The latest Audi A6 was first debuted in August 2018, followed by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture's China-only long-wheelbase A6 L in November 2018. After four years, it's time for a mid-lifecycle refresh, reintroducing the final ICE-powered A6 to the limelight.
Pictures of the facelifted Audi A6 L have surfaced on China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's website, revealing slight aesthetic changes that might be a preview of the updated regular-wheelbase vehicles due out in Europe and North America soon.
As can be seen from the style of the bumpers, the 45 TFSI model is available in two trim levels. One features vertical lines on the Singleframe grille and Y-shaped chrome inserts on the bumper intakes, while the other, most likely the S-Line, has a sportier look with a different pattern on the grille and more sophisticated intakes.
Aside from the updated LED graphics on the headlights, new wheel designs with a diameter of up to 19 inches, a few 30th-anniversary emblems, and some more chrome trim on the bumper, the model is almost unchanged from its predecessor.
Additional chrome trim on the bumper surrounding the faux exhaust pipes is the only alteration at the back. While the 10.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are expected to be preserved, the facelift may add more standard ADAS capabilities and infotainment updates to the interior.
According to the 45 TFSI emblem and the spec sheet, the depicted A6 L is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower. Through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the quattro AWD system, the powertrain sends power to all four wheels. The wheelbase of the A6 L is 3,024 mm, which is 100 mm longer than the ordinary A6.
The upgraded A6 is expected to be released in the following months. The A6 50 TFSI and A6 55 TFSI e Quattro plug-in hybrids, the tough A6 Allroad, and the performance-oriented S6 and RS6 are all set to remain in the facelifted lineup.