Audi’s new “AUDI” a big hit.

Audi introduced a new sub-brand in China a few months ago called AUDI. Its first production model has been officially launched, and it is already a success. The new AUDI E5 Sportback has gathered over 10,000 orders in the first 30 minutes of its launch just 3 days ago.

To put this in perspective, that is more than the Audi A3 sales number in the US last year. More than the A6, A4, A7, A8, and even more than the Q4 e-Tron. Again, in just 30 minutes.

Part of its instant success is probably due to its pricing. Which, in China, starts at 32,500. Which is about the same price as a Tesla Model 3 over there. For that money, you are getting a RWD version with a 76.2 kWh battery good for 386 miles of range (local test cycle). It still comes with a panoramic roof, 59-inch display, and ventilated seats. The top-of-the-line AWD version with a larger 100kWh battery starts at $44,000.

It’s hard to say if such a success comes at the expense of other “regular” Audi models. Or if the new model brings new poeple ot the VW group.
It doesn’t seem that crazy hard to get the recipe right. A good-looking car with lots of features and tech for a great price.

Of course, this wouldn’t be sold at the same price in North America. And yet, the Model 3 starts at $42,500 in the US. The E5 Sportsback for that price from Audi would undercut the Audi Q4 e-Tron by about $8000!

Something to think about…