700km+ range for new Zeekr 8X rival: 2026 Audi E7X detailed in China as new large SUV to rival the MG IM LS8, Denza N9, and BMW iX3 electric SUV

Audi has detailed its next model for the Chinese market, the E7X large SUV.

The new model, marketed under Audi’s joint-venture marque with MG owner SAIC, is more than five meters long and has an “industry first” 109kWh battery pack from CATL.

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It also features a 900-volt electric architecture for ultra-fast charging, plus the signature Audi ‘quattro’ all-wheel-drive system. The brand claims it can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

Two versions of the E7X have already been announced, a rear-wheel-drive version producing 300kW/500Nm and an all-wheel drive that adds a 200kW motor to the front axle, and produces 800Nm of torque.

Unlike many other Chinese-built SUVs in this size category, the E7X is only a five-seat proposition, rather than the three-row six-seaters from rival brands. In this sense it is a closer rival to the likes of the smaller and also fully electric Xiaomi YU7 or the more size-equivalent but plug-in hybrid Zeekr 8X.

Audi’s SAIC joint-venture sub-brand ditches the brand’s historic four-ringed logo in favour of an illuminated AUDI badge. It also has a distinct design language to specifically appeal to the Chinese market, with its own face and LED light structure.

If it follows on from the previous E5 Sportback, will have a tech-laden interior, too.

Expect to learn more about the E7X at its official unveiling at the Beijing Motor Show in April.

As for export markets, don’t get your hopes up, with the SAIC joint-venture vehicles both expressly designed for China, although it is notable the brand has registered the E7X name in Europe.

Despite high hopes for the Chinese market, the brand’s E5 Sportback has failed to deliver significant sales so far in China compared to domestic rivals from IM Motors, Zeekr, Nio, and Xiaomi.

Therefore, a lot is riding on the E7X to deliver more volume for the brand’s fledgling China-specific arm.

Audi had a better result than expected in 2025 according to its latest financial release, in what it said was a particularly tough year. While much of its focus will be on building out its Chinese offering, the brand will also follow up a strong 2025 with more important new global models in 2026.

This is set to include the new flagship Q9 SUV, a re-booted Audi A2 e-tron, as well as a next-generation Q7 large SUV.