Chinese AUDI E5 Sportback and E7X have started appearing in Europe through a third-party importer, Auto China. Both models were developed by Audi in collaboration with SAIC specifically for the Chinese market and are not officially represented in the brand's European lineup.

The E5 Sportback features an 800-volt architecture and up to 787 hp, with its assistant system utilizing lidar and 11 cameras. The model has already been named China Car of the Year 2026. The larger E7X, measuring 5.05 m in length, is equipped with a 900-volt system and all-wheel drive.

Audi indeed produces these cars in China with SAIC, but the company itself emphasizes their exclusivity for the Chinese market. The E5 Sportback was the first production model of the new AUDI brand without the familiar four rings, and the E7X is the second car in this lineup.

The European importer offers the E5 for approximately 72,488 euros and the E7X for 88,209 euros (7.1 and 8.6 million rubles, respectively). However, there's an important caveat: the stated range of up to 647 and 660 km is calculated according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. Under the European WLTP, these figures will be lower.

There's also a more serious issue: maintenance. A gray import buyer does not receive the same clear dealer infrastructure as an owner of an official European Audi. This applies to warranty, software, spare parts, and subsequent resale of the car.

The paradox of the situation is obvious: Audi has created such technologically advanced cars in China that they are now independently returning to Europe. While these are only small batches for now, the fact itself is indicative – the German brand's Chinese direction is beginning to influence the European market even before its official launch.