2023 Audi A6 Facelift Possibly Previewed By China’s Updated A6 L

Pictures of the facelifted Audi A6 L appeared on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website, showing minor styling changes that could preview the updated regular-wheelbase models set to be launched shortly in Europe and North America.

The current Audi A6 (C8) was originally introduced in August 2018, with the China-only long-wheelbase A6 L following in November 2018 produced by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. Four years later, it is time for a mid-lifecycle update bringing the last ICE-powered A6 back in the spotlight. After all, both of its major competitors, the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, were updated in 2020.

The facelifted A6 L versus the pre-facelift regular A6 in the S-Line trim. Notice the small differences in the grille pattern, the new LED graphics, and the extra chrome trim in the front bumper intakes.

The pictures show the 45 TFSI variant in two different trim levels as we can tell from the design of the bumpers. One of them has vertical lines on the Singleframe grille and Y-shaped chrome inserts on the bumper intakes, while the second one, which is most likely the S-Line, has a sportier design with a different pattern on the grille and more complex intakes.

Besides the redesigned LED graphics on the headlights, the new wheel designs with a diameter of up to 19 inches, a few 30th-anniversary badges, and some extra chrome trim on the bumper, the model looks identical to its predecessor. The situation is similar at the back where the changes are limited to additional chrome trim on the bumper surrounding the faux exhaust pipes. The facelift might bring more standard ADAS features and infotainment upgrades in the cabin, while the 10.1-inch touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will likely be retained.

The facelifted 2022 A6 L (up) versus the pre-facelifted 2018 A6 L (below), both photographed with the S-Line package in the premises of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology

The 45 TFSI badge and the spec sheet suggest that the pictured A6 L is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS). The motor is sending power to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the quattro AWD system. Since it is the A6 L, it has a wheelbase of 3,024 mm (119 inches) that is 100 mm (3.9 inches) longer than the regular A6.

We expect the updated A6 to launch sometime in the coming months. The latest rumors suggest that Audi will keep the sedan and Avant bodystyles in Europe and North America. The A6 50 TFSI and the A6 55 TFSI e Quattro plug-in hybrid, the rugged A6 Allroad, and the performance-focused S6 and RS6 are also expected to carry over in the facelifted range.