The Chinese customers prized the cars with roomy interiors, especially those that offered more room for the back seats.
Audi already offered three long-wheelbase versions on the Chinese market, the A4L, the A6L, and the A8L, but no SUV. That situation changed in 2018 when the German carmaker introduced the Q5 L. Before that, there was a big gap between the compact-sized Q5 and the large Q7. Even after the stretching process, the difference remained significant, but at least offered the customers roomier rear seat compartments.

With its singleframe grille surrounded by a chrome-plated trim, the Q5 showed a luxurious appearance. Its LED headlights with signature daytime running lights were easy to recognize in traffic, and an option for Matrix LED system. Audi extended the Q5’s wheelbase by 88 mm (3.5”) and extending the rear doors for those who asked for more.

Inside, the carmaker kept the same dashboard design as the rest of the Audi Q5 range but added more luxury items and a standard leather-clad interior. The Chinese-exclusive model received a standard panoramic sunroof. Inside, the carmaker succeeded in increasing the knee-room by 110 mm (4.3”) due to the sliding rear bench. It was available in a few trim levels: Vogue, Lifestyle, Design, Sport and Sport plus equipment lines, depending on the engine.

There were three drivetrains available for the Q5L: a front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter TFSI with 190 hp, an all-wheel-drive version paired to the same engine, and the range-topper 2.0-liter TFSI quattro that provided 252 hp. The seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox was standard for all three models.