Audi Q5 e-tron: another stretched and expensive Chinese exclusive for 6-7 people

At the Guangzhou Auto Show, Audi unveiled the Chinese version of the Q4 e-tron compact electric crossover, which had its world premiere in April, as well as its extended three-row cab version, dubbed the Q5 e-tron, for the Chinese market only.

Audi already produces two electric vehicles in China through a joint venture with FAW: a local version of the large e-tron crossover and the compact Q2L e-tron. The latter is a China-exclusive model equipped with a small 38kWh CATL battery and capable of only 265km on a single charge in the old NEDC driving cycle (actually less than 200km). Both models don't sell well: the e-tron due to its high cost, the e-tron Q2L due to weak specifications, while the Q4 e-tron and Q5 e-tron (both crossovers built on the modular MEB platform) could theoretically be a real success. while the assembly of the Q4 e-tron was entrusted to FAW, and the larger Q5 e-tron to SAIC, with which Audi also has a joint venture (it already produces the Audi A7L sedan, exclusive to China).

We will not dwell on the Chinese e-tron Q4, which is fundamentally different from the global version. In turn, the Q5 e-tron is interesting in that it is not just an elongated Q4 e-tron: a long-wheelbase crossover has a unique design of the front, stern, fenders and doors, albeit small for an enthusiast: just another new Audi. Indeed, the entire external plumage of the body has changed, but from the cockpit of the Q5 e-tron it is no different from the Q4 e-tron – the same angular front panel with a protruding glossy center console, on which lies the system start button and the drive mode switch.

Salon differences begin with the second row, where you can install a triple sofa or two separate chairs with a wide range of adjustments. Strictly double the third row, judging by the pictures, is for children, with flat seats and short backs, but the backs can be folded flush with the floor and get an impressive trunk volume – up to 1825 liters (the Q4 e-tron has a maximum of 1490 liters).

Compared to the Q4 e-tron, the wheelbase of the Q5 e-tron has been increased by 201 mm to 2965 mm, the overall length by 288 mm to 4876 mm, the height by 43 mm to 1675 mm, and the width, on the contrary, has slightly decreased by 5 mm up to 1860 mm.

The Audi Q5 e-tron will be offered with a choice of three powertrains. The base version of the 35 e-tron has a single 132 kW (180 hp) electric motor on the rear axle and a 52 kWh battery, but will not be available at launch.

At first, the cheapest version will be the 40 e-tron, also rear-wheel drive, but with a more powerful 150 kW (204 hp) engine and 77 kWh batteries. The Audi Q5 40 e-tron can travel up to 560 km on a single charge under the NEDC cycle and will cost from 400,000 yuan (4.6 million conventional units in current exchange rates).

The all-wheel drive version of the Q5 50 e-tron quattro is equipped with two electric motors: 80 kW (109 hp) at the front and 150 kW (204 hp) at the rear. Battery capacity 77 kWh. Cruising range – up to 520 km in the NEDC cycle. Price: from 500 thousand yuan (5.7 million conventional units).

For comparison, let's say that a Tesla Model Y assembled in China costs between 276,000 yuan (3.15 million cu) and 387,900 yuan (4.4 million cu) and can travel from 525 to 640 km on a single charge. NEDC cycle, depending on the changes. With these features and prices, it's no surprise that the Tesla Model Y has become the best-selling electric crossover in China, with 107,276 units sold in the first three quarters of this year, according to CarSalesBase! To get close to those sales figures, Audi will have to cut prices and more.