New Audi electric vehicles to come with SAIC Motor’s platform: Report

Updated Jul 25, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

We could see Audi’s Sphere concepts come to life.

It is not a surprise to hear that more automakers are starting to work with Chinese manufacturers. In fact, Audi has reportedly inked a partnership with China’s SAIC Motor to secure the rights to the latter’s electric vehicle (EV) platform.

IM L7 front view

IM L7

Automotive News reported the German automaker will use the EV platform from SAIC Motor’s luxury subbrand, IM Motors, following the delays of the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).

The SSP is promising serious EV capabilities that could potentially make models using it become more competitive. It is said to deliver up to 1,700 horsepower, which is 600 hp more than the initial power figure. Also, this platform is looking to offer a charging time of just 12 minutes and level-three autonomous driving technology.

“All stakeholders agree that the Chinese auto market is in the midst of the biggest transformation in history, therefore we will work on a strategic approach that guarantees our future success,” said SAIC in a statement to Automotive News.

Considering SAIC Motor owns MG (Morris Garages), we could see some of the British-bred automaker’s components in future Audi models. While we aren’t sure what the acquisition of the EV platform is for, we can expect Audi to develop EVs based on its “Sphere” concepts – activesphere, grandsphere, urbansphere, and skysphere.

Audi activesphere concept front view

Audi activesphere concept

The Audi activesphere concept is a crossover designed for off-roading, while the Grandsphere sedan concept is more for luxury and class. While the urbansphere boasts large interior space in the form of an electric minivan, the skysphere only comes with two seats built for those who want spirited driving.

It is still unclear whether these upcoming SAIC-based Audis will be exclusive to the Chinese market or not.

What we know is SAIC Motor recently entered the Philippine market as MG’s new importer and distributor. It also previewed three EVs scheduled to arrive later this year – the MG 4, the MG ZS EV, and the MG Marvel R.

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

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Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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