SAIC Audi puts A7L into production

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Audi, which only produced vehicles at Volkswagen Group (VW)'s joint venture with FAW Group after entering the Chinese market more than three decades ago, began output with VW's another partnership, SAIC Motor, this year to further enhance its luxury presence in the world's largest auto market.

On September 26, the Audi A7L, the first mass-produced model of SAIC-Audi project, was formally put into production at SAIC VW's plant in Anting Town, Shanghai, and the presale of its 55TFSI version kicked off at the same time with a presale starting price of RMB599,700 ($92,774).

The significant production commenced with an all-new Audi A7L in Cosmos Blue rolling off the assembly line, marking the birth of the 24 millionth vehicle manufactured by SAIC VW.

The Chinese-spec full-sized sedan is expected for delivery in the first quarter of 2022 and the entry-level 2.0T version will come afterwards.

Audi A7L; photo credit: SAIC Audi

Audi A7 Sportback (imported); photo credit: FAW-VW Audi

The sedan, showcased at the Auto Shanghai 2021 in April, measures 5,076 long, 1,908mm wide, and 1,429mm tall, and is mounted on a 3,026-mm wheelbase. Both length and wheelbase exceed that of the Audi A7 Sportback sold in China through imports. The stretched handling is to satisfy Chinese consumers' demands for cars with large legroom in the rear.

Compared to the imported version, another evident change in exterior is that the roofline was redesigned to turn the fastback into a traditional sedan.

Built on the MLB Evo platform, the vehicle is fully upgraded in electronics, body materials, chassis, weight control and distribution. The All New Audi A7L is also integrated with Tencent and Alibaba ecosystems. The digital cabin with five screens connects the wHUD system, a third-generation dual-screen infotainment system, an enhanced digital instrument panel and the customers' cellphone into a seamless experience.

The elongated car will be powered by a 3.0 TFSI V6 engine assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing a combine output of up to 250kW and 500N·m of peak torque. Mated to the engine is a 7-speed wet dual clutch transmission.

"In the next three years, SAIC Audi will deliver another four flagship models to open the layout of high-end gas-powered vehicles and fully-electric products," said Wang Xiaoqiu, president of SAIC Motor.