[Autohome News] Every year, the Guangzhou Auto Show is like a timer, telling us that the end of the year is approaching. The 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show is particularly special. In the face of the post-epidemic era, car companies will bet on many blockbuster models this year. Nearly 120 new cars came together to bring a unique visual feast.
Among the many new cars this year, we paid special attention to those extended models, such as "so-and-so L", "so-and-so Plus", etc. With the continuous enrichment of Chinese family members, many car brands prefer to put extended models on the market, which seems to be very "appetizing" for Chinese consumers. So, is this really the case? Is the extended version really a "dish" for consumers? To this end, we conducted a special comparison test. Two Autohome car news team editors experienced it firsthand. A tall and mighty, a petite Yiren, rode in 10 cars together, and recorded their true feelings, asking them to tell you, do we need such a "long wheelbase" model?
Topic Selection Statement: This topic is in the back rowNo standard sitting postureTo experience the feeling of space, but according to the editor himself in daily lifeThe actual riding posture in lifeTo feel the changes brought by the extended space, the editing experience in the topic is for reference only or can be used as a reference for people of the same size. In addition, during the execution of the topic selection, my colleague (height 180cm) has adjusted the front driver’s seat to a relatively comfortable angle. If you feel any difference, please go to the 4S store to experience it for yourself.
Audi Q5L Sportback: Sitting with restraint vs stretching, who has the more accurate experience?
As a coupe SUV model, the biggest feature of the Audi Q5L Sportback is the classic back-slip shape, and the dynamic body curve highlights its distinct personality. The performance of the Audi Q5L (current model) in China is quite good, whether it is from the brand, model, or practical space, it is basically in line with the performance of this level. Then the mid-term model of the Q5L has given priority to the introduction of the Sportback version. As a sports-style coupe SUV, the new car has a sporty style without losing space, giving those who want to highlight their individuality, but also want to take care of the family. Audi also wants to take this opportunity to attract more young consumers and regain a place in the younger market.
Audi
Q5L Sportback
Without further ado, let’s go directly to the data. The length, width and height of the Audi Q5L Sportback are 4778/1892/1666mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2908mm. The new car is positioned as a medium-sized SUV. Compared with the size of the Audi Q5L, the new car has increased in body length and height, while the wheelbase remains the same. After all, the new car is launched based on a mid-term model, and there will be no major changes in the basic body data. So does the "L" in the Audi Q5L Sportback still have its meaning?
Yes, the problem is here. Although the shape of the back is good-looking, as a "long wheelbase" model, is the actual riding space in the back row satisfactory? After the two editors of Graduation and Li Na personally ride, we can see that although it is an "L" extended model, it is obvious that the legroom of Graduation is slightly restrained and not so generous, while Li Na’s legroom is still very large after riding. Although this visual experience is brought about by the difference in body shape between the two, the actual riding experience The two editors have their own unique insights.
Graduate admitted: "As a person who is 182cm tall and weighs 100kg, the rear shape of the Audi Q5L Sportback really makes me very embarrassed to get on and off the bus. Although the shape of the back is fashionable and good-looking, if you don’t develop the habit of lowering your head when entering the car, it will still make the back of your head come into close contact with the C-pillar. In addition, my legs can still have some room to move in the half-lying position, and the seat comfort is not bad. The overall riding experience is not bad, so I think this" L "is still very necessary. However, after seeing my colleague Li Na sitting in the car, there is still a very ample space around, which is very envious."
Li said: "I am very satisfied with the space in the back of the car, and the legroom is very good, even if it is not extended, it is enough for a thin girl like me. Coupled with the comfort of the seats, the overall riding experience in the back row is very friendly for people of my size. However, one thing I am not satisfied with is that the raised height of the platform in the middle of the back row is a bit awkward, even if it is a temporary emergency for three people to ride, the middle person will be very awkward. Overall, the increase of this’L ‘is a plus for me."
Although the two sides have different opinions on the feeling, the final result is actually the same. The existence of "L" has made the two of them get a better ride experience. But it has to be said that because of the application of the back shape, it does make the rear head space of the Audi Q5L Sportback feel slightly depressed, so when riding, some people may go down and avoid the roof in a half-lying position, but this will inevitably affect the leg space and the supporting feeling of the thighs. At the expense of the bright head space, it is more practical for regular SUV models. For the petite Li Na, the height of the top of the car is indeed not a problem. Not only does she not feel very depressed, but she even feels very bright. Even if she slips down, she does not feel that the space is crowded.
However, both of them also had a problem with the feeling, which was the raised platform in the middle of the back row, which made the lateral space of the feet in the back row less friendly. Although it was because the four-wheel drive shaft needed to leave more space in the chassis layout, leaving such a huge raised platform in the car really brought a bad feeling.
According to the actual body height data, the new model is 7mm higher than the Audi Q5L, but Li Na believes that this does not clearly explain the difference in the interior space between the back and the conventional SUV. Firstly, the higher part is not necessarily added to the interior of the vehicle. Secondly, a groove has been reserved for the head at the top of the car. Thirdly, after all, the rear row is more for family members, such as children and women at home, and the demand for space is not very urgent. Therefore, the rear row of the car is still worthy of praise in many use cases.
If we analyze the user population of the Audi Q5L Sportback, most of them are young and fashionable, who prefer sports performance and want to show their individuality. Therefore, from the audience’s perspective, the car’s back-mounted shape and dynamic body posture seem to meet the needs well, and the Sportback model does not lose too much interior space. In terms of power, it is also supported by a high-power version of the 2.0T turbocharged engine, so it does meet the needs of those young people who are rich in personality but want to take care of their families. But the graduate said that for his body type, even if the wheelbase of the car has reached 2908mm, it is still difficult for the "long legs" of this size to sit in the back in a very casual and comfortable sitting position, so after the car is replaced in the future, can the space utilization rate in the car or the angle of the rear seat back be optimized?
New Audi A3/Audi A3L: Overseas original vs domestic lengthened, who is better?
After riding in the Audi Q5L Sportback, the two editors then entered the hottest models of this Guangzhou Auto Show – the new Audi A3L and Audi A3. The extended sedan version of the Audi A3L not only retains the sporty appearance, but also enhances the overall space practicality of the car, and the overall competitiveness has been significantly improved.
Of course, although the sedan version of the Audi A3 has added "L" after this replacement, it is still positioned as a compact car, with a length, width and height of 4548 (4554)/1814/1429mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 2680mm, which is 51mm longer than the old model in terms of wheelbase. The new Audi A3 hatchback version maintains the original design of the overseas version, and the wheelbase remains the old model 2629mm.
In order to better compare the feelings, the two editors also rode in the hatchback version of the Audi A3 model. This comparison can clearly reveal the difference in the rear space of the two people riding in the same model with different wheelbases. Obviously, the rear row of the Audi A3L is longer and more spacious. But how much recognition can the role of "L" bring on the feeling level?
"The new Audi A3"
"All-new Audi A3L"
Graduate said after riding two models: "Even with the’L ‘extension, I still can’t hide the slightly embarrassed expression on my face. The 51mm wheelbase of the new A3L has no practical effect on me, and even my long legs still have nowhere to fit. Not to mention the back row of the A3, which can be described as completely unable to fit me; while the A3L is barely tucked in, the distance between the knees and the back of the front seat is still not so wide, and I can’t ride in a relaxed position. If you sit upright, the head space is slightly suppressed, which makes people feel very helpless."
Li Na’s feeling is very obvious, "Sure enough, there is a gap when there is a contrast. Sitting in the back row of the Audi A3, even a petite physique like me can obviously feel very restrained. Sitting in the back row of the Audi A3L is different. The legroom is still generous, and even Erlang’s legs can be raised with hard work."
Obviously, even if the wheelbase is lengthened by 51mm, it still cannot satisfy the physique of graduation. So for graduation, a compact car like the Audi A3 is ultimately used for driving. If you consider the Audi A3 when buying a car, then it must be for two people to use the car, and the rear seat space will not be the first factor to consider, so this "L" is actually better for graduation. In contrast, Li Na’s experience after the experience is more contrasting. For women who are slightly petite, the "L" of the Audi A3L can indeed improve the riding experience. Li Na is obviously more optimistic about the extended version of the Audi A3L. Whether it is buying a car by herself or a boyfriend, they are more inclined to the extended version of the sedan. As for the hatchback version, both of them shook their heads, "Forget it for home use, it’s still very easy to commute to and from get off work."
To sum up, it can be said that the extended Audi A3L can indeed better satisfy the home to a certain extent in terms of riding space, and with an extended wheelbase, it is easier to enter the rear row than the unlengthened model, and the sitting position will be more stretched. In other aspects, the overall interior design of the Audi A3L is still on trend, young and full of technology. Coupled with the application of the segmented panoramic sunroof, it further enhances the sense of space in the car and reduces the pressure on the head, which is commendable. For the two-person world, this car "L" is fine.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Long axle vs standard axle, who is the appearance of a medium and large car?
After experiencing the hot Audi models, we walked to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz booth. Here we found a good comparison of models – Mercedes-Benz E-Class long axle and axle version. At the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show, the E-Class standard axle version was officially launched. At first glance, the side design of the two versions can be said to be basically the same, but a closer inspection revealed that the rear door triangular window design of the two cars is completely different, which is the easiest place to distinguish between long and short wheelbase cars. Because of this, the standard axle version looks relatively compact, while the long axle version is more atmospheric.
In terms of riding experience, compared with the long axis and the standard axis model, the standard axis version is indeed slightly inferior to the domestic extended wheelbase version, especially sitting in the back row. Due to the fact that the platform in the center of the rear seat takes up more foot space, the overall sense of space is not good. In contrast, the long axis version has a significantly longer rear row, and the materials used in the car are also more luxurious than the standard axis version, which enhances the comfort of riding in the car.
"Sitting in the long-wheelbase version, I unconsciously crossed my legs, which is enough to show that the space feeling of this car is very good." Li Na said. From the comparison of data, the length, width and height of the E-class axle are 4947/1852/1467mm, and the wheelbase is 2939mm. The length, width and height of the long-axle version are 5078/1860/1490mm, and the wheelbase is 3079mm. The body size of the whole car can be said to have an overwhelming advantage.
"Mercedes-Benz E-Class Axis Edition"
"Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long Axis Edition"
"For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, I think the long-wheelbase version is more in line with the positioning of this luxury medium and large car." This is the first sentence after graduating from the standard axis E-Class to the long axis E-Class. "For the imported standard axis E-Class, people of my size are sitting in the back row. In fact, the space is still very cramped, but the long axis model has a full 140mm distance, which makes me feel very comfortable. Even if you sit in the back seat in a half-lying position, you won’t feel that the legroom is too narrow, and the rear configuration of the domestic long axis model can be called luxurious."
"For example, take the rear center armrest as an example. Compared with the imported standard axle and the domestic long axle, you even think that the standard axle E-class is an entry-level low-end car. So if the money is not bad, I personally recommend choosing the long axle version. After all, the comfort of the back row and the open feeling brought by the large space are both relaxing and refreshing." After getting off the car, Graduate walked to the front of the car involuntarily, "No, no, this has nothing to do with the logo. What I care about is the perfect ride experience brought by the luxury medium and large car." Graduate touched the three-pointed star logo and said.
Li Na looked at the graduation from the side and nodded frequently, "I think the rear space of the long axle axle is very fragrant, there is nothing to be picky about." Of course, in addition to having a certain psychological positioning for this car, Li Na also expressed the attitude of most girls towards this car. "Anyway, for girls like me, the long axle and axle are not very different for us, and we will not compare the rear space when buying a car. What people value is the brand, who asked you to talk to me about the connotation?" Li Na also touched the three-pointed star logo and said.
After reading the riding experience of the two editors, do you feel that you have been recharged by Mercedes-Benz? In fact, Mercedes-Benz is indeed a more desirable brand for many people. After all, the Mercedes-Benz brand itself has a high tone, and most of its models are also favored by consumers. Take the rear center armrest of the long-axis E-Class as an example. This is the conscience configuration of domestic models, so for users who have strong requirements for riding experience, the "L" of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is really fragrant. Whether it is for home use or commercial use, Mercedes-Benz can give a satisfactory answer. What is the significance of the axle model? Maybe for some market segments, or for some users with more driving requirements, or something else. In Hegel’s words, existence is reasonable, and the choice of long axis and standard axis still needs to be judged according to the specific rigid needs of the buyer.
BMW 330Li xDrive M Performance/M3 Thunder Edition: Performance vs. Long Wheelbase, which is more important?
Looking at the long list of model names of the 3 Series feels very dynamic, but this BMW 3 Series equipped with the M Performance sports package is really a long-axle version. Looking back at the BMW M3 Thunder Edition, well, the standard axle model is really fragrant!
The new BMW M3/M4 models at the Guangzhou Auto Show have all started pre-sale, and the pre-sale price of the M3 is not more than 100, which is good news for some users. BMW 3 Series models have always been famous for their control, and the control of the 3 Series in successive generations cannot be said, let alone the M series. So all generations of 3 Series are also looking at the M3, such as installing some M performance kits.
Especially the 330Li xDrive M Performance model we took this time, the appearance is very sporty, with a carbon fiber front lip surrounded by the front, a large-size wheel rim and brake caliper, and a small carbon fiber spoiler at the tail. All the appearance and sporty attributes rely on the M series. However, in terms of interior space, the Li model is indeed much longer than the M3, but the two editors have some unique views on the ride experience.
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Let’s look at the data first. In terms of body length, height, and wheelbase, the 3 Series long axle is 104mm longer than the M3 model. It is definitely better in terms of rear seat space, but is the wheelbase and rear seat space really that important for models with sporty performance?
After sitting in the BMW 3 Series long-axle version, Graduation said: "In this level of models, the legroom is larger than expected, and the ride experience is not very cramped. Although you can’t lie down like Beijing paralysis, the lengthening of the 3 Series Li is still obvious. As far as lengthening is concerned, there is no problem! But…", Graduation changed the conversation, "This is a four-wheel drive 2.0T high-power version model with M Performance sports kit. I want to buy this car because of its sports attributes and handling performance, and I won’t choose it for space. Look at the leg space of the M3, although it is equivalent to no, it doesn’t matter, it is a high-performance car, is the rear row important?"
Li Na’s views on the 330Li model are inconsistent with graduation. Li Na said: "If I want to buy such a sports mid-sized car, I must consider the back row. I don’t go to the track, but I like the BMW with sports attributes, so I need to have sports attributes and find a balance point for home use, so that my family will support me when I buy a car. After all, a car needs multiple attributes for the whole family. I think the BMW’L ‘adds very well." Li Na firmly said, "But the BMW M3 is different. Although the rear row does not have any absolute advantages, this does not prevent me from loving it. 3.0T turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, 510 horsepower, nothing to say, it is’fragrant’!" And Li asks a crucial question: "If I had an M3, would I sit in the back? Obviously not. So does the back matter?"
From the conversation between the two editors, we can see that they agreed that the rear space of the BMW M3 model is not important. But for the BMW 330Li model, the lengthening is very different. In fact, for sports cars like BMW or other brands, most of their buyers are concerned about performance and handling, and the long wheelbase means that some control and performance are lost, so this lengthening is not friendly.
However, in real life, there are not so many people who will run the track and modify, but still want to have a car that looks great. So, why not buy a very sporty model while taking into account daily use? So, there is no absolute right or wrong in car selection, only more or less demand, long wheelbase and performance at the level of user request, maybe you can have both.
New Modern Tucson L: Born to lengthen, how effective is it?
As an overseas brand model, the new Tucson L can be said to be a relatively special car. It is not a domestic lengthened car, but in the original car-making plan of Hyundai Motor, it launched the "L" version for the South East Asia market. In this way, the new Tucson L is born with an extended attribute. According to overseas information, the wheelbase of the new Tucson L will reach 2755mm, which is 85mm longer than the 2670mm of the old Tucson.
For such a "natural beauty" model, how is the real experience of the rear space? During the ride, Graduation and Li Na have shown a more ordinary performance. As compact SUVs, they are subject to this level of positioning. Even if the body is lengthened, the riding space still cannot reflect the attributes of "L". However, it is commendable that the central platform of the Tucson L is low in height and has enough space to accommodate the feet. If three people sit in the background, the crowding is relatively small.
Li Na believes that, "In fact, the rear seat space of Tusheng L is actually enough, and it is very in line with the needs of Chinese consumers. It is not only friendly to small girls, but also a big guy like graduation can have a good seat space performance. Even if there are children at home, after installing the child safety seat, the interior space is very good."
However, Graduate was not satisfied with this kind of space performance, "Since you advertise the lengthening attribute of’L ‘, why can’t you make it longer, so that users can really experience the effect of’L’. The current leg space is not enough, but it is too standard, and you can’t feel the surprise of lengthening it well. In addition, you have to complain about the center armrest in the back row. There is a central armrest, but it has to be made without it, and there is no place to borrow force. If you want to open it, you have to reach into the armrest and pull it out hard. This is too bad. Coupled with the short and thin design, it doesn’t leave a good impression on Tusheng L."
In general, if you just evaluate the rear legroom, both of them agree that this is a decent design. But graduation may be a little more extreme, thinking that "L" should look like "L". If you just use "L" as a gimmick without considering the actual application, this "L" still needs to be thought twice. Li Na thinks that as a family compact SUV, the space can do this, and the original factory has made corresponding changes to the model for different regions, which is a very friendly move, so he thinks that this "L" is not wrong.
Kia Ka Wah: Is MPV the same as lengthening?
After experiencing a series of sedans and SUV models, we thought we needed to have a model that seemed very long but did not actually lengthen, so as to show the advantages and disadvantages of the lengthened model. Therefore, when we came to the Kia booth, we took a fancy to this Wang fried contestant – Kia Ka Wah. As a medium and large MPV, its rear space advantage is naturally needless to say. Especially for petite girls like Li Na, it can be described as "free movement". When riding in the second row normally, you can fully lift your feet without touching the front seat. Of course, for the graduation of big people, the footspace is also very ample. Compared with all the lengthened models in front, the space advantage of the MPV model can be said to be "L". But we are not using it for comparison, but to give you a reference, so that you can understand what kind of lengthening is really practical.
For this medium and large MPV, the space can be said to be perfect, but there is a fly in the ointment. For Li Na, when stepping into the rear seat, it is not very convenient to get on and off due to the high height of the vehicle chassis and no pedals are added. Especially when getting off, it is necessary to have a perfect "rotary jump". This design has been complained by Li Na. Of course, for Kia Ka Wah, this part of the design does need attention, but this time it is a US standard version model. If it is produced domestically, it may increase the configuration for Chinese consumers, which is worth looking forward to.
In addition, for the adjustment of the seat, during the ride, Li Na was basically unable to adjust the position of the second row of seats by herself. On the one hand, it came from the "strange" seat adjustment design of the car, and on the other hand, the seat adjustment buttons were very stiff, and even if the girl with little strength used the "power of the world", it was difficult to lift it.
For Graduation, with the advantage of its own leg length, there is no inconvenience caused by Li Na’s lack of lower pedals, and there is no big objection to the seat adjustment problem. Not only that, in terms of the performance of the interior space, Graduation gave praise. The seat can not only be adjusted back and forth, but also can be adjusted left and right, making full use of the interior space of the MPV. In addition, the seat comfort is also very good. After lifting the leg support and opening the electric waist support, it is very comfortable to ride in the boss chair.
From the overall design of Jiahua, it can be seen that its body is more "chunky" than "tall and thin", which means that Jiahua has a higher advantage in the width of the body, which improves the flexibility of the interior space. Although the future domestic version of the model has not been disclosed yet, its overall shape may not change much, only a small adjustment.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: The Ultimate Profundity of Extension
After experiencing the space experience of the above models, we finally came to the "ultimate version" of the extended model – the new Maybach S-Class. I believe that this car does not need too much introduction to everyone to know what kind of existence Maybach is. The new Maybach S-Class, as the flagship sedan of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class series, combines elegance, luxury, technology and comfort, allowing passengers in the back seat to experience the most comfortable ride experience.
Compared with the long-wheelbase S-Class model, the Maybach S-Class still grows 180mm, reaching 3396mm, but the overall body looks very coordinated, there is no imbalance in proportion, and even more solemn. So what kind of space did the two editors experience when sitting in such a model?
Graduation was the first to exclaim, "Fragrant, so fragrant! It’s really a pleasure to be able to sit in a Maybach!" Graduation exclaimed, "The legroom can be said to be more than enough, placed horizontally and vertically diagonally, you can have any posture you want, and you really want to find out even the slightest flaw, but it doesn’t. Well, don’t disturb my dreams, let me lie down for a while, ‘Beijing paralysis’ is the most suitable place in this place."
The longest stay in this experience session was on the Maybach S-Class car, sitting in the Maybach S-Class. In addition to graduation, Li Na also admitted that she became rich in seconds, posed well, and took selfies! "There is no doubt about the luxury of the Maybach S-Class, covered with a lot of leather materials. The comfort of the rear seats must be greatly praised, and the headrest cushion + independent leg rest will naturally not be absent. In addition, the adjustment stroke of the leg rest and foot rest has also increased by 50mm and 10mm respectively. The maximum inclination angle of the back of the rear double independent executive seats is as high as 43.5 °. How do you say this? Enjoy!"
For the Maybach S-Class, such an "extended" model not only brings a perfect experience in space, but also basically achieves excellent performance in the luxury field. Although Maybach is now a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, the luxury and dignity of the old Maybach are not completely lost. Such an "L" is the meaning of the extension.
Toyota Lingshang/ALLION: Although not experienced, it is worth looking forward to
It’s a pity that we didn’t get to sit in Toyota’s popular models, Lingshang and ALLION, to experience what the "extended Corolla" is like. Facing the Camry and Asian Dragon on the top, and the Corolla and Leiling on the bottom, what kind of challenges will the space performance of these two new models face?
From the appearance alone, the appearance of the new car has been slightly changed compared to Leiling and Corolla, but the relationship between the two new cars and Corolla and Leiling can still be seen at a glance. In addition, the wheelbase of both new cars has been lengthened. According to the currently known data, the wheelbase of the car has reached 2750mm, and the proportion of the side of the body is also more slender. In addition, the Lingshang model is marked with the words "GT" at the rear of the car, which is officially explained as a longer wheelbase and wider tires. It seems that the official has good expectations for the ride experience of the new car.
It is worth mentioning that both new cars have a small detail, which makes people feel a lot more emotional. The rims used by Ling Shang’s new car at the auto show are the rims of the 14th generation Crown Sport model, while the new car displayed by ALLION at the auto show uses the rims of the 15th generation Crown model that has not been introduced in China. This detail is worth paying attention to.
Finally, when we face new models, there are always many good expectations. Judging from the market feedback and consumer response, both new cars are still very eye-catching. If you don’t know the specific configuration and pricing of the next two new cars, let’s experience them again in the future test drive evaluation.
Full text summary:
For Chinese consumers, since ancient times, they have been in love with the magnificent and majestic mountains and rivers, which naturally makes our car aesthetics also prefer "long wheelbase". Based on this, many extended models can be regarded as "special cars for China". In order to cater to the Chinese car buying habits, as long as the wheelbase is lengthened, it seems that there is no need to worry about selling. It has to be said that from the perspective of the riding experience, the lengthening of the rear space can indeed bring a better experience, and at the same time, it can also achieve the free expansion of the body. Especially for graduates, the extended version of the model is simply a blessing for "long legs". For small or petite girls, if it is not a particularly narrow space, there is not much difference, which can be understood as individual differences in space requirements.
Finally, let’s discuss whether we need a "long wheelbase" model? In terms of comfort, a long wheelbase can indeed bring a better riding experience, while alleviating the cramped feeling of the product due to the narrow space in the car. This is unmatched by the standard axle model. But everything must be viewed from both sides. This point of view is only for the truly "extended" model. If it is only changed in the name and the model structure does not substantially change, then the meaning of the "L" model will be lost. For consumers, when purchasing a long wheelbase model, they must make a spatial comparison before making a judgment. At the same time, they must consider various factors such as actual car demand and their own economic strength. Not all lengthening is good, but enough is enough. (Text/Autohome Li Na, Graduation; Photography/Ma Aijun)
