Audi E5 Sportback named China Car of the Year

The Audi E5 Sportback has been named 2026 China Car of the Year, becoming the first model from Audi’s China-exclusive sister brand to receive the award just one year after the marque’s debut, as voted by a panel of industry media experts. The electric fastback, developed through a joint venture between Audi and SAIC, launched in September 2025 and delivers up to 579 kW with a maximum range of 770 km on the Advanced Digitized Platform.

The four-door fastback offers four powertrain options with rear-wheel or quattro drive, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Production began in August 2025 at a dedicated facility in Shanghai.

In a statement, Gernot Döllner, Chief Executive of Audi AG, said: “This award validates our unique approach in China with two strong brands and deep integration of local innovation. Consumer and expert feedback demonstrates that our ongoing transformation journey in China toward electrification and intelligent connected driving is on course.”

Fermín Soneira, Chief Executive of the Audi and SAIC cooperation project, added: “The Audi brand addresses a new generation of Chinese consumers who want Audi’s driving dynamics, quality, and safety, as well as seamless integration into their intelligent digital ecosystem.”

Source: Audi