AUDI E7X previewed, electric SUV debuts at Auto China 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Audi is giving an early preview of its next China-market EV, showing the exterior design of the upcoming AUDI E7X. This follows the debut of the AUDI E SUV concept at Auto Guangzhou 2025, and it represents the second production model from AUDI, the China-exclusive sister brand created to sit alongside the global Audi line-up.

Also Read: Audi Q7 CKD launched - RM459,990

The AUDI E7X is positioned as a fully electric premium SUV built specifically around Chinese customer expectations, particularly when it comes to in-car software and services. Audi says the project combines its own engineering know-how with SAIC’s local digital ecosystem experience, with the cars based on the jointly developed Advanced Digitized Platform.

Big SUV footprint, clean design details

Audi is calling the E7X a direct production translation of the concept’s design language, and the numbers confirm it’s a sizeable SUV.

It measures 5,049 mm long, 2,002 mm wide, and 1,708 mm tall, with a 3,060 mm wheelbase. In other words, it’s designed to look properly “premium SUV” on the road, while prioritising cabin space.

Design-wise, Audi highlights a minimalist body with clean surfacing, plus distinctive lighting front and rear to give it a calmer, more monolithic stance. Up front, the E7X gets an upright nose with digital Matrix LED headlights arranged vertically inside a black wraparound loop, a visual signature the brand is clearly leaning on for recognition. There are also strongly flared wheel arches, and short overhangs to make the proportions look sportier than a typical family SUV.

Powertrain-wise, Audi says there will be two variants, with system outputs of 300 kW and 500 kW.

“The AUDI E7X is an SUV without compromises,” says Fermín Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project. “Its confident stance, sporty proportions and progressive design come together to create a perfect balance of emotion and everyday usability, shaping an SUV that feels instantly right for our customers.”

What is AUDI, and why doesn’t it have the four rings?

If you’re wondering why the name is written as AUDI and not Audi with the familiar four-ring badge, that’s part of the point. The sister brand was launched in November 2024 to reach additional customer segments in China, and it uses a capital-letter wordmark instead of the traditional logo.

The pitch is “best of both worlds”, Audi’s driving dynamics and build quality on one side, and deeper integration with China’s local digital ecosystem on the other. Audi also notes that development teams in Germany and China are working closely together, which it says helps shorten development time.

Auto China 2026 debut, launch planned in H1 2026

The AUDI E7X is scheduled to debut at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, running from April 24 to May 3, 2026. Audi says the SUV will go on sale in the first half of 2026.

For now, this preview is strictly about exterior design and positioning. Key EV details like battery capacity, range, charging rates, and pricing are still not on the table, and those will be the real numbers to watch once the E7X surfaces in full at Beijing.

Also Read: Next-gen Audi Q3 breaks cover with significant upgrades