It seems that Audi wants to prevent its electric cars, intended exclusively for the Chinese market, from entering the domestic market through the back door. Namely, Audi plans to stop the gray import of AUDI E5 Sportback and E7X models.
Audi and SAIC developed these models specifically for China and sell them under the new Audi brand that deliberately does not display the distinctive four-ring badge. Despite this, the vehicles are already appearing in Germany. The German importer Auto China imported those two models, carried out homologation, and offered them to local buyers. Audi noticed this and is now taking legal action against the imports. A representative of the manufacturer based in Ingolstadt told the trade magazine Automobilwoche that legal proceedings have been initiated against the importer and that they will resolutely protect their rights.
The Chinese project is designed to attract young, tech-savvy buyers—those looking for something different from the multitude of models with the classic Audi logo. This is also visible on the vehicles themselves: outside and inside, they are significantly different from the global model range.
E5 Sportback or E7X models imported via gray channels do not automatically become part of the official European sales network just because they are Audi vehicles. Owners could face problems related to software, diagnostics, spare parts, and repairs. This is especially true for modern electric cars that are equipped with numerous sensors, cameras, and complex driver assistance systems.
