Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On August 25, SAIC Audi announced the construction completion of the AUDI Intelligent Manufacturing Base in Anting, Shanghai, according to a post on SAIC Volkswagen's WeChat account.
The facility represents an investment of more than 3.5 billion yuan, covers 410,000 square meters, and has an annual planned capacity of 360,000 vehicles. At the same time, the first production model built at the site—the Audi E5 Sportback, developed specifically for the Chinese market—officially rolled off the production line.
The Audi E5 Sportback is positioned as a four-door fastback electric coupé, offered in both rear-wheel-drive and quattro all-wheel-drive variants. Built on an 800-volt architecture and powered by CATL's cell-to-pack battery, the model delivers up to 773 km of range under the CLTC testing cycle. It supports ultra-fast charging that can add 370 km of range in just 10 minutes. The dual-motor version delivers up to 579 kW, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in 3.4 seconds.
Four trims are available, with a limited-time starting price of 235,900 yuan, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in September.
As a flagship project of Sino-German industrial cooperation, the Anting base is built on the Advanced Digitized Platform, achieving full automation of critical processes and complete data traceability across stamping, body, paint, and final assembly workshops.
The factory employs an FIS production control system to ensure precision at every stage. Key processes include fully automated assembly of core components, automated interior and exterior body painting, and online film-thickness monitoring for consistent finishes. In final assembly, advanced tools such as precision torque wrenches, automated chassis alignment systems, and automated high-voltage battery installation are deployed. AI-based visual inspection technology is also used to detect millimeter-level foreign particles during battery and chassis integration, safeguarding the reliability of the EV’s powertrain systems. Before delivery, 27 onboard intelligent sensors undergo full automatic calibration to guarantee hardware readiness for advanced driver-assistance functions.
