Audi has introduced the E5 Sportback, a fully electric vehicle, in China, with a starting price of 235,900 yuan (approximately $32,500). This is significantly cheaper than Audi’s electric vehicles available in the US, where the Q4 E-Tron compact crossover starts at around $50,000. The E5 Sportback is a compact wagon that measures over 192 inches long, making it closer to a midsize vehicle than a compact. The base model, Pioneer, comes with a single electric motor delivering 295 horsepower, a 76-kilowatt-hour battery, and an estimated range of 384 miles on China’s test cycle.
The E5 Sportback is well-equipped, with features such as cameras and digital screens instead of side mirrors, soft-close frameless doors, and a fully digital dash. It also includes advanced technology such as in-built LiDAR, millimeter-wave radars, and ultrasonic radars that support various electronic driver-assist systems. Additionally, the vehicle has a digital ecosystem with deep integration with popular Chinese apps like WeChat and Alipay.
Higher trim levels, including the Pioneer Plus, Pioneer Quattro, and Flagship Quattro, offer more performance, with the top-of-the-line Flagship Quattro model starting at 319,900 yuan ($44,500) and delivering 776 horsepower and an estimated range of 480 miles. The E5 Sportback is part of Audi’s jointly developed models with Chinese auto giant SAIC, which are marketed under the separate AUDI sub-brand and will be exclusive to the Chinese market.
The AUDI sub-brand uses an 800-volt dedicated EV platform that borrows heavily from SAIC’s technology portfolio, and two more vehicles are planned on this platform. Production of the E5 Sportback is currently underway at a plant jointly operated by Audi and SAIC, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in September. The tariffs on imports have put all Audi imports on hold, making it uncertain whether the E5 Sportback will be available in the US market.
The partnership between Audi and SAIC is strategic, as Audi has struggled to gain traction in China’s fast-growing EV market. The collaboration allows Audi to tap into SAIC’s technology and expertise, while also gaining access to the Chinese market. The AUDI sub-brand is expected to play a significant role in Audi’s efforts to increase its presence in the Chinese EV market. With its competitive pricing and impressive features, the E5 Sportback is likely to be a popular choice among Chinese consumers.