Audi: Next electric cars based on a Chinese platform from SAIC

SAIC's Chinese platform: An option for Audi's next electric cars

Audi's next electric cars could be based on a Chinese platform provided by SAIC. Rumors have suggested this possibility and now SAIC seems to be the favorite for this partnership.

The Challenges of Today's Audi Platforms and the Search for an Alternative

Audi had to act quickly to launch its first electric models. For example, the Q8 eTron SUV is based on an adaptation of the Q5/Q7 platform, while the eTron GT closely resembles the Porsche Taycan, which itself is based on the Panamera. Although improvements have been made with the Q4 (MEB platform) and the announced arrival of the Q6 (PPE platform), these platforms are already seeing their competitiveness called into question.

SAIC-IM: A promising Chinese platform for Audi

To meet this challenge, Audi plans for the first time to use a platform developed by another manufacturer, potentially Chinese. Chinese media have mooted several options, including BYD and LI Auto, but the IM brand name, from a partnership between SAIC and Alibaba, appears to be the most likely. This SAIC-IM platform could be used by Audi to develop future production models based on the Activesphere, Urbansphere, Skysphere and Grandsphere concepts. These future flagships of the brand could therefore have Chinese origins.