The Beijing Auto Show had two themes, Dragons and SUV’s, but one other issue was stretched into the growing array of L cars. Lengthened cars have become the norm in China, even humble Citroen Elysee gained an extra 10cm in its B-Pillar to allow for extra rear leg room. Audi’s come in L form as standard, the A6L set the precedent, the A4L gained the sales volume to make it a success. BMW followed suit with the introduction of the BMW 328Li at the Beijing Auto Show and the fellows from the Mercedes stand opposite to BMW were enamored by the stretched 3-Series, patiently queuing in line to take a turn at sitting in the lengthened-compact sedan. How long until we see a C-Class L? Not long I think.
The rumor mill is currently issuing news of a forthcoming Volvo S60L that will be produced in Chengdu at the years end. Volvo are aiming to produce an estimated 200,000 cars per year at the new Chengdu facility. The XC60 is also expected to go into production at the same time, giving Volvo two strong cars on which to base its China plans as both stretched cars and SUV’s are in big demand. The S60 is already available in China as an import, the S60 is produced in Holland and its import status makes it relatively expensive at 280,000RMB and rising for the 1.6T version, the 2.0T is 300,000RMB and rising.
Volvo already produces the S80L in China via the Chang’an-Volvo tie up, sales of the S80L have been minimal and it hasn’t been able to make a dent in the market that is controlled by the Audi A6L, BMW 5L and E-Class L.
On the contrary, I would say that 280k for an imported S60 is relatively *inexpensive* when compared to locally-produced 3-series and A4L.
After seeing the new BMW 3-Li, I’d take the Li any day – and that’s from someone who doesn’t particularly like the 3-Series. I am hoping to buy an X1 in the future though!
Hmm, so the 3-Li is that much improved? I’ll have to check it out.
I still don’t get what’s so special about the X1 (I haven’t read up on it). I have nothing against it – just please don’t get one in that turd brown!
I like the idea of the X1, AWD, relatively sporty, low down seating, but high enough so you are not at crazy Santana taxi driver level. It is not a cheap car though, lots of other bigger, more powerful, more bang for your ï¿¥ cars on the market. I actually like the Chevrolet Captiva as well.
The BMW 3Li is a game changer for BMW, it will be interesting to see if it has the same affect on the market as the A4L did, but I think Audi’s branding has helped it win more business/govt users, where as BMW is ultimately aimed at the gearheads and lifestyle market, especially for the 3-Series.
What is the reason for those long-wheelbase versions? Even the old VW Santana has a longer wheelbase in China that it had in Europe and Brazil.
I’m holding out for a QQ L or BYD F0 L.
It sounds like the Subaru VX might fit your criteria? I saw one in Beijing last week and was surprised at how much larger it was in person.
As for the new 3Li, I must admit that the new 2.0T in the 323/325Li makes it warrant serious consideration.
I went to BMW at the weekend, they have some serious discounts! The 1.6T 1 Series is now in GTI territory! I will write an article about it, and Audi/Mercedes discounts, later this week.
Great, I look forward to it.
Saw this news in World car fans.
And on 汽车之家, its gone FULL CIRCLE.