Audi and SAIC have unveiled the 2026 AUDI E5 Sportback in China, offering a clear preview of the closely related MG IM5 that is expected to arrive in Australia later this year. The E5 is the product of a joint venture between Audi and SAIC – MG’s parent company – and sits on a freshly developed Advanced Digital Platform that will underpin several new EVs for the Chinese market, including the IM5.
Development and platform
The E5 and IM5 share a common development lineage. Audi’s collaboration with SAIC produced an all-new architecture designed for high-voltage systems and scalable electrified drivetrains. The project is being marketed in China under the all-caps “AUDI” badge to differentiate this JV product from models produced by Germany’s Audi. Importantly, this is a China-only programme: while the IM5 will be sold in markets such as Australia, the AUDI E5 itself and its SUV stablemate are unlikely to be exported.
Powertrains and performance
Reports indicate the E5 will be offered with four power outputs – roughly 200 kW, 300 kW, 425 kW and a range-topping 579 kW. The top-spec dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant can reportedly do 0-100 km/h in around 3.4 seconds, while long-range rear-wheel-drive iterations target substantial distances on the more generous Chinese CLTC test cycle.
Battery and charging
All versions are said to use a 100 kWh battery pack paired with an 800-volt electrical architecture. That enables very rapid DC charging, with promotional figures suggesting as much as 370 km of range can be added in just over 10 minutes under optimal conditions.
Size and design
The E5 positions itself in the premium mid-size segment, aiming at rivals such as the Xiaomi SU7, BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE. Dimensionally, it measures approximately 4,881 mm long, 1,959 mm wide and 1,478 mm tall – making it 179 mm shorter, 59 mm wider and 37 mm lower than a BMW i5 sedan. Built on a clean-sheet design, the E5 deliberately departs from Audi’s current design language. It abandons the familiar four-ring emblem in favour of a cleaner, simplified aesthetic, and its rear profile appears optimised for aerodynamic efficiency.
Interior and technology
The cabin is technology-rich: a near full-width 27-inch curved 4K display dominates the dashboard, while features include headrest speakers, advanced ambient lighting, a fragrance diffuser and twin air-cooled 50 W wireless chargers. Much of this equipment is expected to carry over to the MG IM5, meaning Australian buyers are likely to see a similarly well-specified interior.
What this means for Australia
MG has confirmed the IM5 will come to Australia, though final timing and specifications remain unconfirmed. Local marketing names are also being adjusted: the IM5 is reported to be introduced here as the “IM Presented by MG Motor IM6” and will sit alongside a renamed IM6 SUV. Given the shared platform and tech, Australians should expect much of the E5’s engineering and feature set to inform the IM5’s local offering – though final powertrain and range figures are likely to be adjusted to local testing cycles and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
The AUDI E5 provides a useful window into the capabilities of the SAIC-Audi partnership and, by extension, what we can expect from the Australian-bound MG IM5. While the E5 itself is a China-only model, its advanced platform, high-voltage architecture and feature list suggest the IM5 will be a competitive, tech-forward entrant in the local EV market. Final Australian specifications and pricing will determine how compelling the IM5 proves to be against established rivals, but the preview underlines MG’s intent to push into higher-spec territory.
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