By May 2023, Avtostat reported that 175 Chinese Kaiyi E5 sedans had been sold in Russia. Since the start of the year, production has taken place at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad, marking a local assembly phase that underpins the model’s Russian market presence. Analysts note that market concentration is strong in major urban centers, with roughly 40 percent of Kaiyi E5 sales concentrated in Moscow and about 30 percent in the Moscow region. In contrast, sales in St. Petersburg have accounted for around 10 percent of the total. These regional dynamics illustrate how consumer demand for compact, value-focused sedans has shifted toward metropolitan areas with higher incomes and more robust dealership networks. Source: Avtostat.
Russian customers began receiving Kaiyi E5 sedans in March, drawn by a combination of practical features and local adaptations designed to perform in temperate climates. Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine delivering about 147 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. The E5 has been tailored to withstand Russian road conditions, featuring heated seats, heated mirrors, and heated windshield and rear windows. The body also includes anti-corrosion treatment to resist winter road salt and slushy driving environments. These resilience upgrades are complemented by a focus on driver and passenger comfort during long commutes and frequent stops in city traffic. Source: Avtostat.
In terms of equipment, the Kaiyi E5 comes with LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a modern 10.25-inch infotainment display. Convenience features include a keyless entry system with an engine start button, adaptive and convenient cruise control, and a suite of assisting technologies that aim to improve safety and ease of driving in mixed road conditions. Pricing in the domestic market starts at approximately 1.96 million rubles, a figure that positions the E5 as a competitive option within its segment, balancing modern convenience with affordability. The configuration choices reflect a broader strategy to appeal to first-time buyers and value-conscious families looking for a new sedan with contemporary amenities. Source: Avtostat.
Looking ahead, industry chatter suggests that the Kaiyi lineup in Russia may expand further later in the year with the introduction of X3 and X3 Pro compact crossovers. These additions would broaden the brand’s footprint beyond the E5 sedan, tapping into a growing demand for small crossovers that combine efficiency with practical interior space. If realized, the expansion would align with regional consumer preferences for versatile vehicles that perform well in urban centers and on regional routes alike, while leveraging Avtotor’s local production capabilities to support availability and pricing stability. Source: Avtostat.