Audi's dynamic duo designed to tap into changing landscape

Audi is presenting more than 20 models at the Guangzhou auto show, with the all-new A6L and the electric e-tron highlights of its efforts to continue its success in China.

The A6L, which is now in its eighth generation and will hit the market in January 2019, has been hailed as the pioneer in China's premium vehicle segment since the model, the first ever from any international brand to extend its wheelbase for Chinese customers, rolled off FAW-Volkswagen's production lines in 1999.

The all-new A6L, which is making its global debut at the auto show, is designed to meet the latest and more diverse demands of younger customers, said the joint venture, which has been localizing Audi models since 1988.

Among other features, the model, which has a premium and sporty design, has a wheelbase of 3,024 millimeters, longer than that of the standard A8.

It has the option of a 2.0 or 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, which coupled with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox, the smart Quattro Ultra four-wheel drive and an array of driving assistance functions, delivers a more dynamic and comfortable driving experience.

Inside, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and the center console of two touchscreen displays give it a high-tech look.

"As the brand that best understands Chinese customers, we offer the all-new A6L to meet their demands for intelligent and premium experiences in different situations," said Jing Qingchun, executive vice-president of FAW-Volkswagen's Audi sales division.

"The model is expected to transcend its predecessors and redefine the standards for premium mid-sized sedans," he said. Over the past years, A6L sales in China have totaled 1.86 million, almost one-third of Audi's total sales in the country.

The e-tron, meanwhile, is Audi's first electric production model, hailed as a highlight in the history of the company and the start signal for its electrification strategy.

Thanks to two state-of-the-art electric motors and the Quattro four-wheel-drive technology, the full-sized SUV has outstanding sportiness and handling with unmistakable Audi DNA.

The e-tron has a maximum output of 300 kilowatts and a top torque of 660 Newton meters. Its top speed is 200 kilometers an hour.

It has a range of more than 400 km according to the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedure cycle. With a charging capacity of up to 150 kW, it can be 80 percent charged in 30 minutes.

The model will be introduced to China next year and be locally produced at FAW-Volkswagen from 2020.

Marco Schubert, president of FAW-Volkswagen's Audi sales division, said Audi will introduce more new energy vehicles to China in the coming years.

The automaker will also work on both private and public charging solutions to better serve its customers in the country, which is now the world's largest new energy vehicle market.