Sedans have always held an important place in the automotive market, especially if it’s the Chinese market that we are speaking about. The world’s biggest automotive market, China, offers immense potential to automakers to introduce their range in the country. At the Auto Shanghai 2017, regarded as one of the world’s best platform, four cars – BMW 5 Series Li, Volvo S90 L, Acura TLX L and Mercedes S-Class Maybach were unveiled at the event.
Interestingly, all the four vehicles have one thing in common – a long wheelbase. And why not? After all, customers in China have been demanding vehicles with longer wheelbase for that extra legroom. Read on to find what the new models have to offer.
BMW 5 Series Li
BMW reported that it accumulates around 30 per cent of total sales from China alone. Owing to the brand’s popularity and customer demand, the German automaker showcased the new 5 Series Li at the Auto Shanghai 2017. The new model comes with an additional five-inches to the rear seats and is also up to 130kgs lighter than its predecessor. Mechanically, it continues to be powered by the existing engine options. The unveiled version gets a host of equipment like electrically adjustable comfort seats, Ambient Air package and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof. There has been no confirmation yet on whether this car will make it to India anytime soon. In the meantime, we recently received the E-Class LWB in the country and the new 5 Series is set for launch this year.
Volvo S90 L
The Volvo S90 Long-wheel base is not new to the Chinese market. Interestingly, this version does not get an L badge to denote its long-wheel base and is offered as a standard variant. The S90 L Excellence showcased is a three seat version which comprises of two individual seats at the rear and one driver seat. In the place of a front seat, the vehicle gets something called as ‘Lounge Console’ with foot rest, large tablet computer and a shoe box. At the rear, in between seats, the vehicle gets a small refrigerator and two crystal glasses that that can be heated or cooled as needed.
Acura TLX-L
Acura first showcased the TLX-L at the Auto Shanghai 2017. The long-wheel base version will be introduced in the Chinese market sometime later this year. Like other LWB versions, the TLX-L will also offer more legroom for occupants at the rear. The trim unveiled at the event is exclusive to the local market. Engine specification is not known for now and it will be revealed at a later date. The new model gets an aggressive new look at the front and an improved infotainment system. Aimed at executives who prefer being chauffer driven, the new TLX-L is as promising as it can get.
S-Class Maybach
The new 2018 Mercedes S-Class Maybach gets a host of fresh cosmetic upgrades in form of new grilles, redesigned front and rear bumpers, LED headlights and taillights, three new upholstery choices, and a three-spoke steering wheel. This time around the vehicle also gets a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine that generates 455bhp and 516lb-ft of torque. As compared to the regular S-Class, the Maybach has a wheelbase measuring 132.5 inches, which is 7.9-inches longer than the regular version. The standard equipment list includes 20-inch wheels, executive seats in the rear, leather covered door sills and seat consoles, wood/leather steering wheel, Airmatic semi-active suspension, and Magic Body Control.
