Audi's 'In China, For China' EV Is Already A Big Hit

"Audi's in bad need of a win in China. Sales in its most important global market have been tanking in recent years as customers turn to more advanced options from local newcomers. So in order to turn things around, Audi's calling on a Chinese automaker to help make something suited to that country-and it seems to be working. Audi's namesake all-caps brand for China is actually off to a strong start."

"The base version costs the equivalent of $33,000 and pairs a single rear-mounted motor with a 76-kWh battery. Output is rated at 295 horsepower, with a range of 384 miles (618 kilometers) on the lenient CLTC cycle. Even the flagship model delivers strong value. The dual-motor Quattro variant produces 776 hp and uses a larger 100-kWh battery, yet costs only $45,000."

Audi's sales in China have declined as buyers choose more advanced local competitors. Audi created a China-only all-caps brand, AUDI, and partnered with SAIC to produce the E5 Sportback at a SAIC-Volkswagen plant in Anting, Shanghai. The E5 received 10,153 orders within 30 minutes of opening. The AUDI lineup will be exclusively electric, with two additional models planned. Base pricing starts at the equivalent of $33,000 for a single-motor, 76-kWh version with 295 hp and a 384-mile CLTC range. A dual-motor Quattro flagship delivers 776 hp, a 100-kWh battery, 402-mile range, and strong performance. The E5 includes rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, 800-volt charging, and LiDAR.

Read at InsideEVs