The Audi E5 and E7X models reached Europe through an importer. They are cheaper than local Audis, but the risks involved are real.
Two electric Audis created exclusively for China have begun appearing in Germany. Independent importer Auto China is selling the E5 Sportback and E7X models despite the manufacturer not planning for them to be sold in Europe, and prices after shipping, homologation, and VAT can be lower than those of cars from Ingolstadt.
This is an interesting test for the market. And for the courage of buyers.
Audi developed the Chinese E5 Sportback and E7X models together with SAIC under the fully capitalized brand name AUDI. These are not European e-trons with a different logo, but a separate line of vehicles using its own Advanced Digitized Platform.
On paper, they look very powerful. The E5 features a twin-motor setup with 776 horsepower and a 100 kWh battery, while the Chinese AUDI models use 800 V and 900 V platforms. Additionally, they come with a dashboard featuring a screen spanning the entire width and an ADAS package including a lidar and 11 cameras.
#MotOlivka Audi (as seen in the photo) or VW models produced in China are not available in Europe.
This car came from China to Łódź, and the model in the photo is an AUDI E7X.
The price of the car is around 145,000–150,000 zł at the current exchange rate, excluding costs of importing it to Poland, taxes, and other fees. pic.twitter.com/nCwarPHFwD
— Olivia SMArt (@OliWojowniczka) August 19, 2026
The prices seem high, at least according to the importer’s website.
According to Auto China’s offer, the most powerful Audi E5, after being imported to Europe, is 28,000 euros cheaper than the Audi S6 Sportback e-tron. This is despite both having the same 100 kWh battery, with the European S6 having higher power at 543 HP.
The same is true for SUVs. The Chinese Audi E7X starts at around 86,800 euros, including shipping, registration in Europe, and VAT, while the smaller, less powerful Audi SQ6 e-tron without a lidar costs 93,800 euros in Germany.
The importer includes a charging adapter and offers a 2-year warranty provided by an independent repair network. That sounds good. But it’s still not an official Audi sale in Europe.
Servicing, parts, and lawyers. This is where the less pleasant part begins.
The first Chinese-made Audis are already on the roads in Germany, as reported by Automobilwoche. The problem is that there is very little servicing knowledge about these cars in Europe, and the availability of parts is highly uncertain.
There’s also the issue of driver assistance systems. Audi told Automobilwoche outright: “The models of the sister brand AUDI are based on their own platform (Advanced Digitized Platform) developed together with our partner SAIC and are deeply integrated into China’s digital ecosystem.” In practice, this means the software and ADAS were designed for China. On European roads, they may function differently than drivers expect.
There is also a legal risk. A few years ago, another dealer imported around 20 Chinese Volkswagen ID.6 models. Volkswagen sued him in 2023, sales were halted, and the already imported cars were ultimately destroyed.
Ansgar Klein, president of the German association of independent dealers BVfK, put it succinctly: “As a dealer, I would not bring vehicles from China. Even if lawyers give the green light, there remains a de facto residual risk.”
For buyers in Europe, it’s a simple calculation: one can get more digitally advanced Audis for less money, but with concerns regarding service, parts, and the future of the entire project. Who among you would take such a risk just for the price and specifications?
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