A4/S4/RS4 Audi introduces LWB A4 for Chinese market

[EnI]

Remember this post of mine I posted a month ago?

Audi AG has just registered trademark A4L

It seems they are thinking to offer LWB A4 in Chinese market (analog to A6L).

Now it's official:



Audi A4: Long version for China

Since Chinese customers appreciate the rear legroom very much, Audi's introducing the long version of the Audi A4 in the Chinese market. Audi A4L was premiered on Sunday (16.11.2008) at the Guangzhou Motor Show.

Audi A4L (manufactured in Changchun factory) has an increased wheelbase by 60 millimeters, bringing passengers in the rear more legroom. Additionally the chassis of 4.76-meter long A4L is specifically set to fit Chinese road conditions.

The Audi A4L sales will start in January 2009 (Chinese market only), initially with two engines: 2.0 TFSI with 180 hp, and a 3.2 FSI with 265 hp.

Source:AMS



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Will the rivals react? Will we see the LWB versions of next-generation 3er & C-class as well? IMO we will - if the A4L proves to be successful. And if A6L sales numbers are the indicator, it will surely be.

 

[bmwownage]

Won't this eat into the A6 market though? i thought A6L (and there is a 5series LWB right?) was there for those rather rich Chinese who not quite afford a A8, so there is a A6L to offer the space.

 

[Merc1]

No side pic, why? Cause it is going to be really ugly. No there won't be a long version of the 3 or C-Class IMO.


M

 

[ree]

Won't this eat into the A6 market though? i thought A6L (and there is a 5series LWB right?) was there for those rather rich Chinese who not quite afford a A8, so there is a A6L to offer the space.

Yep right!! A6 L and 5-series LWB:

 

[Merc1]

Yuck, they look deformed. Like stretched short buses.

M

 

[Centurion]

Lolz! Can someone explain why the Chinese people are so hot on LWB cars? They've got one of the lowest average height for the population but yet they want the longest cars.

What's next, long wheel base Maybach 62?

 

[PanterroR]

Lolz! Can someone explain why the Chinese people are so hot on LWB cars? They've got one of the lowest average height for the population but yet they want the longest cars.

What's next, long wheel base Maybach 62?

 

[EnI]

Beside A6L, and 5er LWB, there are also E-class LWB (!!!), and Cadillac SLS (= LWB STS). All these cars are locally produced. So they are A4, 3er, C-class etc.

And locally produced cars have status of a domestic product - despite wearing foreign brand badges. Domestic status means no custom taxes - meaning the cars are more affordable. A8, 7er, S-class etc are just too expensive for some real sales numbers.

And since most luxury cars in China are chauffeur driven, and imported cars are too expensive, carmakers decided to offer China-exclussive LWB versions of smaller models (entry luxury segment, executive luxury segment). And such a formula proves to be very successful.

Think of eg. A6L as a "poor man's" A8.
While A4L is actually what? A SWB A6?
I'm not even sure SWB A6 is even offfered in China ... If that's the case than A4L is "poor man's" A6 SWB.

Chinese affairs. Complicated stuff.

 

[Centurion]

Maybe LWB cars are popular because politicians don't want to buy an uber expensive A8 just to get a VIP car with decent leg room. As the A4 is about a third the price of an A8, it offers good value in LWB form.

 

[Monster]

Yuck, they look deformed. Like stretched short buses.

M

They still look a million times better than those horror on wheels from those domestic Chinese car manufacturers.

 

[Giannis]

What's next, long wheel base Maybach 62?

No, Long Wheel Base 3er and 116i Long...

 

[MikeJ]

I'm waiting for the long-wheelbase TT which, of course, MB will counter with its SLK L.

 

[EnI]

Wait until Audi offers A1L.

 

[Centurion]

Will the rivals react? Will we see the LWB versions of next-generation 3er & C-class as well? IMO we will - if the A4L proves to be successful. And if A6L sales numbers are the indicator, it will surely be.

True. MB and BMW are taking the "wait and see approach". The market for long wheel base A4 and A6 is very premature so until Audi's sales really take off MB and BMW won't bother investing too much money in to this. Very interesting though and should be given a try in other countries.

 

[Yperion]

IMO Audi must sell this version in the Netherlands and Sweden , Chinese people don't really need it...

 

[Centurion]

Doesn't look that long.

 

[klier]

Doesn't look too bad either. But I too fail to see the point of this car....Must be as big as a regular A6.

 

[ree]

Doesn't look too bad either. But I too fail to see the point of this car....Must be as big as a regular A6.

There is no regular A6 or A8 in China!! They are only avaliable with LWB! So maybe, this car makes sence…but when offering the standard versions, they wouldn't have to build the LWB!

 

[ree]

Beside A6L, and 5er LWB, there are also E-class LWB (!!!), and Cadillac SLS (= LWB STS). All these cars are locally produced. So they are A4, 3er, C-class etc.

And locally produced cars have status of a domestic product - despite wearing foreign brand badges. Domestic status means no custom taxes - meaning the cars are more affordable. A8, 7er, S-class etc are just too expensive for some real sales numbers.

And since most luxury cars in China are chauffeur driven, and imported cars are too expensive, carmakers decided to offer China-exclussive LWB versions of smaller models (entry luxury segment, executive luxury segment). And such a formula proves to be very successful.

Think of eg. A6L as a "poor man's" A8.
While A4L is actually what? A SWB A6?
I'm not even sure SWB A6 is even offfered in China ... If that's the case than A4L is "poor man's" A6 SWB.

Chinese affairs. Complicated stuff.

Is there really a E-Class LWB?! Never heard about - do you can share any pics?!

 

[EnI]

Is there really a E-Class LWB?! Never heard about - do you can share any pics?!

Actually W212 will be offered in the LWB version. Chinese W211 is a regular model.

Currently (in executive segment) only LWB versions of A6, 5er & STS are offered in China. MB is joining the wagon with W212.