Audi’s recently launched E5 Sportback, designed for the Chinese market, is drawing comparisons to Dacia due to its competitive pricing strategy.
The new Audi model is adopting a pricing approach similar to Dacia’s, offering advanced technology at an almost unbeatable price point. This strategy is particularly noteworthy as Dacia aims to make inroads into the Chinese market with an electric vehicle priced under €15,000.
Spanish Analysts Compare Audi E5 Sportback to Dacia! What Prompted the Assessment
The Chinese automotive market has become increasingly crucial for European manufacturers, with Dacia targeting the market with a sub-€15,000 electric vehicle.
Audi has responded by introducing the E5 Sportback in Asia, a move that has been closely watched by automotive journalists, including those at Diario Motor. The publication noted that Spanish observers, known for their appreciation of the Dacia brand, drew parallels between the two automakers.
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Dacia has established a reputation for offering exceptionally affordable vehicles, and Audi’s E5 Sportback, launched in China, is mirroring this strategy. “The price of the Audi, which competes with Tesla and Xiaomi, has dropped: it now has a price similar to that of a Dacia,” reported Diario Motor.
The vehicle is currently priced at approximately €25,400 after a government subsidy of 30,000 yuan, a price point described by the Spanish publication as “unimaginable here in Europe.”
“The brutal price war there has led the SAIC Audi group to offer discounts on its spectacular sedan, turning it into a real bargain,” the report added.
10,000 Orders in 30 Minutes
Following the price reduction, demand for the Audi E5 Sportback surged in China. Diario Motor reported that within the first 30 minutes of the promotion’s announcement, Audi received over 10,000 new orders.
“Customers can choose financing with 0% interest for 5 years. The Audi E5 Sportback is a product specifically tailored to the Chinese customer: full of technology, at a competitive price, spacious and with high-quality finishes. All of this is, of course, accompanied by powerful performance,” the publication stated.
The vehicle utilizes an 800-volt battery system, providing a range of up to 773 kilometers. The most powerful Audi E5 Sportback model delivers 787 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just over 3 seconds.
“A true rocket that costs almost four times less than an Audi with similar performance in this part of the world (Europe),” the report concluded.
The sales performance of the Audi E5 Sportback in Asia remains to be seen, but the vehicle has already been awarded the “Car of the Year 2026 in China” award, according to the same source.
