Audi’s partnered up with SAIC Motor to create a whole new sub-brand aimed just at China. They’ve called it AUDI, with all caps, and yeah, it’s shaped “100-percent by the Audi DNA.” Funny thing though – you won’t spot any of that famous four-rings logo on these cars.

So here’s the deal: according to Audi (lower-case), this upper-case AUDI is going to be this unique blend, a true “best-of-both-worlds” brand combining the precision of German engineering with the modern pulse of Chinese innovation. And yep, it’s all-electric. Apparently, it’s been designed to really cater to what Chinese car buyers want most these days: connectivity, automation, and performance. To pull it off, Audi and SAIC crafted the Advanced Digitized Platform, a foundation that’s going to support upcoming AUDI models. We’re seeing it for the first time in the AUDI E concept, which just hit the spotlight in Shanghai.

Now, let’s talk power—this AUDI E concept packs a punch. It’s got two electric motors throwing down a hefty 764 horsepower, which is, yeah, impressive. And the range? They’re claiming 435 miles based on China’s CLTC testing cycle, powered by a 100-kWh battery. Plus, with its 800-volt structure, it supports lightning-fast charging: 230 miles in just 10 minutes. When you floor it, this thing sprints to 62 mph in a slick 3.6 seconds. Audi’s PR notes that it “drives like a real Audi,” and well, that’s definitely reassuring.

Outside, it’s got this sleek, minimalist Sportback design that’s “calm but still striking,” which, I’ll admit, sounds a bit vague but intriguing. Those super-thin headlights up front are linked by an even thinner light bar carrying the bold AUDI logo. The back’s got a similar look – narrow taillights framing that same branding. For size, it’s a touch bigger than an Audi A6, coming in at 16 feet long and 78 inches wide, with a 116-inch wheelbase. Inside, they’ve got a 4K screen spanning the cockpit, bringing that high-tech vibe Chinese buyers seem to love.

It’s still a concept for now, but Audi’s hinting that this AUDI is pretty close to what’ll roll out soon. “The joint platform will lay the groundwork for a fresh generation of intelligent, connected cars exclusive to China,” Audi CEO Gernot Dollner explains. He adds, “These upcoming models will appeal to a new, promising customer base.” This partnership is set to broaden Audi’s lineup of battery electric vehicles (BEV) in China and speed up their transition in this booming market.

Looking forward, AUDI’s got big plans: they’ll be launching three production EVs aimed at the Chinese mid-size and full-size market, with the first one expected to arrive by mid-2025.

Source and Images: Motor1