AUDI’s China‑Exclusive, 776-HP E5 Sportback Begins Production, Pre‑Ordering Opens

[Source: Audi]

On August 18, the first car created under the China-dedicated AUDI brand rolled off the assembly line in Anting, Shanghai. The E5 Sportback is a slick, fully electric, 4-door fastback built on the new Advanced Digitized Platform. The first customer deliveries are expected to begin in September.

“We unite German engineering, technology and quality with Chinese cutting-edge innovation, creating a car without compromises. The E5 Sportback embodies our vision to bring the best of both worlds together,” said Fermín Soneira, CEO of AUDI.

E5 Sportback Specs

The new E5 Sportback certainly looks futuristic, but it is not a case of all show and no go. The top spec can produce 579 kW or roughly 776 horsepower. That is enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in about 3.4 seconds. Not too shabby.

On the more practical side of things, China has one of the largest road networks in the world. So, any electric vehicle sold there needs to have a significant driving range. The E5 Sportback checks that box with up to 770 kilometers or about 478 miles of range. Buyers can select from four distinct powertrain options with rear-wheel or quattro drive both available.

More AUDI’s to Come

The car is built in a dedicated production facility on the SAIC Volkswagen site in Anting, Shanghai. As you would probably expect, the facility is highly advanced. It features a high degree of automation, state-of-the-art technologies, such as machine learning for quality monitoring, and a fully digitalized production management system.

The site currently employs about 700 people. But that number is set to rise. The E5 Sportback is the first AUDI model for China, but it is not the last. Two additional AUDI models are scheduled to follow within the next two years. Like the E5 Sportback they are expected to offer next-generation connected vehicle functionality and full-car over the air updates.

As more information becomes available on the new AUDI models, we will be sure to share it here.