Shanghai (ZXZC)- Local production of Audi's first BEV model, the e-tron, will start next year in FAW-Volkswagen's Changchun plant. It production capacity is said to sit between 45,000 units and 50,000 units on an annual basis.

In recent days, local media outlets revealed that the joint venture with FAW Group will put a new C-segment all-electric SUV model into mass production at its plant in Foshan, Guangdong province. The new model is in likelihood the Audi e-tron Sportback, which is set to premiere at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

According to an environment impact assessment report from local ecology and environment agency, the yet-to-be-produced BEV model will be offered in two versions based on NEDC-rated range—500km and 350km.

The new SUV will be equipped with three electric motors—the one is at the front axle and the other two are at rear wheels and powered by a ternary-lithium battery pack with an energy density of 160Wh/kg, versus 125Wh/kg for the locally-produced Mercedes-Benz EQC. Driven by such powertrain, the vehicle can sprint from 0-100km/h within only 4.5 seconds.

The Sportback's aggressive personality is characterized by such elements as the fastback-like body and the taillight cluster stretching the tailgate. After hitting the market, the China-made Sportback is going to rival counterparts like Tesla's Model X and is expected to be priced lower.