Audi Q5 L Stretches Its Legs Out In China

In most countries, buyers who find one model too small simply step up to the next largest in the lineup. Not in China, though.

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.

Enter the new Q5 L. Ingolstadt 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.

More Wheelbase = More Legroom

Stretching 4.77 meters (15.6 feet) long, the Q5L is 88 millimeters (3.5 inches) longer than the standard model. That makes leaves it just 280 mm (11 inches) shorter from nose to tail than the larger Q7. And it translates to 110 mm (4.3 inches) of added leg room for the rear-seat passengers. Cargo space remains the same, though, at 550-1,550 liters (19.4-54.7 cubit feet), 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 horsepower (140 kW) for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 8.6 seconds. The more powerful 252-horsepower (185-kW) 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.