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Spied in Germany, born for China: the stretched A6L
Ahead of an official reveal, new spy photos and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filings confirm that Audi's 2026 A6L has grown considerably compared with the outgoing model. Although the prototype was spotted near the Nürburgring, this iteration is clearly the China-focused, long-wheelbase variant built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) and aimed at buyers who prize rear-seat comfort and tech.
Dimensions, weight and packaging
MIIT paperwork lists the 2026 A6L at 5,142 mm overall length and a 3,066 mm wheelbase — sizable increases over the previous China-market car, which measured 5,050 mm with a 3,024 mm wheelbase. Curb weight sits at about 2,060 kg (4,542 lb). The result is a vehicle that is slightly wider and lower than before (11 mm lower in height), but unmistakably roomier for passengers in the rear thanks to an extended rear floorpan.
Design and styling notes
Visually the A6L remains faithful to Audi's contemporary family look: slim, sophisticated lighting signatures, a generous single-frame grille and a heavily detailed rear valance with twin exhaust finishers. The China-spec car is nearly indistinguishable from the European A6 in profile, but the stretched proportions are obvious once you compare wheelbase and glass area.
Powertrain and performance
Under the hood the MIIT confirms a 2.0-liter four-cylinder — Volkswagen Group designation DXG, produced by Volkswagen FAW Engine — tuned to 200 kW (268 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). That output outmatches the 2025 A6L's base 140 kW and 180 kW engines. Audi pairs this four-pot with a seven-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch gearbox and optional quattro all-wheel drive; top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
A higher-tier six-cylinder is likely to appear in the lineup, with a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 a logical candidate. In non-electrified North American A6s that V6 produces around 362 hp and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) — figures that give an idea of the performance ceiling Audi could offer for better-trim A6L variants.
Wheels, brakes and on-track hints
Spy shots show the prototype rolling on mixed-size alloys: 20-inch (255/40) up front and 21-inch (255/35) at the rear, per MIIT listings. Red brake calipers and track-side testing suggest Audi is validating chassis tuning and brake performance ahead of launch.
Tech: Huawei Qiankun ADAS onboard
One of the headline features for the Chinese market is the inclusion of Huawei's Qiankun advanced driver assistance suite. Huawei says Qiankun has already been deployed on over a million vehicles and helped complete more than 5 billion assisted kilometers — including some 280 million automatic parking maneuvers — and that the system has prevented an estimated 2.71 million potential accidents. Audi's A6L is expected to receive a Level 3-capable version of the software initially, with upgrades to higher autonomy levels planned in the years ahead.
- Platform: Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)
- Power: 2.0L DXG 200 kW (268 hp), 400 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed wet DCT, optional quattro AWD
- Dimensions: 5,142 mm L / 3,066 mm WB
- Wheels: 20" front / 21" rear
Market positioning and what it means for buyers
The A6L has long been Audi's answer to Chinese demand for chauffeur-friendly sedans with stretched rear legroom. By increasing wheelbase and rear packaging, Audi is continuing that strategy while boosting power and tech to keep pace with local rivals and premium competition from both European and Chinese brands. The addition of Huawei's Qiankun system reflects how partnerships with local tech companies are becoming essential for premium automakers in China.
Expect Audi to offer a broad range of trims and powertrains when the A6L debuts: the confirmed 2.0L four-cylinder should cover mainstream buyers, while a 3.0L V6 and richer equipment packages will target executives and fleets. Final pricing and launch dates remain unconfirmed, but the MIIT filing and recent test outings suggest a market introduction during the 2026 model year.
For enthusiasts and prospective buyers, the 2026 A6L promises a blend of increased rear-seat luxury, stronger performance and cutting-edge ADAS — a clear signal that Audi intends to keep the A6L competitive in one of the world's most important premium markets.
Source: autoevolution
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