In the latest issue of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s filing catalog, Automotive Industry Focus obtained information about the new generation of the Audi A6L submitted for domestic production approval by FAW Audi. As a new generation model, the car undergoes significant adjustments to its appearance, continuing the design of the overseas sedan version. The length and wheelbase have been increased by 92mm and 42mm, respectively. The new Audi A6L is built on the new fuel vehicle platform (PPC) and continues to be powered by a 2.0T engine. The new generation Audi A6L is expected to be launched in 2026.
This is the ninth-generation Audi A6 domestic version, with the FAW Audi-produced A6L continuing to extend its wheelbase. In terms of appearance, the new generation Audi A6L features a complete redesign, adopting Audi’s latest family design language. The large front grille is retained but given a blackened treatment, with a honeycomb element added for decoration. The long, narrow headlights and the exaggerated air intakes on both sides create a younger, sportier look compared to the current model. The intake vents on either side of the grille are more aggressive, showcasing a dynamic design, with laser radar modules incorporated, as well as side-mounted rear cameras on the front fenders. The car is expected to adopt Huawei’s Qian Kun intelligent driving technology. Additionally, the front air vents have been enlarged, making the front look more aggressive than the current model.
From the side, the roofline of the new Audi A6L remains similar to the current model, retaining the C-pillars and rear triangular window frame lines of the current model, with newly designed hidden door handles that enhance the car’s premium feel. At the rear, the tail lights adopt a split design, with intermittent light clusters on both sides paired with a central continuous strip of light. These tail lights support multiple graphic style changes, creating a clear contrast with the current Audi A6L. Additionally, the new car is equipped with a black lower bumper with chrome trim, echoing the design of the front. It also features a dual exhaust system with a rectangular “true exhaust pipe” on both sides, replacing the current hidden exhaust design. In terms of size, the new Audi A6L measures 5142/1874 (1887)/1450 (1464) mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 3066 mm, compared to the current model’s 5050/1886/1475 mm and a wheelbase of 3024 mm. The length has increased by 92mm, and the wheelbase by 42mm.
Inside, based on the overseas version, the new Audi A6L adopts Audi’s latest cockpit design, featuring an integrated center control screen and a passenger-side display screen. The connected screens, consisting of a full digital instrument panel and a central control screen, will be Audi’s latest family design style. The screens are tilted towards the driver thanks to the OLED curved screen design. Additionally, the car will offer a passenger entertainment screen and a HUD (Head-Up Display).
In terms of power, the new Audi A6L is built on the PPC platform and is equipped with a 2.0T engine produced by FAW-Volkswagen Engine (Dalian) Co., Ltd., with a model number of DXG. The maximum power output is 200 kW. The transmission is expected to continue using a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The current FAW-Volkswagen eighth-generation Audi A6L was launched in China in January 2019, with a mid-cycle facelift introduced in August 2022. It offers three powertrains: 2.0TFSI low power, 2.0TFSI high power, and 3.0TFSI. The current price range is 427,900 to 656,800 yuan. The model being filed is the ninth-generation Audi A6 domestic version, which continues the wheelbase extension and is built on the new PPC platform. It is expected to be launched officially in 2026.
The Audi A6L’s competitors remain the familiar BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which have long dominated the domestic luxury mid-to-large sedan market, forming the “56E” trio. These models have achieved excellent market recognition and sales performance, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series completing their redesigns at the end of 2023 and early 2024, respectively. According to data, from January to August 2025, the Audi A6L achieved cumulative sales of 108,045 units, far surpassing the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (82,392 units) and BMW 5 Series (76,881 units). The higher sales of the Audi A6L are largely due to greater terminal discounts. However, with an increasing number of domestically produced mid-to-large sedans hitting the market, offering richer configurations, younger designs, and more advanced intelligent features, pressure on the BBA mid-to-large sedans is growing. Compared to previous years, sales of the “56E” have noticeably declined. In response to the growing competition, Audi has made comprehensive upgrades to the appearance, interior, configuration, and powertrain of the A6L. However, whether this will lead to further sales growth remains to be seen and will depend on market performance.
