The Audi A6 e-tron will be based on the long-wheelbase version of the Audi A6, which is already produced in China, and will be adapted to meet local market needs.

The full-size sedan will offer a 50km electric-only range and will be produced within the joint venture by FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun in northern China.

Zhang Pijie, President of FAW-Volkswagen, said: ‘Audi and FAW have been cooperating closely for more than 25 years. Together, we have built up the premium segment in China. Now we are cooperating on the next generation of automobiles.’

Audi already offers its Chinese customers a wide range of imported hybrid models, in the form of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro, Audi A6 hybrid and Audi A8 L hybrid). The Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid will also come to China.