Audi has revealed the concept of electric SUV E8
By ForGeeks
AUDI has unveiled a concept of its new electric crossover E SUV at the Guangzhou Motor Show. This futuristic model demonstrates the direction in which the brand’s second production vehicle, the AUDI E8 SUV, is heading. The new AUDI sub-brand was launched in November 2024 and operates exclusively in the Chinese market as part of the Volkswagen Group’s larger “In China for China” strategy, which aims to deeply localize production and technology.
The main task of the new EV division is to solve a long-standing problem with foreign cars: a weak local software platform and incomplete integration with Chinese digital services. By working together with local technology partners, Volkswagen expects to create electric vehicles that best meet the expectations of Chinese customers.
The new EV division’s main goal is to solve a long-standing problem with foreign cars: weak local software platforms and incomplete integration with Chinese digital services.
All AUDI models are designed and produced by the SAIC-Audi joint venture. This gives the brand access to state-of-the-art technology from the Chinese market, including components and software from IM Motors, SAIC’s premium electric division. The brand’s first car, the AUDI E5 Sportback, proved the effectiveness of this strategy: in September, it attracted more than 10,000 pre-orders just half an hour after launch.
The E SUV concept inherits the recognizable design of the E5 Sportback: powerful wheel arches, large wheels and an illuminated AUDI logo at the stern. A special feature of the concept is the LiDAR unit mounted above the windshield, hinting at advanced driver assistance systems. Digital mirrors are used instead of traditional mirrors, and the model looks almost ready for mass production. The final version of the AUDI E8 SUV is expected to hit the market in early 2026.
The upcoming AUDI E8 will get high power and a state-of-the-art 800-volt battery – an architecture that few global brands still offer. The car will be equipped with a 109 kWh battery and a 500 kW twin-motor powertrain – that’s about 670 horsepower. Acceleration to 100 km/h will take about five seconds. Claimed range is 700 kilometers, although that figure is based on the optimistic Chinese CLTC cycle.
The lineup will also include more affordable versions: rear-wheel-drive versions and an EREV variant with a gasoline-powered generator that provides range for long-distance travel.
The concept is a large premium SUV: length is more than 5 meters, width is about 2 meters, height is 1.8 meters and wheelbase is 3 meters. The starting price of the production AUDI E8 in 2026 is expected to be around 260,000 yuan (roughly 31,200 euros).
Volkswagen clearly understands that success in the world’s largest automotive market requires the creation of modern, localized electric vehicles. Sales of Volkswagen’s core brand in China fell 17% year-over-year in October, while the classic Audi brand (four rings) continues to grow, with more than 49,000 cars sold, up 3.5% from a year ago.
While sales of the Volkswagen brand in China are down 17% year-over-year, the Audi brand is still growing, with more than 49,000 cars sold, up 3.5% from a year ago.
With this background, the launch of AUDI’s new electric brand looks particularly bold. Its aim is to take a leading position in China’s future electric car industry, building on local technology and preferences.
