In general, automakers limit the availability of long-wheelbase (LWB) variants to large sedans like the BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8. But not in China where consumers seem to be advocates of the saying "the bigger the better". After the introduction of LWB mid-size luxury saloons such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series, Audi has extended its offerings with the presentation of the first ever LWB compact sedan, the A4L that boasts a 60 millimeters (2.36 inches) longer wheelbase than the standard model.

For the time being, the Chinese-market-only A4L will be available with two engine options, the 2.0 TFSI with 180HP and the 3.2 FSI V6 with 265HP.Manufactured at the VW Group's plant in Changchun, China, the Audi A4L will make its first public debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show on November 18 with Chinese sales following in January 2009.

"The long-wheelbase version of the Audi A4 is being produced exclusively in China for the Chinese market. With this premium product, we chose to go even further than elsewhere in the world to meet the requirements of our Chinese customers," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG.

"Our goal is to export the success of the new Audi A4 to China. With the customized Chinese A4L, which we subjected to rigorous testing in China, we are impressively demonstrating our market leadership in China's premium segment," added Schwarzenbauer.