It was only a few days ago when our spies caught Audi testing a new mysterious e-tron SUV wrapped in camouflage. It appeared to be a production version of the Audi concept Shanghai that debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year. While the name of the production model was a mystery, we can now confirm its identity.
Images published on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website as part of China's homologation process confirm the production version of the concept is called the Q5 e-tron. Underpinned by Volkswagen Group's MEB platform, the Q5 e-tron is essentially Audi's equivalent of the three-row Volkswagen ID.6, which is also sold in China.
Like the ID.6, the Q5 e-tron measures 192 inches long and has a 116.7-inch wheelbase. Visually, the Q5 e-tron looks practically identical to the concept.
The Q5 e-tron will be sold in two flavors: the 35 e-tron and 50 e-tron Quattro, each with identical specifications to the ID.6. The entry-level 35 e-tron is powered by a single electric motor generating 177 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels only. A more powerful single motor variant is also available with 201 hp. These setups enable the ID.6 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds and 9.1 seconds respectively, so the Q5 e-tron should match its VW sibling's performance.
The dual-motor AWD version, on the other hand, generates a combined 302 hp, enabling the ID.6 to sprint from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Range details are unconfirmed, but the Audi concept Shanghai could travel up to 347 miles on a single charge based on the WLTP cycle.
Tipping the scales at 5,313 pounds, the Q5 e-tron will be positioned between the Q4 and Q7 and will be a more affordable alternative. The leaked images suggest an official debut will likely happen soon, but we aren't expecting it to be sold outside of China. Instead, the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron will be sold in the US. Unlike the Q5 e-tron, it will ride on the new Premium Electric platform co-developed by Audi and Porsche, which will also underpin the new electric Porsche Macan.