by New AUDI E5 Electric Model Receives Prestigious Award in China
The launch of an all-new electric car in China under a fresh brand, without the traditional Audi rings, might have initially seemed like a risky move. However, now that the E5 Sportback model has received the “China Car of the Year” title, this unusual step is beginning to look like a well-thought-out strategy. This car, developed in partnership with the Chinese company SAIC, is the first product of a separate brand created specifically for the Chinese market.
The “China Car of the Year” award may not carry the same global weight as world automotive awards, yet the decision is made by a jury consisting of automotive journalists and industry experts. Since the award’s founding in 2014, Western brands have regularly shown strong results.
Production of the AUDI E5 Sportback began in August of last year, and the first deliveries to customers took place just a month later. The model is entering a saturated but highly dynamic electric vehicle market, where price pressure and technological innovation are developing at a frantic pace. Like many of its competitors, the E5 Sportback offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio, which undoubtedly contributes to demand.
Launching a new-build brand for China was a bold step, but the “Car of the Year” award indicates that the strategy of Audi and SAIC is working.
Model Specifications and Variants
The electric car, which combines German engineering and quality with Chinese technology, is available in four different trim levels. Prices start from 235,900 yuan (approximately $33,800 USD) and go up to 319,900 yuan (about $45,800) for the top-tier Flagship Quattro version. This top-of-the-line model is equipped with two electric motors with a combined output of 776 hp, a 100 kWh battery, and an estimated range on a single charge of 402 miles (647 km).
Inspired by the success of the stylish wagon, Audi unveiled the new E SUV Concept at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November. This model has a similar design to the Sportback and will be launched later this year under the name E7X.
Other Winners of the “China Car of the Year” Award
Of course, the E5 Sportback was not the only car to receive recognition. Among other winners:
Last year, the main title went to the Aito M9 electric SUV. Previous years’ laureates also included the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Geely Galaxy E5, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and Volkswagen ID.UNYX. In recent years, European premium brands have continued to show strong results: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class won in 2022, followed by the EQE in 2023 and the BMW i7 in 2024.
This award for the AUDI E5 clearly shows how important the Chinese market has become for global automakers and how local partnership and product adaptation can lead to recognition. The success of the model developed jointly with SAIC could serve as a model for other international companies seeking to establish themselves in this key segment. The rapid introduction of new models based on a successful platform, as with the upcoming E7X, also demonstrates the brand’s flexibility and readiness to respond to market needs. Competition in the “Car of the Year” category remains fierce, which only stimulates technological progress and expands choice for consumers.
