The SAIC Audi E5 Sportback has made waves in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market by shattering records at Asia’s first dedicated mountain-ridge racetrack: the Baijun Mountain Ridge Track, known as the Ridge Circuit. The car clocked an impressive 01’42”99 lap time, earning a coveted third place on the circuit’s leaderboard and surpassing even the Lotus Emira in performance. This achievement cements the E5 Sportback’s position as one of China’s leading contenders in high-performance EVs priced under 500,000 yuan ($69,000 USD).
A Unique Testing Ground: The Ridge Circuit
Opened in 2024, the Ridge Circuit is no ordinary racetrack. Carved directly into the natural mountain terrain of Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, it boasts a challenging 2.42-kilometer course featuring 31 corners, steep inclines reaching 45 degrees, and a dynamic mix of asphalt and composite surfaces. Unlike traditional circuits prioritizing top speed, this track emphasizes a driver’s mastery of handling, chassis control, and responsiveness in real-world driving scenarios. This focus on nuanced performance makes the Ridge Circuit a definitive benchmark for evaluating EVs pushing the boundaries of agility and technological prowess in the Chinese market.
More Than Just Speed: The E5 Sportback’s Winning Formula
The record lap time comes hot on the heels of the E5 Sportback’s successful market launch on September 16th, where it generated over 10,000 pre-orders within a mere 30 minutes. This surge in popularity highlights the growing demand for sophisticated EVs that deliver both performance and cutting-edge technology.
The E5 Sportback, built on SAIC and Audi’s shared Advanced Digitised Platform, is the first all-electric sedan produced by their joint venture. Starting at 235,900 yuan ($32,900 USD) for the base Pioneer model and topping out at 319,900 yuan ($44,700 USD) for the flagship quattro version, its power output ranges from a respectable 220 kW to an impressive 579 kW. This potent engine lineup allows the top-tier dual-motor variant to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.4 seconds.
But performance isn’t solely reliant on raw power. The E5 Sportback is finely tuned for handling with an innovative 800-volt architecture, a CATL battery pack capable of providing up to 773 km (CLTC) range, and active aerodynamics optimizing efficiency and stability. Its chassis boasts specially selected 245 mm front and 285 mm rear Pirelli P Zero R0 tires, a CDC variable-damping system, Continental’s air suspension, and four-piston brake callipers—all meticulously calibrated for track-worthy responsiveness.
A Luxurious Tech Haven: Beyond Performance
Inside the E5 Sportback, passengers are enveloped in cutting-edge technology and luxury. A striking 59-inch panoramic display powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 chip runs Audi OS, offering a seamless driver experience with AI-powered features like the Audi Assistant. The car further embraces the future with electronic mirrors, comprehensive Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar compatibility, as well as optional luxuries such as ventilated seats, a premium Bose 18-speaker sound system, and customizable ambient lighting.
Adding to its appeal is a sophisticated autonomous driving suite. The E5 Sportback boasts an array of 27 sensors, an Nvidia Orin-X processor, and Momenta’s EBM platform, allowing for Level 3 autonomous capabilities on highways and city streets, as well as automated parking. This technology directly challenges established competitors like the Tesla Model 3, Nio ET5T, and Zeekr 007 GT, making the E5 Sportback a serious contender in China’s increasingly competitive EV market.
The Audi E5 Sportback demonstrates that electric vehicles can not only be fast but also exceptionally capable on challenging courses, setting a new benchmark for performance EVs in China while catering to discerning buyers who demand both technological sophistication and driving thrills.
