776 hp (579 kw). That’s good enough to send it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds.

All AUDI E5 Sportback models come standard with a LiDAR, three millimeter-wave radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars for an advanced driver-assistance system.

Dominating the interior of the new EV is a huge 59-inch screen that stretches the entire width of the dashboard and includes displays for the digital wing mirrors. For an Audi, the cabin is quite minimalist, bathed in soft-touch leather and Alcantara, and complete with two wireless phone charges.

Deliveries of the E5 Sportback are scheduled to begin next month. For now, the model remains exclusive to China, though its combination of price, power, and technology could make it an appealing export candidate if demand proves strong.

Sales of Audi EVs jumped by 32 percent in the first six months of 2025, even as the brand’s overall sales slid 5.9 percent, and leading the charge was the Q4 e-tron. Now the compact electric SUV is about to get a facelift that could help it grab a few more sales, including from market leader Tesla, whose global sales fell 14 percent in Q2.

Our spy photo crew already snapped the updated slope-tail Sportback version of the updated Q4 back in April, but this time they’ve captured the more practical standard version. The pair is identical from the B-pillars forward, but the regular e-tron spied here has a flatter roof and more upright rear window to improve rear passenger and luggage space at the expense of some visual drama.

Related: Audi Q4 E-Tron Glow Up Takes Aim At Tesla’s Model Y

Both are in line to deliver the same low-key visual improvements whose main elements are teaks to the lights, bumpers and grille. Audi has stopped short of giving the Q4 duo the split headlight arrangement used on their Q6 e-tron big brother, but it has transplanted the multi-segment DRL technology used on that car, the new A5 sedan and the A6 e-tron.

A new lower grille with a hexagonal mesh pattern replaces the grille made up of horizontal bars on today’s Q4, but the hood’s lack of disguise reveals there are no expensive changes to the sheetmetal. The Q4 also doesn’t get the A6’s flush door handles (the Q6 doesn’t have them either, though it’s Porsche Macan Electric cousin does).

One update we noticed on the Sportback prototype which is duplicated here is a bigger ADAS sensor at the top of the windshield. Unlike some other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Q4 doesn’t currently offer a hands-off cruise control feature, though there’s no guarantee it’ll get it with the facelift.

What is guaranteed when the revised EV debuts later this year is an update to the infotainment system, which already features the ChatGPT-powered AI assistant that’s also been rolled out to other VW Group EVs like the Volkswagen Golf and ID.7. We’re also expecting some improvements to the electric driving range. The single-motor Q4 was boosted to 282 hp (286 PS/210 kW) in late 2023 and the dual-motor models have been able to charge at 175 kW since the same update.

But the most recent Q4 news focused on the addition of an entry-level Q4 35 e-tron (not available in the US) whose small 55 kWh battery can send you 221 miles (355 km) between charges, and a 40 e-tron with a 63 kWh battery that’s good for 263 miles (424 km).

Baldauf

Audi models with the S badge sure as special. Sure, they aren’t as quick or as thrilling as RS-badged models, but they offer a good mix of performance, comfort, luxury, and premium German build quality.

One of the more recent additions to Audi’s range of S-branded models is the SQ6 e-tron. First unveiled last year, it sits atop the all-electric Q6 e-tron family and serves as a rival to the likes of the Porsche Macan 4S, Mercedes-AMG EQE 53, and even lower-end versions of the Lotus Eletre.

Does the SQ6 e-tron feel fitting of the S badge and is it a legitimate top contender in its segment? To find out, I recently spent a week living with a blacked-out example. It revealed itself to be a strong all-rounder, but it did have a few niggles.

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The Powertrain

In Australia, prices for the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron start at $151,400 (~$98,200), while in the US, it’s available from $72,900. On paper, the specs are very impressive.

All SQ6 e-tron variants, regardless of market, come standard with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which sends power to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 360 kW (483 hp), or 380 kW (510 hp) with launch control enabled. The front motor also delivers 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque, while the rear motor is good for 580 Nm (423 lb-ft). According to Audi, the SQ6 e-tron can run to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, or 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.2 seconds.

Audi says the SQ6 e-tron can average between 17.5 – 18.6 kWh/100 km over the combined cycle and is good for a WLTP range of 568 km (353 miles). However, as I found out, both of those claims seem extremely ambitious.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

A Cabin Dominated By Screens

The SQ6 e-tron has Audi’s latest generation of interior, also featured in the new Audi A5 models. It has both its strengths and weaknesses.

Immediately standing out are the three massive screens. An 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch MMI infotainment screen are housed within a curved panel, while a 10.9-inch touchscreen is positioned in front of the passenger.

Read: Audi’s Electrifying Crossover Coupe Arrives With A 509 HP Range-Topper

Like other Audi models sporting s virtual cockpit, the cluster is highly configurable and one of the best in the business. Similarly, the central infotainment screen is excellent, well shielded from the sun and provides snappy responses to inputs thanks to the Android Automotive operating system it uses; moreover, it also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The passenger screen offers plenty of functions, too, like displays for the navigation, entertainment system, and passenger-specific settings, including for the massaging seats. Speaking of the seats, they are trimmed in beautiful leather with electric adjustment and heating. However, the lack of ventilation seems like a glaring omission at this price point.

Elsewhere, the SQ6 e-tron comes standard with plush Alcantara across the central part of the dashboard and door cards. On the downside, other than the Alcantara and the fancy capacitive switchgear on the driver door for the lights, mirrors, and seat settings, the doors feel cheap. They are clad primarily in hard black plastic. Audi hasn’t even bothered to redesign the door handle trimming, leaving a blank plastic button that in older models housed the door lock and unlock buttons. I was also disappointed not to find any metallic speaker grilles, particularly since the model we tested came with a fancy Bang & Olufsen system.

The same piano black console is featured as in other new Audis. As we’ve come to expect, it looks nice when it’s clean, but it is prone to scratches. The steering wheel also has capacitive buttons that are a nightmare to get used to. On the plus side is a nice ambient lighting system that extends beneath the base of the windshield, comes with a charging display and even flashes when you switch on an indicator.

Overall, space and comfort in the front are good, but it’s obvious some cost-cutting measures have been made. The second row offers plenty of space and feels very airy thanks to the panoramic glass sunroof. But it’s a shame that climate control settings at the rear are limited to switches for the heated seats and fan speed controls.

Audi says the SQ6 e-tron can carry 526 liters (18.5 cubic-feet) of cargo in the rear, or 1,529 liters (53.9 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a small storage area in the frunk, but charging cables take up most of the available space.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Quick And Agile, Like An Audi S Should Be

With up to 380 kW (509 hp) on tap, it should come as no surprise that the SQ6 e-tron feels pretty nifty in a straight line. With launch control enabled, I was easily able to match the claimed 4.3-second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph). Much like the RS e-tron GT, it feels as if it starts to pull harder the faster you’re going. However, unlike the e-tron GT, the SQ6 e-tron doesn’t have a two-speed transmission.

Accompanying the acceleration is a spaceship-like soundtrack when you’re in Dynamic mode, which took me by surprise the first time. Similarly, I was surprised to see that as you accelerate, the speed reading on the head-up display begins to zoom in and grow bigger, adding a fun piece of theater to the experience.

Nevertheless, as impressive as the SQ6 is in a straight line, it’s around corners where it really shines. Despite tipping the scales at a portly 2,425 kg (5,356 lbs), it handles incredibly well and feels very agile. This is no doubt due in large part to how brilliantly Audi has optimized the feel of the electric power steering, giving it the perfect amount of weight.Contributing to the SUV’s handling are the grippy Bridgestone T005 tires.

Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops

As with other Audi EVs, the SQ6 e-tron has paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to adjust the level of brake regeneration. For the most part, both the mechanical brakes and the regen work well. However, I frequently heard a clunking sound originating from the rear of the SUV when I quickly lifted off the throttle and touched the brakes, primarily when the SQ6 was still cold. It was a little disconcerting and should have been picked up during the vehicle’s development. It’s possible, though, that it was only something impacting the particular vehicle I tested.

Review: The Audi e-tron GT Is The Sports Sedan Electric Cars Forgot

Some of the driver-assistance systems also leave a little to be desired. For starters, unlike other markets, in Australia the SQ6 e-tron does not have any active lane centering. This is a glaring omission for a vehicle that costs AU$80,000 (~$51,800), let alone one that costs almost twice as much. Additionally, I experienced a couple of hiccups from the rear collision avoidance system when, while I was safely reversing into a parking space, it suddenly slammed on the brakes, seemingly thinking I was about to hit something, even though I wasn’t.

Efficiency and Charging

Efficiency isn’t the SQ6 e-tron’s strong suit – not that that comes as much of a surprise. During my week with it, I averaged 22.4 kWh / 100 km,despite primarily driving in Efficiency mode with regen on full, and occasionally also driving in ‘B’ mode to enable one-pedal driving. That’s worse than the 21.4 kWh / 100 km I averaged in the Lotus Eletre a few months ago, despite it being larger, heavier, and having more power. This reduces the Audi’s real-world range closer to roughly 450 km (280 miles).

On the plus side, the SQ6 e-tron’s 800-volt architecture supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 270 kW. That means it can charge from 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes. It also comes with an AC fast charger that can plug into a standard household socket. However, Australian-delivered models include the installation of a 7kW home charger as part of the purchase price, plus a one-year Chargefox public charging subscription, so that’s a nice perk.

Much like the e-tron GT, Audi has also fitted charging flaps on both sides of the SQ6 e-tron, making public charging that little bit easier.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Verdict

From a performance standpoint, the SQ6 e-tron certainly feel like a true Audi Sport product. It’s seriously quick in a straight line and handles great for an SUV that weighs this much. Sure, it lacks the emotion of something like a petrol- or diesel-powered SQ5, but that’s part and parcel with high-performance EVs nowadays.

The dynamics are excellent, as is the steering and braking. Plus, you get the space and practicality that comes with an SUV. If all of the niggles were ironed out, it would be superb.

The Audi TT went out of production in 2023 and we’ve heard countless rumors about its return. Spy photographers have even snapped a possible mule based on the upcoming Porsche 718 Electric.

While the model was believed to be a ways off, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner recently revealed a new car is coming and it will be their TT Moment 2.0. Speaking to Bild, Döllner said the electric concept will debut this fall and that likely means an unveiling during the Munich Motor Show.

More: This Porsche 718 Could Be Hiding Audi’s Next TT

Little is known about the “identity builder,” but an image of the car suggests it will be larger than the TT. In fact, it looks more like a shrunken down version of the A5 Coupe/Convertible. This kind of makes sense as Motor1 noted Döllner said it would be “something in between” a TT and R8.

SHProshots

That certainly sounds like a new model based on the Porsche 718 Electric and the car is slated to go into production in the next two years. If everything turns out as expected, the TT successor could be considerably sportier and offered with an available dual-motor all-wheel drive system.

Details are hazy, but the 718 Electric has been plagued by problems and reports have suggested the car has been pushed back to 2027 due to battery issues. That could be a big problem as Porsche has already confirmed the current 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will go out of production this October.

In the ever-shifting world of automotive design, headlights have become a surprising focal point. Once a simple necessity, they’ve evolved into complex design statements that now split opinion as much as they split the light.

Also: BMW And Audi Join The Split Headlight Design Trend

Over the past few years, Audi and BMW have embraced the split headlight trend across several models. While some buyers welcome the distinctive look, others find themselves wishing for a return to simpler forms. Digital artist Nikita Chuyko has taken on this design debate, reimagining these vehicles with a more unified lighting approach, and the results offer an intriguing visual twist.

Starting with Audi, Chuyko, who shares his work under the name Kelsonik, applied his edits to the new Q3, the Q6 e-tron, and the A6 e-tron. His styling take removes the upper headlight elements, where the daytime running lights (DRLs) typically sit. Instead, he relocates slimmer DRLs into the lower light clusters that house the main beams. The effect is subtle but significant, offering a more streamlined and arguably cohesive look.

Design Disruption and Visual Gaps

Getting used to the redesign takes a moment. Our eyes are conditioned to find a car’s identity in its grille and headlights, which makes the absence of the upper lighting noticeable right away. With the DRLs now sitting low in the bumper intakes and a wide space left under the hood’s shut line, the front end feels a bit unfamiliar. On electric Audis, where the grille is already body-colored and less defined, the overall impression can feel even more ambiguous.

More: Audi’s New Compact SUV Gains A Slinkier Profile And A Power Boost

Illustrations Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa

Kelsonik’s reworked illustrations appeared on his Instagram account and in Russian publication Kolesa. Reactions were mixed. One commenter pointed out that the new setup highlights the car’s “cheeks” instead of the traditional “eyes,” while another simply pleaded with automakers to return headlights to their “normal” position.

BMW Gets the Same Treatment

Last year, the same publication shared renderings of BMW models with a similar approach. Nikita removed the DRLs from the BMW 7-Series sedan, the X7 SUV, and the XM SUV, leaving the rest of their exterior design largely unchanged.

More: Get Ready For A Dramatically Different-Looking New BMW X5 M

Of the three, the luxury sedan arguably showcases the concept most effectively, as it appears more refined with unified headlight units. Still, the overall design would feel more balanced if the lights were positioned slightly higher and the kidney grille scaled down. That’s exactly the direction Chuyko took in a more recent rendering of a fictional BMW M7.

BMW is already steering toward a new design direction with its upcoming Neue Klasse models. This future-forward lineup is expected to move away from split headlights altogether. Instead, it will likely feature a sleeker, shark-nose aesthetic that nods to the brand’s heritage while offering a more unified and appealing face.

Audi of America is growing their electric vehicle lineup as the 2025 Q6 Sportback e-tron and SQ6 Sportback e-tron will arrive at dealerships later this month. Both will be available in three different trims with prices starting at $69,600.

The entry-level Q6 Sportback Premium costs $5,800 more than the standard model and features a swoopy roofline that is 1.4 inches (37mm) lower than the traditional SUV. The crossover coupe also comes equipped with an S line exterior and 19-inch wheels. Rounding out the highlights are leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.5-inch infotainment system.

More: Audi Q6 And SQ6 Sportback E-Trons Bow With Sleek Styling And Up To 510 HP

The $73,400 Premium Plus trim adds an upgraded interior with a heated steering wheel, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and an LED interior lighting plus package. The model also sports additional driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise assist and an augmented reality head-up display.

The $75,400 Prestige goes even further thanks to acoustic front door glass and a 10.9-inch front passenger display. Buyers will also find an adaptive air suspension and fancier daytime running lights.

Power comes from a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS). However, this climbs to 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) when using Launch Control.

The setup enables the Q6 Sportback e-tron to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Customers can also expect up to 319 miles (513 km) of range as well as a battery that can go from 10-80% in as little as 21 minutes when using a 270 kW DC fast charger.

The SQ6 Sportback e-tron is similar, but starts at $76,300. It’s distinguished by a slightly more aggressive design with alu-optic accents and 20-inch wheels.

Interior changes are more noticeable as the crossover coupe comes equipped with a three-spoke sport steering wheel and leather/Dinamica sport seats. They’re joined by stainless steel pedals, carbon fiber trim, and massaging front seats.

Styling aside, the SQ6 has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) or 509 hp (380 kW / 516 PS) with Launch Control. Thanks to the extra oomph, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time falls to 4.1 seconds, while the top speed climbs to 143 mph (230 km/h). Unfortunately, the range drops to 283 miles (455 km).

On the topic of performance, the crossover has a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension as well as an upgraded front braking system. The latter boasts six-piston calipers as well as larger 14.8-inch (375 mm) discs for added stopping power.

2025 Audi Q6 / SQ6 Sportback E-Tron Pricing