by New Model Overview
The current Audi A8 is nearly a decade old, but the brand has finally begun testing the new large sedan. Unfortunately, it’s the A6 L, which will be limited to the Chinese market.
Testing at the Nürburgring
The 2026 A6 L model was recently spotted during testing at the Nürburgring. It follows the regular model but has an extended wheelbase.
Design Features
The designers managed to integrate the additional length well: the only noticeable thing is the elongated rear doors. However, it seems the sedan also has a flatter roof, which shouldn’t be surprising.
Additionally: The new A6 is Audi’s most aerodynamic sedan ever
Dimensions and Comparison
It’s hard to judge the dimensions from photos alone, but the standard A6 is 196.5 inches (4999 mm) long with a wheelbase of 115.1 inches (2927 mm). If it follows the A6 L e-tron model, it could gain an additional 5.2 inches (132 mm) between the wheels.
This would make the A6 L 201.7 inches (5123 mm) long, which is only 2.6 inches (67 mm) shorter than the base A8. However, the wheelbase would be 120.3 inches (3056 mm), which is 2.3 inches (58 mm) more than the aging flagship.
Exterior and Interior
While one shouldn’t read too much into these numbers, the car is a fairly typical A6, apart from the extended length. As a result, it has familiar headlights with a wide grille and thin lights. The rear features boomerang-shaped taillights connected by a thin strip.
The interior will also remain largely unchanged: customers can expect a high-tech cabin with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch display for the front passenger.
Of course, rear-seat passengers get all the attention, and they will likely receive several additional upgrades besides the extra legroom.
Technical Specifications
Audi doesn’t seem to have released specifications for the new A6 in China, but the model is based on the Premium Platform Combustion and offers a range of engines in Europe.
This includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) of torque, as well as a 2.0-liter TDI with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Customers can also choose a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque.
There are also plug-in hybrid models, which feature a 2.0-liter TFSI engine, an electric motor, and a 25.9 kWh battery. This gives them 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) and 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS). More importantly, they provide up to 66 miles (106 km) of electric-only range.
The extended A6 L version demonstrates how Audi adapts its models to meet the needs of specific markets, such as China, where rear passenger space is a key factor. This could also indicate future changes in the brand’s global sedan lineup, as the current A8 needs an update. The technologies and engine options offered in the A6 L could form the basis for future models combining traditional and electrified powertrains.
