Is the Audi A4L China 6a or 6b?
3 Answers
Audi A4L currently has China 5 and China 6 standard models on sale, and there is no further subdivision into China 6A or 6B yet. Introduction to China 6A and 6B: Currently, the country divides the China 6 standard into two phases, China 6a and China 6b, with plans to implement them nationwide in 2020 and 2023, respectively. On July 1st of this year, some cities have already started implementing the China 6 standard. Introduction to the Audi A4L: As an entry-level Audi model, the Audi A4L performs quite balanced overall. After all, it is designed for the masses, and only by being more balanced can it meet the different needs of various consumers as much as possible, catering to those who prefer the golden mean.
I recently bought an Audi A4L and specifically checked the emission standards. All brand-new Audi A4L models currently on sale comply with China 6b, with no China 6a versions available anymore. The China 6b standard is much stricter than China 6a—for example, carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by half, and particulate emission limits are more stringent. This change is mainly due to the national policy upgrade in July 2020, which required all newly produced gasoline vehicles to meet China 6b standards. As a luxury brand, Audi acted quickly and upgraded its engine technology early on. You don’t need to worry about emission issues when buying a new car. However, if you’re looking at a used A4L produced between 2019 and early 2020, it might still be China 6a. I recommend checking the vehicle conformity certificate when purchasing a car, as it clearly states the emission standard.
Current Audi A4L buyers don't need to worry about emissions at all, as all models uniformly meet China 6b standards. China 6b is significantly stricter than China 6a, primarily by lowering the emission limits for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Policy-wise, since July 2020, all new vehicles must comply with China 6b, and major manufacturers like Audi have certainly planned ahead. There's also a hidden benefit to buying China 6b vehicles: they tend to retain better resale value in the used car market, especially in cities with driving restrictions. I know Shenzhen started strictly enforcing China 5 vehicle bans in urban areas last year, while China 6b models remain unaffected. If you're considering a used Audi A4L, check the production date - those manufactured before July 2020 might only meet China 6a standards.
