AUDI’s second model for China to be called E7X

Just a few days ago, Audi unveiled a study of an electric SUV from its new sub-brand AUDI at an auto show in China. Now, the carmaker has already submitted the registration application for the model, which is expected to be called the E7X and might also become available in Europe.

As is widely known, Audi launched its new sub-brand in China this year—spelled AUDI, so in uppercase but without the iconic four rings. In August, series production of the first model, the AUDI E5 Sportback, began at the Anting plant, located in a district of Shanghai on the premises of the existing SAIC-VW factory. The E5 Sportback is an elegant estate car equipped with technologies from Audi’s Chinese partner, SAIC.

In November, AUDI unveiled a study of its second model, a battery-electric SUV, at the Auto Guangzhou show. Chinese authorities have now received the homologation application for this model under the name AUDI E7X. It, once again, demonstrates how much faster processes move in China compared to Germany.

While the design in the homologation application images closely resembles the study, the technical specifications are now available: the AUDI E7X measures 5.05 metres in length, 2 metres in width, and 1.71 metres in height, according to the publication by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The wheelbase is 3.03 metres.

The model will be available either with rear-wheel drive, delivering 300 kW, or with all-wheel drive. The latter adds a 200 kW motor for the front axle, bringing the total system output to 500 kW. The top speed is 230 kph. Both motors are supplied by Huayu Automotive, a subsidiary of SAIC.

The vehicle’s batteries are supplied by CATL. However, the capacity and range have not yet been officially disclosed. During the Auto Guangzhou show, AUDI mentioned a 109 kWh battery enabling a CLTC-calculated range of over 700 kilometres. It was also stated that the vehicle features the 800-volt architecture of the Advanced Digitised Platform and supports recharging for 320 kilometres of range in ten minutes at a DC fast charger.

Further details from the homologation application reveal a kerb weight of 2,673 kg for the all-wheel-drive version. The vehicle is also equipped with a large lidar unit mounted above the windscreen. The new AUDI will be available with optional 21- or 22-inch wheels. For the exterior mirrors, customers can choose between classic mirrors and video mirror systems.

An intriguing question is whether AUDI plans to bring the vehicle to Europe later. According to insider information from CarNewsChina, Audi is considering exactly that. The report states that Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen, recently applied for trademark protection for the E7X designation in the EU. So far, the VW Group has been cautious about importing vehicles from China into the EU, having only done so with the Cupra Tavascan—and is currently disputing EU special tariffs on the model.

carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com, audi-mediacenter.com

This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.