The new electric crossover AUDI E7X (the very brand without the classic rings, created by the efforts of Volkswagen Group and SAIC) demonstrated serious ambitions on Asia's First Ridge Circuit. It became the fastest SUV on this racetrack, leaving behind the Porsche Macan Electric and the ambitious Xiaomi YU7.
Crossover AUDI E7X. Photo: AUDI
Seconds that decide everything
Asia's First Ridge Circuit, also known as the Baijun Mountain Ridge Track in Zhejiang province, is no walk in the park. The 2.42-kilometer distance includes 31 turns, an elevation change of 71 meters, and gradients up to 45 degrees. Under these conditions, the AUDI E7X recorded a time of 1:47.93.
To understand the scale of the achievement, it is worth looking at the competitors' results:
- AUDI E7X: 1:47.93
- Porsche Macan 4 Electric: 1:49.09
- Xiaomi YU7 Max: 1:52.23
- Lotus Eletre S+: 1:52.67
- Tesla Model Y AWD (2025): 1:53.82
Interestingly, the E7X was more than a second ahead of the electric Macan and almost four seconds ahead of the Xiaomi YU7. This is a serious claim, considering the AUDI brand is currently trying to attract consumers away from Tesla and local Chinese brands.
E7X on the Asia's First Ridge Circuit. Photo: AUDI
Hardware and Tech
The record would not have been possible without a powerful "stuffing." The top version of the AUDI E7X is equipped with a dual-motor setup producing 500 kW (670 hp) with 800 Nm of torque. This allows the massive 5049 mm long crossover to accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 230 km/h.
However, straight-line speed is only half the battle. To confidently tackle the 31 turns of the Chinese track, SAIC and Audi engineers added a rear steering axle, aluminum suspension, Continental air springs, and ZF continuous damping control system. Braking is handled by Brembo four-piston brakes, while grip is provided by staggered-width Pirelli tires.
Market Realities
Currently, the AUDI brand's performance in China is not very dynamic. The only available model, the E5 Sportback liftback, sold only 303 units in February. Total brand sales barely exceeded 7,300 units. The E7X is expected to be the "locomotive" that will boost the statistics upward.
The car will be offered with two battery options: 100 kWh and 109.3 kWh, providing a range from 635 to 751 kilometers. The public premiere of the new product is scheduled for April 24, 2026, as part of the Beijing Auto Show.
