I ordered on 9/18, and had the 3/8 lock date & 4/5 build date. I locked on 3/8 as predicted, and moved to "in production" 4/3 (surprisingly, in the evening US/Eastern). As of today it's still "in production", and just this morning I got an email from Audi - usual several days' lag behind the web site.

It feels like production order is some mix of order date, trim level (mine is a Premium Plus), and possibly an 'X factor'.

I just got off the phone with Audi's e-tron support line. My production date was supposed to be 4/5. She told me it is not yet in production, but "everything is on track" to take delivery in 14-16 weeks, which is mid-late July. Way later than the early June date my dealer gave me. She would not give me a new build date, just "everything is on track". Ugh.

I definitely seem to be in the "worst case scenario" category!
Ordered on 9/17
Locked on 12/30
Went to "Gearing up for Production" 10 days ago.
Still "gearing up"
Called Audi and they say the car was produced 1/28 (which begs the question, why does the website still say it's gearing up for production?)
Called my dealer and he says it's slated for "end of production" on 5/17!
It seems no one knows what's really going on!
I'm in no hurry but the conflicted information is perplexing at best!

My dealer says the VIN is assigned at port of entry.

I got a VIN from my dealer when the car was "en route."

I'm sure the VIN is on the car before it gets to the boat.

The VIN is stamped on several parts that are ordinarily out of sight as an anti-theft measure, so of necessity they are stamped during manufacture.

My production date was supposed to be 4/5 but that didnt happen. I was given the same 14-16 weeks which is much different than what I was told a month ago (mid to late second quarter). Everything definitely is NOT on track.

Just got off the phone with the support line too. 15-17 weeks for delivery. I just don't get it when my order locked on December 30th! There definitely seems to be something strange going on with the ordering system.

Galaxy Blue Prestige / Black Interior (21" turbine wheels, towing package). Reservation date: 9/15. Lock date of 3/8. Prior call to Audi support informed a 4/5 production start, as of today MyAudi showing "gearing up for production."