Audi Launches Chinese-Exclusive Long-Wheelbase A6L

With over 200,000 A6s built in China to date, the A6 has been a runaway hit for Audi and FAW-Group, and the addition of the

The A6L provides the roominess and comfort of a full-size luxo-barge such as the A8 without the near six-figure price tag. (Photo: Audi Canada)

long wheelbase model will add to the model's popularity. Until BMW and Mercedes bring out long wheelbase variants of their midsize premium models, it's unlikely that the competition will ever catch up to Audi. How long until they show up? It's hard to say - but in a market as big and as important as China, the answer might be sooner, rather than later.

The idea of the A6L is an intriguing one from a North American viewpoint. It provides the roominess and comfort of a full-size luxo-barge such as the A8 without the near six-figure price tag. With a starting price of $60,500 for the V6 and $73,500 for the V8, both

The A6L was revealed to the public on April 21st at Auto Shanghai 2005. (Photo: Audi Canada)

of which are only available in quattro and automatic configuration, a long-wheelbase variant would put it uncomfortably close to the A8, ground that's decreasing as the new A6 grows in popularity.

In Europe, conflict also occurs with the A8, which is available with the 255 hp FSI V6. Once again, priority goes to the flagship. Aside from the conflict in marketing, the A6L won't be built in Ingolstadt, Germany, the source of our North American market A6s.

The A6L was revealed to the public on April 21st at Auto Shanghai 2005.