However, the timber-frame construction of the central portion of the body was, in the F5, replaced with a steel frame.

The outer skin of the body remained of fabric construction, with plywood support.

DKW had been producing small front wheel drive sedans since 1931.

The incorporation of front wheel drive in the F5 was at this time still strikingly innovative in terms of the wider auto market, however.

By the time that happened, approximately 60,000 F5s had been produced, placing this car among Germany's top sellers.