AUDI E5 Sportback Wins 2026 China Car of the Year Title

Audi reports that the all-electric AUDI E5 Sportback has been named 2026 China Car of the Year, highlighting the brand’s China-focused EV strategy.

The all-electric AUDI E5 Sportback has been awarded the China Car of the Year 2026 title, becoming the first model from Audi’s China-exclusive AUDI brand to receive this distinction. The decision was made by a jury of industry automotive media experts, underlining the significance of the award in one of the world’s most competitive car markets.

The recognition marks an important milestone for Audi’s dual-brand strategy in China. Alongside the traditional Audi lineup, the new AUDI brand targets a distinct customer group that values not only driving dynamics and quality, but also advanced digital integration. According to Audi AG CEO Gernot Döllner, the award confirms that the company’s transformation toward electrification and intelligent connected vehicles in China is on the right path.

The AUDI E5 Sportback represents the first production expression of this approach. The four-door electric fastback combines Audi’s engineering expertise with solutions tailored specifically to the Chinese market. Depending on configuration, the model delivers up to 579 kW of power, offers a driving range of up to 770 kilometers, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.4 seconds. Customers can choose between rear-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive variants.

At the core of the E5 Sportback is the new Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP), developed through the cooperation between Audi and SAIC. The platform features a zonal electronic architecture, supports full over-the-air updates, and enables next-generation connected vehicle functions. This technical foundation reflects Audi’s ambition to shorten development cycles and respond more quickly to the expectations of Chinese consumers.

The China Car of the Year title adds to a series of industry awards the E5 Sportback has received since its debut, helping to build market confidence in the new brand ahead of large-scale deliveries. Production began at the dedicated AUDI Intelligent Production Site in Shanghai in August 2025, with customer deliveries following the official market launch later that year.

As China continues to set the pace in the global electric vehicle market, the success of the AUDI E5 Sportback suggests that Audi’s focus on localized development and a dedicated China-only brand could strengthen its position in the most demanding segment of the global automotive industry.