Intelligent petrol FAW Audi seeks to shatter perceptions with Huawei ADS

FAW Audi launched the A5L Pilot at the 23rd Auto Guangzhou on Friday. As the first luxury fuel vehicle equipped with Huawei's ADS intelligent driving technology, it integrates German engineering with Chinese innovation, offering an unparalleled smart driving experience.

Michael Arndt, president of FAW Audi Sales Co, highlighted the brand's commitment to the Chinese market. "Audi considers China its second home. Having been deeply rooted here for 37 years, we have accumulated a wealth of invaluable market insights," he said.

To cater to consumers who value the driving quality of internal combustion engine vehicles yet refuse to compromise on intelligent features, FAW Audi has initiated the "Intelligence for ICE and NEV" strategy.

Arndt said that the launch of the A5L Pilot at Auto Guangzhou marks a milestone in this strategy.

The model is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion and E³ 1.2 electrical architecture, and features Huawei's ADS intelligent driving technology.

Moreover, the PPC platform incorporates the Vehicle Motion Management module, enabling Huawei ADS technology to execute decisions while preserving Audi's DNA.

"Audi's PPC platform and E³ 1.2 electrical architecture shatter the misconception that 'ICE vehicles lack intelligence'," Arndt said.

Equipped with up to 33 radars and cameras, the A5L Pilot sets a new benchmark in its class for driving assistance. In urban settings, it supports lane centering and intelligent traffic signal recognition, ensuring a smooth driving experience. For parking scenarios, it offers smart entry and exit functions, navigation-assisted parking, and remote-control assistance.

The model also features an online update capability to ensure that ICE-powered vehicles can enjoy cutting-edge intelligent experiences.

Its powertrain also stands out. The fifth-generation EA888 engine delivers consistently responsive power and maintains Audi's iconic handling, while the seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission strikes an optimal balance between dynamic performance and precise control.

Through localized calibration, the model also meets the unique needs of Chinese users, Arndt said.

For instance, the A5L Pilot has a wheelbase extended to 2,969 millimeters to provide spacious rear seating, and offers exclusive interior colors and materials specifically for the Chinese market.

Arndt added that FAW Audi has partnered with local enterprises including CATL to optimize battery technology, enhancing both range and safety. Additionally, AISpeech provides voice interaction technology support for Audi, enhancing the in-vehicle voice assistant experience.

At the ongoing Auto Guangzhou, the brand is also exhibiting the all-new Audi Q5L SUV based on the PPC platform, alongside the all-new Audi A6L e-tron sedan and FAW Audi Q6L e-tron SUV, both built on the PPE platform.

FAW Audi will expand its product lineup with new offerings in 2026. Fuel-powered models will include the all-new Q5L and all-new A6L. Electric models will include A6L e-tron, Q6L e-tron series with LFP batteries, and the Q6L e-tron series with quattro technology.

Arndt revealed that FAW Audi's cumulative sales in China are poised to surpass 10 million units in 2026, which would make it the first luxury automotive brand in the country to achieve this milestone.

Behind such a product offensive lies the brand's solid technical support and ecosystem cooperation advantages. Its confidence in intelligent evolution stems from its advanced technology platforms, a strong cooperative ecosystem, as well as the synergy of German precision and Chinese innovation, and its adherence to the safety-first concept, the automaker said.

An extensive market layout provides a solid guarantee. Currently, FAW Audi has a network of nearly 600 dealerships across China.

Through real-time feedback from the sales network and team, the brand can quickly respond to market changes with the Sino-German cooperation model, continuously optimize products, and practice its long-term concept of pursuing sustainable development, the automaker said.