German Car Zone

Giannis · 11-17-2008, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Centurion

What's next, long wheel base Maybach 62?

No, Long Wheel Base 3er and 116i Long...

MikeJ · 11-17-2008, 08:33 AM

I'm waiting for the long-wheelbase TT which, of course, MB will counter with its SLK L.

EnI · 11-17-2008, 09:28 AM

Wait until Audi offers A1L.

Centurion · 11-17-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnI

Will the rivals react? Will we see the LWB versions of next-generation 3er & C-class as well? IMO we will - if the A4L proves to be successful. And if A6L sales numbers are the indicator, it will surely be.

True. MB and BMW are taking the "wait and see approach". The market for long wheel base A4 and A6 is very premature so until Audi's sales really take off MB and BMW won't bother investing too much money in to this. Very interesting though and should be given a try in other countries.

Yannis · 11-17-2008, 11:15 AM

IMO Audi must sell this version in the Netherlands and Sweden , Chinese people don't really need it...

Centurion · 11-17-2008, 11:24 AM

Doesn't look that long.

klier · 11-17-2008, 12:26 PM

Doesn't look too bad either. But I too fail to see the point of this car....Must be as big as a regular A6.

ree · 11-17-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klier

Doesn't look too bad either. But I too fail to see the point of this car....Must be as big as a regular A6.

There is no regular A6 or A8 in China!! They are only avaliable with LWB!

So maybe, this car makes sence…but when offering the standard versions, they wouldn't have to build the LWB!

ree · 11-17-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnI

Beside A6L, and 5er LWB, there are also E-class LWB (!!!), and Cadillac SLS (= LWB STS). All these cars are locally produced. So they are A4, 3er, C-class etc.

And locally produced cars have status of a domestic product - despite wearing foreign brand badges. Domestic status means no custom taxes - meaning the cars are more affordable. A8, 7er, S-class etc are just too expensive for some real sales numbers.

And since most luxury cars in China are chauffeur driven, and imported cars are too expensive, carmakers decided to offer China-exclussive LWB versions of smaller models (entry luxury segment, executive luxury segment). And such a formula proves to be very successful.

Think of eg. A6L as a "poor man's" A8.
While A4L is actually what? A SWB A6?
I'm not even sure SWB A6 is even offfered in China ... If that's the case than A4L is "poor man's" A6 SWB.

Chinese affairs. Complicated stuff.

Is there really a E-Class LWB?! Never heard about - do you can share any pics?!

EnI · 11-17-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ree

Is there really a E-Class LWB?! Never heard about - do you can share any pics?!

Actually W212 will be offered in the LWB version. Chinese W211 is a regular model.

Currently (in executive segment) only LWB versions of A6, 5er & STS are offered in China. MB is joining the wagon with W212.

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Audi introduces LWB A4 for Chinese market