What are the differences between the National VI and National V models of the Audi A4L?

[IsaacDella]

The differences between National V and National VI emissions standards are as follows: Different Emission Standards: The National VI emission standards are more than 30% stricter than National V. Excluding the influence of working conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different Implementation Times: The National V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, as the fifth stage of the national motor vehicle emission standards. National VI was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different Principles: During the National V stage, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different Issuing Departments: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The National VI standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different Letter Representations: National V is represented by "V," while National VI is represented by "VI." Different Monitoring Requirements for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Compared to National V, National VI has improved monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. National V Standards Are as Follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. National VI Has Two Standards: National VIa and National VIb. Details Are as Follows: National VIa Standards: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. National VIb Standards: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. Affected by the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles can still be used normally without restrictions like traffic bans or license plate limitations, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for freight transport via a loan, the vehicle's depreciation after paying off the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, National VI vehicles with longer service life and more road rights have greater advantages.

[WillowRose]

As a long-time Audi A4L owner, I believe the main differences between China 6 and China 5 standards lie in the emission system. The China 6 emission standards are stricter, so Audi equipped the China 6 A4L with a particulate filter to meet requirements. This makes the exhaust cleaner but occasionally causes slight hesitation during acceleration, making it slightly less responsive than China 5 models. In terms of fuel consumption, the China 6 version saves about 0.5L per 100km on average in mixed urban-suburban driving, making it more economical and eco-friendly. Noise levels remain largely unchanged—both are very quiet. After driving the China 6 model for six months, I noticed during maintenance that the oil needs more frequent changes because the new system accumulates dust faster, but overall reliability is still good. In the long run, China 6 cars have advantages in restricted cities like Beijing, with access to more roads and slightly higher resale value. If your budget allows, I recommend prioritizing China 6 to avoid future policy restrictions. Of course, used China 5 models are cheaper, making them suitable for those on a tight budget.