2nd-gen VW Lamando ‘L’ bows in China

Volkswagen has introduced the second generation of its Lamando sedan in China, which is now actually a liftback and gets an ‘L’ suffix to its name. Frameless doors, a rather experimental design and MQB Evo underpinnings are its main features.

Funnily enough, the SAIC-VW joint enterprise is not sure whether to launch the car under the ‘Lamando L’ name or give it a different name entirely. A customer survey is underway right now to determine this.

Back to the car, though. At 4,785 mm long with 2,731 mm of wheelbase, it is 170 mm longer than its predecessor and 10 mm longer than the VW Passat. There is only one engine on offer so far, a 1.4-liter 150-PS turbo mated to a seven-speed DSG box. In all likelihood, other power options will appear in the coming months.

Lighting is LED-based all around and very unusually shaped for a Volkswagen. The body sports predominantly smooth lines with lots of creases and an aggressive front air intake. The interior is dominated by the dashboard and infotainment display duo, and also contains a steering wheel with touch controls and a tiny gear selection joystick.

Sales should begin this spring. If you decide to visit a dealership and fail to locate a Lamando L on the floor, try looking for Mala Tang, Romantic Duo or Spicy Tiger – these are all actual name candidates in consideration right now.