Audi's Chinese brand received 10,000 pre-orders within just 30 minutes | Carscoops

      The AUDI sub-brand's E5 Sportback has captivated Chinese consumers with a range of up to 402 miles, dual motors, and a surprisingly affordable price.

      The Audi E5 Sportback, exclusively available in China, has a starting price of 235,900 yuan, approximately $33,000.

      The range varies from 384 to 402 miles, depending on the trim level and battery choice.

      Power output ranges from 295 hp to 776 hp, available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.

      Recently, Audi made the decision to create a separate EV brand in China named AUDI, spelled in all capital letters. This decision seemed questionable at first, but it appears to be beneficial, given the strong interest in its debut model, the E5 Sportback.

      According to the company, when pre-orders for the E5 began on August 18, over 10,000 reservations were made within just half an hour. While such figures are typical for new Chinese startups, they are not usually seen with established manufacturers. Equally significant as the numbers is the message they convey: displaying how many people have already committed to this EV effectively generates excitement and urgency for potential buyers.

      It’s worth noting that these figures may not hold much significance, as they do not involve binding agreements or non-refundable deposits. It’s possible that many of those who placed early reservations might cancel before the vehicle is actually delivered.

      That said, it’s not surprising that the E5 has garnered strong interest. As we confirmed last month, the base model, called Pioneer, starts at just 235,900 yuan or about $33,100. For this price, customers receive a 76 kWh battery pack, a 295 hp rear motor, and a claimed range of 384 miles (618 km).

      Additional options include the Pioneer Plus, which offers 402 hp and rear-wheel drive with a 100 kWh battery, starting at 269,900 yuan ($38,000), and another Pioneer Plus variant with dual motors delivering 518 hp using an 83 kWh battery, also starting at 269,900 yuan ($38,000). The top-end model is the Flagship Quattro, equipped with a 100 kWh battery, a range of 402 miles (647 km), and dual motors producing 776 hp, starting at just 319,900 yuan ($45,000).

      The interior of the AUDI E5 Sportback is distinct from any Audi models sold in the West, resembling other EVs available in China. It features a 59-inch screen spanning the entire dashboard, digital side mirrors, soft-touch leather and Alcantara materials, along with wireless phone charging options.