Audi Picks SAIC-VW Plant To Build Chinese Market Q4 e-tron

One of Audi’s upcoming electric vehicles could be built in China by Volkswagen’s joint venture with local automaker SAIC.

According to a report from Sina.com cited by Autonews China, which cites information from within the company, the Audi Q4 e-tron will be assembled at SAIC-VW’s newly-built EV plant in Shanghai’s suburban Anting district.

The factory will manufacture vehicles based on Volkswagen’s MEB all-electric architecture starting in November this year. Estimated annual production for the facility is up to 300,000 vehicles at full capacity for the Audi, Skoda, and Volkswagen brands.

Also Read: Audi To Release E-Tron Versions Of Virtually All Its Models

The Q4 e-tron will be manufactured in Europe as well at VW Group’s plant in Zwickau, Germany. The automaker is investing €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) in the facility to produce up to 330,000 electric vehicles a year for the VW, Audi, and Seat brands.

The electric SUV will be inspired by the concept vehicle unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, which packed two electric motors delivering a combined 302 hp (306 PS) of power.

The rear axle-mounted motor produces 201 hp (204 PS) and 310 Nm (228 lb-ft) of torque, while the one up front makes 75 kW (101 hp/102 PS) and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to the e-AWD system and the instant torque it provides, the Q4 e-tron Concept is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).

An 82 kWh battery pack enables the SUV to cover more than 450 km (279 miles) on a single charge as per the WLTP cycle. The battery can be charged to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes. The production model is expected to use the same electric drivetrain as the concept, with minimal changes.