Audi A5L bows in China

The next generation of the Audi A5 lineup (formerly known as A4) has received a long-wheelbase version called A5L in China. It debuted at the Auto Guangzhou expo still sporting a sedan body style – in stark contrast to the global A4, which is a liftback now.

The new Audi A5L for China replaces both the old A4L and the A5 Sportback. It looks pretty much identical to the global A5 except for the rear end shape. At 4,902 mm long with 2,965 mm of wheelbase, it is 73 mm (2.85 inches) longer than the international version and has just 65 mm (2.54 inches) of added space between the axles.

In Audi’s local lineup, the Chinese A5L will be positioned one step below the A7L sedan. All interior and powertrain details remain to be revealed.

Like its predecessor, the new A5L will compete against the elongated BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class on the Chinese domestic market. Audi-FAW joint factory will handle the production.