We already saw a camouflaged prototype of an electric SUV from Audi and now the first images of the model have leaked online from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The model that was previewed in Shanghai is called the Q5 e-tron and will be launched in the Chinese market before the end of the year. The Q5 e-tron is based on VW Group’s MEB platform. However, with a length of 4,876 mm, it matches the Volkswagen ID.6 sibling, providing more interior space and practicality. Design-wise it follows Audi’s current design language with a covered singleframe grille surrounded by darker trim. Details like the headlights, taillights, and fender lines look similar to the Q4 e-tron but overall the Q5 e-tron looks less aggressive and more family-oriented.
The leaked pictures show different trim levels with a variety of wheel designs and an optional blacked-out treatment for the plastic cladding around the bodywork. There is also an example with heavily tinted headlights which look like they are equipped with Matrix LED technology. The interior pictures by our spy photographers reveal a digital cockpit and a floating center console that look identical to the Q4 e-tron. This means it will be equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.6-inch touchscreen for the infotainment. It is possible that the cabin has a three-row layout for up to 7 seats.
The different badges appearing on the leaked photos prove that there will be three powertrain options. The 35 e-tron with 177 hp and the 40 e-tron with 201 hp will be rear-wheel-drive with a single motor at the back. The flagship 50 e-tron will feature a dual-motor layout, with a 107 hp electric motor on the front axle and a 201 hp one on the rear axle offering all-wheel-drive. All variants will probably get the larger 77 kWh battery, which in the ID.6 provides enough juice for up to 588 km according to China’s NEDC cycle.
We expect to learn more about the Audi Q5 e-tron in its official premiere, which shouldn’t be far off. The EV will go on sale in China towards the end of 2021 and is probably not intended for export, like the locally-built Volkswagen ID.6. For the US and Europe, Audi will soon launch the Q6 e-tron, which will be sharing the more premium PPE architecture with the next-generation fully electric Porsche Macan. This model is expected in the second half of 2022, together with the facelifted version of the even larger e-tron flagship SUV.
