Audi, the premium car brand under Volkswagen, is set to introduce a new brand and concept car in collaboration with SAIC on November 7. This new brand will not feature Audi’s iconic four-ring logo but will instead showcase the English name “AUDI.” The first model from this brand is designed to compete with Nio’s ET5 Touring shooting brake.
The upcoming concept car will share similarities in design with the luxury B-segment shooting brake model that is slated to begin production in August next year at a plant in Anting, Shanghai. The primary competitor for this model will be Nio’s ET5 Touring, priced at around RMB 300,000 yuan ($41,900) with potential adjustments based on market conditions.
The new Audi model is exclusively tailored for the Chinese market, incorporating local needs and market dynamics. It will boast an 800 V fast charging system and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in under four seconds. Additionally, the car will feature Momenta’s ADAS for advanced driver assistance and smart driving capabilities.
Following the launch of the initial model, Audi and SAIC plan to release two more all-electric vehicles, including a mid-to-large sedan targeting the Nio ET7 and a mid-to-large SUV. This partnership aims to rival not only traditional luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW but also emerging electric vehicle manufacturers like Nio and Li Auto.
SAIC and Audi joined forces earlier this year to develop high-end smart electric vehicles and an Advanced Digitized Platform. The collaboration is expected to yield a range of EV models, with the first product anticipated to hit the market in 2025.
The new Audi brand’s first model is slated to debut in Shanghai on November 7 as part of the Purple series, featuring the “AUDI” logo and a distinct purple color scheme. Leveraging SAIC’s IM Motors platform and electrical architecture, this series will utilize SAIC’s supply chain to deliver innovative and competitive electric vehicles.
In summary, Audi’s foray into the electric vehicle market with a new brand and concept car signifies a strategic shift towards sustainable mobility and competition with established and emerging players in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the automotive world.
