Audi’s China-only EVs are coming to Europe, and they cost less than local models

Auto China is importing Audi’s China-only E5 Sportback and E7X, built with SAIC, into Germany and registering them for road use. After shipping, homologation and VAT, the E5 costs about €28,000 less than the European-built S6 e-tron, and the E7X €7,000 less than the SQ6 e-tron, despite EU duties of up to 45%. The models rely on a China-specific digital platform, raising concerns over spare-part availability, repair expertise and driver-assistance calibration for European roads.