Audi’s China-only EVs are coming to Europe — and they undercut local models on price

Audi developed two new electric vehicles specifically for the Chinese market — the E5 Sportback and the E7X SUV. Built on 800- and 900-volt platforms, these models feature spacious, theater-like interiors and were never intended for sale in Europe. However, an independent company called Auto China has begun importing, homologating, and registering these vehicles for European customers. The same firm previously brought the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Zeekr 9X to Europe.

Despite the added costs of shipping and certification, the top-spec versions of the E5 and E7X are actually cheaper than Audi's European-made EVs. For instance, the E5 comes with a dual-motor, 776-horsepower powertrain and a 100 kWh battery pack. This means Audi, which tried to keep its Chinese-market models out of Europe, now faces a situation where a third-party importer is making them available on the continent at a lower price than the automaker's own European electric vehicles. The move highlights the growing trend of Chinese-designed EVs entering Western markets through unofficial channels, often undercutting established brands on price and features.