Audi E5 Sportback production and pre-sales launched in China

Audi and SAIC start production of the E5 Sportback in Shanghai with pre-sales open; first deliveries in September, marking the debut of the new AUDI brand in China.

On August 18, 2025, Audi and its partner SAIC launched series production and pre-sales of the new AUDI E5 Sportback, the first model of the newly created AUDI brand dedicated to the Chinese market. The vehicle rolled off the line at the Anting facility in Shanghai, where a dedicated production hub has been set up within the SAIC Volkswagen plant. First deliveries are scheduled for September.

The E5 Sportback is presented as a fully electric fastback with remarkable performance: up to 579 kW of power, a maximum range of 770 kilometers, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Built on the new Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP), it offers full over-the-air updates and enhanced digital connectivity.

Around 700 employees are involved in production, and Audi plans to add two more models under the AUDI brand within the next two years. The Anting operations rely on a high degree of automation, machine learning for quality monitoring, and a fully digitalized management system.

The introduction of the new AUDI brand, featuring a wordmark instead of the four rings, reflects the company’s “in China, for China” strategy. By joining German engineering with Chinese digital ecosystems, Audi aims to accelerate development and strengthen its position in the world’s largest EV market.

Analysts highlight the increasing pressure from local competitors, who are rapidly advancing in both technology and pricing. Against this backdrop, Audi’s focus on digitalization and localized services could prove decisive in the premium EV segment.

Media reactions in China and Germany have been broadly positive, underlining both the ambitious technical specifications and the bold strategic move of creating a dedicated brand for China. At the same time, full road tests have not yet been published, leaving real-world impressions still to come.

The environmental context is tied to testing methodologies. Audi traditionally communicates data based on WLTP, while China applies the CLTC standard, which typically results in higher range figures. Thus, the quoted 770 km should be understood within the CLTC framework, an important factor when comparing with European models.