Audi is gearing up to introduce the A2 e-tron later this year as their most affordable EV. While we’ve seen numerous prototypes in the past, spy shooters recently caught a lightly covered pre-production model.

More: Audi Confirms The A2 Is Back, Prays It’ll Sell This Time

Looking surprisingly faithful to the MPV that was produced from late 1999 through 2005, the A2 e-tron is an electric hatchback that has a lot in common with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo. However, it has a unique design that borrows a few cues from crossovers.

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While the front end is heavily disguised, we can get a glimpse of a rounded front bumper and a rectangular lower intake. Previous spy photos have also revealed the car will have split lighting units and a fully enclosed grille that echoes the rest of the e-tron lineup.

The profile recalls the classic A2, but with a Sportback vibe. This results in a dynamic greenhouse and a gently sloping roof that terminates at a pronounced spoiler. Designers also gave the model gloss black cladding and aerodynamically optimized wheels. They’re joined by pronounced wheel arches as well as winglet-style door pulls that mirror those found on the BMW X5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

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There isn’t much to see out back, but we can get a glimpse of the gloss black lower bumper and a peek of the taillights. They’re accompanied by a stylized liftgate with angular accents.

Spy photographers didn’t get close enough for interior pictures, but previous images have shown a familiar cabin that resembles the Q3. This means we can expect an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 12.8-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by a flat-bottom steering wheel with a fixed bar that houses the shifter as well as some vehicle controls.

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Audi has been coy on performance specifications, but they’ll presumably echo the ID.3 Neo. It features 50, 58, and 79 kWh battery packs that allow for a WLTP range of up to 391 miles (630 km). The Volkswagen also offers motors with 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS), 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), and 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS).

The A2 e-tron, which is also based on the MEB+ platform, will likely stick to the higher-end powertrains. It’s also worth noting the model may eschew quattro all-wheel drive.

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Last year, reports emerged that Audi had decided to kill the RS6 e-tron. This was curious as prototypes were spotted shortly after the car’s rumored demise.

We haven’t heard much about the model since last September, but prototypes were recently spotted near the Nürburgring. It’s reportedly a Performance variant and not a full RS version, which could help to explain reports about its rumored demise.

More: RS6 E-Tron Spotted Testing Even As Rumors Claim Audi Pulled The Plug

Looking decidedly more aggressive than the S6 Sportback e-tron, the model has a unique front bumper with revised intakes that incorporate horizontal slats at the outside edges. They’re joined by vertical air curtains and a familiar honeycomb mesh pattern.

The sporty styling continues further back as the prototype has new front fender vents and sportier side skirts. We can also see sizable wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with red calipers.

Changes to the rear end are less noticeable, but a closer inspection reveals a new bumper and a sportier diffuser. They’re joined by a familiar spoiler that appears to carryover from the standard S6.

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The model will be offered in Sportback and Avant body styles, and the latter prototype rides on mismatched wheels. Other than that, it’s largely identical to its sibling.

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but we can likely expect a familiar cabin with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display. They’ll likely be joined by a flat-bottom steering wheel and sport seats.

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Performance specifications remain a mystery, but the S6 e-tron has a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing up to 543 hp (405 kW / 550 PS). This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 3.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). The car is also notable for having a 270 kW DC fast charging capability, which takes the battery from 10-80% in around 20 minutes.

The S6 e-tron performance will undoubtedly be more powerful and rumors had suggested the RS6 e-tron could have around 805 hp (600 kW / 816 PS). However, that number seems pretty optimistic if the model isn’t getting the full RS treatment.

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Audi has decided the global car is a dead idea. Building a single vehicle engineered to satisfy every market at once no longer adds up, and the company now argues the sharper play is designing separate models for its biggest markets, each shaped around what those buyers actually want.

Rouven Mohr, Audi’s chief technical officer, says no one model can win over shoppers in North America, Europe, and China all at once, which explains why the brand stood up the new AUDI marque in China with SAIC to build cars made specifically for that market. Tastes have simply drifted too far apart for a one-size answer to hold.

Read: Audi’s China Brand Is Cutting Prices And Losing Sales, So It’s Building A Sporty Limo

“I think the idea of the global car – so one car that fits the world – this is gone, to be honest, because it’s not fitting anymore in the US (and) in China,” Mohr told Go Auto. “You need this kind of local-for-local pillar.”

In China, the AUDI brand helps meet the needs of many local consumers who want tech-focused cars akin to smartphones on wheels, while offering the most advanced self-driving systems. By comparison, buyers in Europe appreciate less emphasis on screens and like tactile controls, buttons, and switches. Despite this, Audi continues to roll out its curved digital dashboards across an increasing number of its European models.

Slashing Development Times

No longer focusing on global cars is also allowing Audi to speed up the development of its cars. The automaker says it’s now developing vehicles at “China speed” by establishing “project houses” where development teams have direct access to the board, making approvals much quicker.

This approach has already helped Audi launch the limited-run Nuvolari supercar, created as a spiritual successor to the Audi R8 and launching with the same basic twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain as the Lamborghini Temerario. Soon, the company’s fast new development cycles will allow it to launch a production version of the Concept C sports car, which will replace the Audi TT.

The California Highway Patrol’s Truckee branch embraces the lighter side of policing and they’ve gone viral for mocking an Audi e-tron GT owner.

The wayward driver ran out of juice on the highway, so they had to pull over to the side of the road. Instead of getting towed to a nearby charging station, they opted to use a generator to slowly recharge the vehicle.

Review: Driving The 2026 Audi RS e-Tron GT Performance Feels Like Falling Into A Black Hole

That’s less than ideal and the California Highway Patrol joked, “Thoughts and prayers won’t add miles to your battery… but thankfully they brought their own generator.” They also posted an image of the incident set to Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer.

On a more serious note, the highway patrol noted that “Mountain driving, elevation changes, and higher speeds can drain your EV battery much faster than expected.” They went on to encourage visitors to plan ahead, charge up, and leave yourself a little extra range. If you fail to heed their advice, you might end up like this driver and need an “unscheduled stop on the shoulder.”

The 2026 Audi S e-tron GT starts at $127,700 and features a 105 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing up to 670 hp (500 kW / 679 PS). It enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.3 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h).

Buyers will also find a respectable range of up to 300 miles (483 km). That wasn’t enough for this driver, but the 320 kW DC fast charging capability can take the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes.

Audi also offers an even more powerful RS e-tron GT performance for $170,500. It has 912 hp (680 kW / 925 PS) and hits 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.4 seconds. However, the range drops to 278 miles (447 km).

Audi introduced the Concept C at last year’s Munich Motor Show and the model continues its slow march to production. Spy photographers snapped the first mules over a year ago and hardly anything has changed since then.

As you can see in the latest images, Audi is still testing mules based on the upcoming Porsche 718 Boxster EV. However, the car has been equipped with extended fender flares that hint at a wider track than on its corporate cousin.

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

That’s not much to go on, but it’s a little surprising we’re still seeing mules rather than proper prototypes. In April, Audi announced their electric sports car would go into production in 2027 and be built at their Böllinger Höfe site, which specializes in small-series assembly.

This doesn’t leave much time, but production likely won’t begin until late next year. Even then, the company has less than 600 days to get everything finalized.

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Of course, it’s not like Audi is starting from scratch. Quite the opposite, as the roadster will be based on Porsche’s new 718, which has been undergoing testing for roughly four years. While that model will now be offered with electric and internal combustion engines, Audi is expected to go the EV-only route.

Powertrain details are scarce, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the model is offered with detuned versions of the 718’s motors. The car could also have an 800-volt architecture as well as a relatively speedy fast charging capability.

While the TT successor will have a lot in common with its Porsche counterparts, the model will have a unique design that could embrace a fancy retractable hardtop like the Concept C. We can also expect a minimalist interior, which isn’t focused entirely on screens.

Audi’s long-dead A2 is officially coming back this fall, and unlike the original aluminum oddball, this one’s aiming squarely at the mainstream crowd and is fully electric. But despite its sensible mission, Audi’s latest teaser footage hints the compact crossover SUV might still know how to have some fun sideways. 

The company confirmed the A2 e-tron will debut later this year as a new entry-level EV family built at Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters in Germany. It’ll effectively replace both the combustion-powered A1 hatchback and Q2 crossover while opening the door to cheaper electric Audis for younger buyers.

Related: Audi’s Paperwork Confirmed The Return Of The A6 Allroad Before Audi Did

Audi’s announcement doesn’t reveal much beyond production details and testing locations, but the accompanying video tells a more interesting story. Footage shows the camouflaged A2 happily oversteering around snowy Scandinavian test routes, suggesting engineers haven’t forgotten driving enjoyment while chasing efficiency and aerodynamic bragging rights.

That playful balance probably comes down partly to the platform underneath. Unlike Volkswagen Group’s latest small EVs, such as the ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq, which are based on the newest front-wheel-drive MEB architecture, the A2 sticks with the older rear-drive-capable MEB setup already underpinning cars like the VW ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron.

RWD Standard, AWD Optional

That means entry-level models should remain rear-wheel drive, while dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions will likely follow later. It also means the A2 won’t benefit from the faster-charging 800-volt systems arriving elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group empire, since this platform still relies on 400-volt electrical architecture.

Still, Audi clearly believes the package makes sense for buyers who care more about practicality, design, and price than ultra-fast charging times. The company says the A2’s sloping roofline delivers impressive aerodynamic efficiency, something engineers continue refining inside Audi’s Ingolstadt wind tunnel at speeds reaching 186 mph (300 kmh).

The slippery shape deliberately references the original 1999 A2, one of Audi’s weirdest and most fascinating production cars. That pioneering hatch combined futuristic styling with lightweight aluminum construction and astonishing fuel economy, but it was expensive for its size, and buyers never really embraced it.

This reboot feels far less risky. Compact electric crossovers are exactly what Europe wants right now, and Audi’s hoping familiar retro-inspired styling combined with attainable pricing could finally make the A2 badge a commercial success instead of merely a cult favorite.

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Prices have finally been confirmed for AUDI’s all-electric E7X in China. As we’ve come to expect, it’s incredibly cheap given how large it is and all the technologies crammed into it. If only the car manufacturer could build and sell something like this in Western markets.

The base E7X has been priced from 289,900 yuan ($42,600) and is known as the Pioneer. It comes with a 100 kWh battery pack and a 900-volt electrical architecture, providing it with 705 km (438 miles) of driving range on the CLTC cycle. It can also hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.82 seconds. Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor with 402 hp (300 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

Read: China Gets The AUDI E7X With 671 HP And A 59-Inch Display, America Gets The Q7

Positioned above this model is the Pioneer Pro, which comes equipped with more features, including air suspension. It is priced from 319,800 yuan ($47,000) and has the same 5.82-second sprint time to 100 km/h, but a slightly longer range of 691 km (429 miles).

A longer-range version of the RWD model has also been confirmed, priced from 349,800 yuan ($51,400) and featuring a larger 109 kWh pack. This boosts the driving range to 751 km (476 miles), although the heavier battery means the 0-100 km/h time has swelled to 6.25 seconds.

Cheap And Big

Two all-wheel-drive versions of the AUDI E7X will also be offered. The first uses the 100 kWh pack and produces a combined 670 hp, slashing the 0-100 km/h to just 3.9 seconds. Priced from 349,800 yuan ($51,400), this model has a 636 km (395 miles) driving range. Sitting at the top of the range is a 670 hp version with the 109 kWh pack and a 660 km (410 miles) range, priced from 379,800 yuan ($55,800).

To put these prices into perspective, a new 2026 Audi Q3 in the United States starts at $43,700 and uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. The largest electric SUV that Audi sells in the US is the Q6 e-tron priced from $64,500, but it’s significantly smaller than the E7X.

Audi gave its Q4 e-tron electric SUV a major update in 2023, but now it’s time for another one. You’ll spot the new version by its segmented digital LED lights and body-color grille, but the important tweaks are inside and underneath, including the controversial decision of removing some physical controls.

More: Audi’s New RS6 Could Steal Its V8 From A Very Different Brand

A revised rear motor, new power electronics, smarter software, and lower-friction transmission oil combine for efficiency gains of around 10 percent over the outgoing model. The headline figure belongs to the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron performance, which can travel up to 367 WLTP miles (591 km). The same model’s 82 kWh battery can now charge at up to 185 kW up from 175 kW before, which is enough for a 10 to 80 percent top-up in around 27 minutes.

That’s still well below the 250-ish kW you can shovel down the neck of a Genesis GV60, which can do the 10-80 sprint in less than 20 minutes, but it’s a welcome improvement all the same. As is the 18 additional miles (29 km) added to the range of the base 201 hp (204 PS / 250 kW) trim with the 59 kWh battery, though since Audi only quoted 263 miles (424 km) before, it’s still not exactly a road-trip weapon.

The base model is only available with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, as is the 282 hp (286 PS / 160 kW) mid-spec car, despite it previously being offered with a choice of two- or all-wheel drive. The top-line 335 hp (340 PS / 250 kW) is Quattro-only.

Bi-Directional Charging

The biggest practical upgrade for campers and outdoors people is bidirectional charging, a first for Audi, though one other brands have offered for a few years already. In select European markets, Vehicle-to-Home also allows the battery to feed energy back into a house, helping store solar power or trim electricity bills.

Another practical improvement comes in the form of a much more useful towing allowance. Quattro versions now tow up to 1,800 kg (3,970 lbs), up by 400 kg (882 lbs). The trunk still offers 520 litres, expanding to 1,490 litres with the rear seats folded, and an electric tailgate is now standard too, which you kind of expect with a premium car these days.

Passenger Screen And AI

Inside, Audi’s given the Q4 a more premium cabin with a panoramic display combining an 11.9-inch driver screen and 12.8-inch central touchscreen. There’s also an optional 12-inch passenger display, augmented reality head-up display, and ChatGPT integration. It brings the Q4’s cabin into line with other recent Audis like the bigger Q6 e-tron and the A5 and A6 sedans.

Wireless charging gets a boost with two cooled 15-watt pads up front, while Android Automotive underpins the infotainment system. Criticisms of the Q4 at launch focused heavily on the interior quality but Audi says the cabin’s been improved with softer materials, ambient lighting, and a redesigned centre console that should make daily use easier.

The controls story remains slightly conflicted. In the facelifted model, Audi has walked back some of the steering wheel’s touch-sensitive inputs, replacing them with proper scroll wheels. At the same time, the physical climate controls have been removed, leaving those functions buried in screen menus.

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Audi introduced the A6L last month and now they’re following up with the A6L e-tron. The extended wheelbase sedan recently debuted at Auto China in Beijing and it packs a few tricks up its sleeve.

Built by Audi FAW, the EV’s wheelbase has been stretched by 5.2 inches (132 mm). This results in a spacious rear passenger compartment with flagship-worthy legroom.

More: Audi’s New A6L Feels Like An A8 For Half The Price

Audi didn’t stop there as they put the extra room to good use by installing a larger 107 kWh battery pack on most versions of the car. This enables the model to offer a CLTC range of up to 506 miles (815 km).

The A6L e-tron will be offered in Long and Extended Range variants. Some, if not all, will have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 543 hp (405 kW / 551 PS) and 574 lb-ft (779 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.3 seconds. When the battery is low, it can go from 10-80% in as little as 21 minutes thanks to the car’s 800V architecture.

There isn’t much to report on the styling front, but the A6L e-tron sports longer rear doors and a less dramatic roofline. Despite the changes, the model has an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.22.

The interior is also familiar as buyers will find an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch front passenger display. They’re joined by two 7-inch screens for the digital side mirrors.

Among other options, Audi mentioned sports seats with available heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Buyers can also get a dimming panoramic glass roof and a 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

Pricing starts at ¥309,800 ($45,317), but climbs to ¥439,800 ($64,333) for the range-topping variant.

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.”

Affordability is in vogue these days, but apparently not at Audi. Quite the opposite as the brand is killing off the entry-level A1 and Q2.

Tucked in an announcement about their assembly network, Audi revealed production of the Q2 will end in Ingolstadt this April. Its death will apparently make room for the upcoming A2 e-tron.

More: Audi Confirms The A2 Is Back, Prays It’ll Sell This Time

While the Q2 was never offered in the United States, the compact crossover was introduced in 2016 and started at €29,000 ($33,862) in Germany, which made it significantly cheaper than the €44,600 ($52,066) Q3. It was relatively popular as consumers snapped up 887,231 units over the past decade. However, sales dropped off in recent years.

The Q2 isn’t the only model going away as A1 production is “winding down” in Martorell, Spain. The entry-level hatchback was introduced in 2010 and generated 1,389,658 sales over two generations.

The latest version started at €22,950 ($26,792) and was offered in Sportback and Allstreet guise. Like the Q2, the A1 proved successful at launch but sales tapered off in the past few years.

It’s not all bad news as the two models will effectively be replaced by the A2 e-tron. The compact EV debuts this fall and is expected to ride on the MEB+ platform that underpins the ID.3 Neo. The mainstream electric hatch recently debuted with 58 and 79 kWh battery packs as well as a WLTP range of up to 391 miles (630 km).

Electric Sports Car Arrives In 2027

Besides announcing the death of the A1 and Q2, Audi confirmed their electric sports car will go into production in 2027. It will be built at their Böllinger Höfe site, which specializes in small-series production.

The model was previewed by the Concept C and will essentially be Audi’s version of the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman. As you may recall, it was a two-seat sports car with a retractable hardtop, a minimalist interior, and an all-new design language.

The Volkswagen Group arrived in China with a full plate, using its Media Night ahead of the Beijing Auto Show to roll out a mix of production models and near-future previews. There is a clear pattern running through it all, heavy local collaboration, faster development cycles, and a lineup that looks increasingly tailored to Chinese tastes rather than global consistency.

More: VW Spent Years Removing Knobs From Its Cars, The ID.3 Neo Puts Them Back

Among the reveals were the VW ID. Aura T6 from FAW, the ID. Unyx 09 co-developed with XPeng, and the AUDI E7X from SAIC. Sitting slightly off to the side, but arguably just as important, was the Jetta X Concept, previewing a cheaper, more accessible electric SUV.

The ID. Aura T6 is a fully electric midsize SUV built specifically for China, and at a glance, it could pass as an ID. Tiguan. It comes from the FAW-VW joint venture and leans into familiar design cues, split LED headlights, a full-width rear light bar, proper door handles, and a five-seat layout. It is also the first member of the ID. Aura family, even though the initial concept from 2025 was a sedan.

VW ID. Aura T6

Next up is the ID. Unyx 09, an electrified sedan borrowing technology from Xpeng. It is a sibling to the recently unveiled ID Unyx 08 SUV, adopting a similar styling language. The low-slung model features slim LEDs and the signature black trim piece that connects the main headlights with the ADAS sensors on the profile.

More: Toyota Was Mocked For Going Slow On EVs, Honda And VW Are Now Paying For Going Fast

VW didn’t get into details, but the ID. Unyx 09 will likely share the electric powertrains with the ID. Unyx 08, including CATL-sourced battery packs. Its market launch in China is scheduled for the second half of 2026.

VW ID. Unyx 09

Both the ID. Aura T6 and the ID. Unyx 09 feature the new CEA electric and electronic architecture, a result of VW’s partnership with Xpeng. This supports Level 2+ driving assistance and high-tech infotainment systems with an integrated AI Intelligent Assistant.

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

During the Media Night, VW Group also showed the production version of the AUDI E7X. The fully electric SUV is produced as part of its joint venture with SAIC, joining the E5 Sportback in the Chinese lineup.

A New Jetta SUV

Then there is the Jetta X Concept, which might be the most telling piece of the puzzle. It is a rugged-looking SUV with an electrified powertrain, styled with a kind of no-nonsense simplicity that feels closer to Dacia than anything wearing a VW badge. That is not accidental. With Skoda exiting China after a prolonged sales slide, Jetta now steps into its place as the value-focused brand.

The Jetta X rides on the Compact Main Platform (CMP), developed in China. More importantly, it is expected to reach production by FAW later this year, with a rumored starting price under the ¥100,000 ($14,700) mark. Overall, the Jetta lineup will grow with five new models by 2028, including four NEVs (models with electrified powertrains).

VW Group’s Offensive In China

VW plans to launch 20 new electric vehicles this year as part of its “In China, for China” strategy. The company promises they will use “state-of-the-art electrical architectures, ADAS systems, an intelligent cockpit and AI features,” designed to fulfil the needs of Chinese customers.

More: VW’s China Collapse Is Bad, But Its American Problem Might Be Harder To Fix

Overall, the VW Group will offer around 50 electrified models in China by 2030, including around 30 battery electric vehicles.

Audi’s AUDI brand has been struggling as of late, but the company still has faith in the Chinese offshoot. That’s clear today as the automaker is deepening their collaboration with SAIC and preparing to launch an assortment of new models.

The brand, as you may recall, was launched with the E5 Sportback in 2025. The E7X crossover will debut at Auto China later this month, while a third model is scheduled to arrive in 2027. Little is known about the latter, but officials have previously suggested it could be a sporty limousine.

More: Audi’s China Brand Is Cutting Prices And Losing Sales, So It’s Building A Sporty Limo

More vehicles will follow as the latest agreement between Audi and SAIC “focuses on the full value chain for AUDI’s future models, encompassing R&D, with a dedicated AUDI Innovation & Technology Center to be established in Shanghai.” The latter will be led by Audi and tasked with the “development of China-specific, intelligent electrification technologies and whole-vehicle development across the entire value chain of intelligent connected vehicles.”

The companies did not share many specifics, but said customers can look forward to “AI-powered, immersive smart cabins” as well as advanced driver assistance systems designed specifically for Chinese consumers.

That still leaves plenty of open questions, but the partnership will spawn four new AUDI models in the coming years. However, it’s not clear if that number includes the car coming in 2027. Regardless, upcoming models will be based on the next-generation Advanced Digitized Platform. The luxury brand added the vehicles will “extend and complement Audi’s existing portfolio.”

Audi Chairman Gernot Döllner said, “Audi’s ambition is to remain a strong player in China through the ICV era. Our partnership with SAIC and our NEV brand AUDI has been instrumental, allowing us to connect with new customer groups and expand our product offerings to meet their evolving needs. Following the successful launch of AUDI and its first model, we are ready to take the next step: establishing a dedicated Innovation and Technology Center in cooperation with our long-trusted partner SAIC to drive Vorsprung in China.”

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.

It’s been nearly two years since spy photographers last spotted the Audi RS Q6 Sportback e-tron, but it’s back on the Nürburgring and gearing up for a possible debut later this year.

Designed to slot above the SQ6 Sportback, the high-performance variant features a unique front fascia with a more aggressive lower intake. It features angular accents, honeycomb mesh inserts, and triangular elements with horizontal bars. We can also see a special surround, which recalls the look of AUDI models in China and features vertical air curtains at the outside edges.

More: Audi RS Q6 Sportback E-Tron Spied, Could Pack A 600+ HP Punch

A number of the vents likely channel air to the beefier front braking system, which appears to have significantly larger calipers. On the topic of air flow, the model has subtle front fender vents that are tall and skinny. We can also expect the crossover to ride on model-specific lightweight wheels.

The rear end largely carries over, but the RS Q6 has been equipped with a new bumper and sportier diffuser. The latter features a prominent central channel as well as protruding elements where a four-tailpipe exhaust system would typically reside. We can also see a familiar spoiler and rear light bar.

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There isn’t much to see inside, but the model should have an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch front passenger display. They should be joined by sport seats, carbon fiber trim, and plenty of RS badging.

Powertrain details are more mysterious, but the model should echo the SQ6 which has a 100 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing up to 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) with launch control. However, the RS variant will be significantly more powerful and likely take a page from the Porsche Macan Turbo Electric.

The Audi’s PPE platform mate has a combined output of up to 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 833 lb-ft (1,129 Nm) of torque. This enables the Macan to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.1 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds, and eventually top out at 162 mph (261 km/h).

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