- Audi’s new A6L rides on a longer wheelbase than the A8.
- The sedan brings modern tech and several electrified engines.
- Despite big upgrades, it costs over $15k less than before.
Audi has rolled out a new generation of the A6L for China, and it has grown into something that sits surprisingly close to the A8 in sheer size. The executive sedan effectively bridges the gap between mid-size and full-size luxury. Despite the added technology and larger footprint, it actually arrives with a lower starting price than the model it replaces.
The new A6L adopts the aggressive styling language of the global-spec A6 sedan, though its proportions tell a different story. Audi has stretched the body by 143 mm (5.6 inches), bringing total length to 5,142 mm (202.4 in). Much of that increase benefits rear-seat space, thanks to a wheelbase that now measures 3,066 mm (120.7 inches). That is 68 mm (2.7 inches) longer than the standard A8, though still 62 mm (2.4 inches) shorter than the extended A8L.
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The extended rear doors are the most obvious clue that this is not a regular A6, but Audi has also made several smaller design adjustments up front. The grille receives a revised internal pattern, while a slim LED strip frames the illuminated Audi emblem. Metal trim now flows into the headlight housings, giving the front end a slightly more intricate appearance.
Lower down, the bumper intakes gain aluminum-style trim that continues along the side skirts and wraps around the rear diffuser. Choose the S-Line trim and the look shifts closer to the US-spec A6 sedan, with darker exterior accents. It also rides on unique 21-inch alloy wheels that Audi says were styled to “reflect Eastern aesthetics.”
What About The Interior?
Inside, the A6L leans heavily into comfort, particularly for rear-seat passengers. The cabin features China-exclusive seats developed with long-distance comfort in mind. Overhead sits a huge 1.96 square meter (21.1 square feet) panoramic roof, complete with 112 RGB LEDs that add customizable ambient lighting after dark. A 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system handles the audio duties.
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Screens dominate the dashboard layout. In front of the driver sits an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, paired with a 14.5-inch infotainment display in the center and an additional screen for the front passenger. A large head-up display projects key information directly into the driver’s line of sight.
In terms of safety, the A6L is equipped with 33 sensors, including dual LiDAR units, alongside Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving technology. In addition to 28 ADAS features, the sedan includes 7+2 airbags, semi-concealed door handles with “dual electromechanical protection”, a collapsible hood, and bumper cushioning.
What Powers The A6L
Like the standard A6, the A6L rides on the PPC architecture. The base mild-hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 201 hp (150 kW), sending power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A more powerful version of the same engine generates 268 hp (200 kW) and can be paired with a 24 hp (18 kW) electric motor and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
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Finally, the flagship turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 produces 362 hp (270 kW) and comes standard with the 24 hp (18 kW) electric motor and quattro AWD. The long-wheelbase sedan is available with all-wheel steering that reduces the turning radius, along with an air suspension capable of adjusting ride height by 30 mm (1.2 inches).
Aggressive Pricing
The new A6L opens at ¥323,000 ($47,000) for the entry model powered by the 2.0-liter engine driving the front wheels. At the other end of the range, the 3.0-liter V6 quattro version tops out at ¥436,000 ($63,400). Compared with the previous A6L, which first arrived in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022, the new model undercuts it by ¥104,900 ($15,300). It also lands far below the A8L, whose price list currently begins at ¥789,800 ($114,900).
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When stacked against Audi’s North American lineup, the A6L starts to look like a serious bargain. Its base price sits $17,100 below the entry-level A6, and it costs less than half as much as the aging A8.
The lower pricing reflects intense competition from Chinese brands, which has contributed to declining sales for Audi in the region. As with its predecessor, the new A6L will be locally manufactured by the FAW-Audi joint venture. While China does not get the A6 Avant, the A6L will soon be joined by a sleeker long-wheelbase wagon that will carry the A7L name.
Below is a chart showing the dimensions of the relevant A6 and A8 models.