Recently, SAIC and Audi jointly unveiled the all-electric Audi E5 Sportback, which has quickly drawn wide attention from both the industry and consumers with its avant-garde design, balanced focus on intelligence and driving performance, and highly competitive pricing.

A highlight of the new model is its next-generation immersive intelligent cockpit, which inherits Audi's classic MMI design concept and integrates Refond Optoelectronics' innovative Mini LED backlight solution. This technology enables the creation of the personalized "Audi Smart Island" touch panel, seamlessly linked with the central control display. Together, they not only enhance cockpit identity but also deliver an exceptional interactive experience.

Creating an Immersive Smart Cockpit
Launched under Audi's new China-focused EV brand AUDI, the E5 Sportback marks both the starting point of Audi's electrification strategy and a reimagining of luxury and intelligence. At the heart of this transformation is the Audi Smart Island, a key breakthrough in smart cockpit evolution.

The Smart Island touch display leverages Refond's Mini LED backlight solution. With COB white-light design and fine-pitch Mini LED technology as its core, Refond breaks through conventional display limitations. Using surface light emission, the solution achieves finer pixel pitch, higher brightness, and higher resolution, laying the technological foundation for Audi's "natural interaction at your fingertips" concept.

For the 2.43-inch ultra-fine-pitch screen, Refond advanced packaging structure and backlight module design by pioneering the industry's first Mini COB white-light solution. This eliminates QD conversion films, significantly increases brightness, saves thickness space, and enhances reliability—meeting Audi's requirements for high integration and innovation in Smart Island design. The result enables ultra-thin, high-reliability displays while providing greater flexibility for vehicle interior layouts.

In terms of performance, Refond introduced the industry's first Mini COB White Local Dimming technology, empowering the Smart Island with precise regional dimming. This reduces power consumption, extends product lifespan, and significantly enhances contrast and dynamic display performance. Even under direct sunlight, the display remains vivid and sharp, while halo effects are effectively suppressed, ensuring lifelike imagery and an immersive visual experience. This marks the first automotive application of Mini COB white-light technology, setting a new industry benchmark.

Redefining Human–Machine Interaction
As the industry's first modular touch-interaction system, the Audi Smart Island combines "dual rollers + touch bar" design. The touch bar, supported by Refond's high-brightness, high-contrast Mini LED technology, delivers up to 1000 nits of brightness. Even in strong light, the display remains clear and legible. With sliding and pressing functionalities, users can quickly switch central screen content or access shortcut functions. While preserving mechanical tactile feedback, it provides intuitive, flexible operation, allowing drivers to perform actions without distraction—significantly improving driving safety.

Exploring the Boundaries of Intelligent Interaction
As the global automotive industry accelerates towards intelligence, automotive-grade Mini LED displays with higher integration and better visual performance have become essential to advancing smart and personalized vehicles.

The Audi E5 Sportback’s Smart Island redefines human–machine interaction in luxury EVs. Looking ahead, Refond Optoelectronics will continue to focus deeply on the automotive LED sector, collaborating with ecosystem partners to deliver high-quality, high-value innovative in-car display solutions. By pushing the boundaries of optics + intelligent interaction, Refond is helping to build a safer, smarter, and more human-centric smart cockpit ecosystem for the future of mobility.

(Photo credit: SAIC Audi)

TrendForce 2025 Global Automotive LED Market- Lighting and Display Product Trend
Release Date:
1. PDF (196 Pages)- 30 June 2025
2. EXCEL- 30 June 2025 and 31 December 2025
Languages: Traditional Chinese / English