In
the so-called People’s Republic, wealthy customers often prefer to ride in the
back of long-wheelbase vehicles, with their chauffeurs driving up front. And
Audi is only too glad to oblige their requirements.
Here is the new Q5 L. Audi unveiled the
stretched version of its compact luxury crossover in this unique shade of lipstick
red at the Beijing Auto Show today, specifically catered to the Chinese market.
Stretching 4.77 meters long, the Q5L is
88 millimeters longer than the standard model. That makes leaves
it just 280 mm shorter from nose to tail than the larger Q7. And it
translates to 110 mm of added leg room for the rear-seat
passengers. Cargo space remains the same, though, at 550-1,550 liters, depending on how the rear seats are positioned. In just
about every other way, it’s essentially the same model we already know.
Chinese buyers will be able to choose between five
trim levels and two powertrain options. The 2.0-liter turbo four can be had
with 190 hp for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds. The
more powerful 252-hp version takes just 6.7 seconds to do the
same.
The FAW-VW joint venture will assemble the Q5 L
alongside the standard Q5 in Chagnchun, with parts shipped in from Audi’s plant
in Mexico. Audi also offers similarly extended versions of the A4, A6, and A8
in China, helping it cater to local tastes.
