Although the new Audi A5 five-door liftback is being cheekily marketed as a “sedan” in many parts of the world, there’s now a true sedan in the new-generation A5 range, but it’s unlikely to be sold outside of China.
In July, Audi launched the third-generation A5. As part of the brand’s model name realignment, the new combustion-engined A5 range replaces the outgoing A4, with even-numbered names now reserved for electric vehicles.
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At its July launch, the new A5 was revealed as in both wagon and five-door liftback variants, with the latter replacing both the existing A4 sedan and A5 Sportback liftback.
The new A5 L unveiled at the 2024 Guangzhou motor show at the end of last week follows the path trod by the larger A7 L. It not only adds some inches to the wheelbase to improve rear seat space, but also converts the five-door liftback rear end into a true booted sedan.
Foreign brands often develop exclusive long-wheelbase variants for the Chinese market where rear-seat comfort is a priority. Chinese buyers overwhelmingly prefer sedans compared to other non-crossover body styles.
Measuring 4902mm long, and riding on a 2965mm wheelbase, the A5 L sedan is 73mm longer overall than the A5 liftback. The A5 L has longer rear doors to accommodate the car’s 65mm longer wheelbase.
Unfortunately Audi hasn’t released any official photos of the A5 L’s interior, so we don’t know what the inside of the boot looks like, but it’s probably safe to assume the cabin is carried straight over from the standard-wheelbase models.
The new A5 L will be built in China as part of Audi’s joint venture with FAW. Like the short-wheelbase A5, the A5 L is built on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which is an evolution of the longitudinal front- and all-wheel drive MLB architecture.
The A5 L isn’t the only new China-exclusive long-wheelbase variant on display at Audi’s stand at the Guangzhou motor show. There’s also the Q6 L E-Tron, a roomier version of the all-electric crossover which shares its Premium Platform Electric underpinnings with the second-generation Porsche Macan.
There are long-wheelbase versions for both the more upright and practical crossover, as well as the swoopier Sportback “coupe” body.
Unlike the A5 L, neither the Q6 L E-Tron crossover nor the Sportback feature distinctive styling changes beyond longer rear doors and an extended roof line.
Also on stage in Guangzhou is the AUDI E concept that previews the design of production models from Audi’s China-focussed joint venture with SAIC, owner of brands including MG and LDV.
Cars from Audi/SAIC joint venture will utilise the new co-developed Advanced Digitized Platform, and have distinct styling and technology. They will be sold be under the not-confusing-at-all AUDI sub-brand, spelt with all caps and which does without the famous four interlocking ring logo.
MORE: Everything Audi A5
