Spy pictures of the long wheelbase variant of the
2018 Audi Q5 have surfaced online. The images shared by Sina reveal a partially
camouflaged test unit showing the increased length evident from the larger rear
window.
The SUV appears identical in every other respect.
The rear seat passengers will reap the benefits of the increased length. Exact
dimensions are not known yet, but expect the wheelbase to grow by at least 60
mm. In its standard form, the Q5 measures 4,663 mm long and rides on a
wheelbase of 2,819 mm.
The Q5L is expected to get
the standard 2.0 L TFSI petrol. It has a maximum power output of 252 HP. Peak
torque is rated at 370 Nm and the transmission is a 7-speed DSG. In its
standard spec, the Q5 with the 1,984 cc engine can hit 100 km/h from a
standstill in 6.3 seconds.
Chinese consumers place rear seat comfort high on
the priority list as a majority of luxury car buyers prefer being chauffeur
driven. Hence, manufacturers create long wheelbase versions of their car
specifically for the Chinese market. Other LWB Audi products unique to this
market include the A4L and A6L, with the Audi Q2L confirmed to arrive next. The
report claims Audi will launch the 2018 Audi Q5 L in China in the first quarter
of 2018.