Chinese market cars long wheelbase

[TVR keith]

As Chinese people often tend to be shorter than the average European, why are the bigger saloon cars longer wheelbase than for other markets.
Just curious

[Garlick]

It's an image/ class thing I believe.

[dave7692]

Dedicated followers of fashion.

I think that look is more desirable there so the manufacturers pander to it. Don't think its a practicality thing, personally I prefer a much smaller car.

[threesixty]

Its a status thing in china to be driven, anyone who can afford one seems to have a driver.

In Europe if you can afford a driver you'll likely be able to afford something very flash with lots of rear legroom but in china drivers are very cheap so someone who can afford a 5 series can also afford a driver. Even if you're short a standard 5 series or equivalent isn't exactly roomy in the back which of course is where the long wheel base editions come in.

I'd never seen a long wheel base A6 before I went out there but they seem to be the de facto hotel car in china.

[R60EST]

The A6 is one of the best in it's sector for rear legroom anyway can't imagine how much more you'd need

[GroundEffect]

When I was in Shanghai last year the number of 7 series limos was ridiculous.

[Shaoxter]

Because anyone who can afford an S-Class/A8/7er has a driver to drive them around. So if you're sitting in the back all the time you'd want more leg room.

I reckon normal wheelbase versions make up 5% or less of the premium saloon sector. There's even an Audi A4L available

[belleair302]

Few wealthy older Chinese know how to drive and therefore have a driver. The traffic in the major cities is pretty poor too and why drive when you can be driven in an urban environment.

The youth love to drive and are driving exotic sales, but the seriously wealthy are just not bothered. Why drive when you can have a jet and fly?

[ezi]

LWB = better ride comfort too?

[dvs_dave]

I think there would be a solid market for these versions in the USA and Europe too? Why should LWB be reserved for the top of the range models that most people can't afford? Rear legroom requirements are not commensurate with income after all.
For transporting 4 large adults, anything less than A8 size is very tight in the rear unless a LWB option is available.

They're missing a trick here.

[rohrl]

It isn't just big limos either. This is the 3 series lwb compared with a normal one.

[Studio117]

Being driven about in the back of a luxury car is a wonderful experience. I don't share some people's obsession with driving everywhere especially on boring commutes. I'm fortunate enough to only drive for fun.

[aspirated]

Studio117 said:

Being driven about in the back of a luxury car is a wonderful experience. I don't share some people's obsession with driving everywhere especially on boring commutes. I'm fortunate enough to only drive for fun.

So would you say the rear legroom in a Corolla T Sport is ample?

[Spare tyre]

I seem to remember that they don't like estate type vehicles as that is for manual working types

I've seen all sorts of odd versions of European hat backs turned into saloons, Clio, zx, saxo etc

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=chinese+citroens&...

Edited by Spare tyre on Friday 28th March 18:54

[NadiR]

aspirated said:

So would you say the rear legroom in a Corolla T Sport is ample?

[Blib]

I read recently on another forum that the further away that you, the passenger, are from the driver, the richer you're perceived to be. Hence, the new Maserati QP VI which is well over fifty feet long.

[Studio117]

aspdirated said:

So would you say the rear legroom in a Corolla T Sport is ample?

https://www.uber.com/cities/london

Corollas only used for blasts around Surrey country lanes and hopefully the tss this year.

[rohrl]

Blib said:

I read recently on another forum that the further away that you, the passenger, are from the driver, the richer you're perceived to be. Hence, the new Maserati QP VI which is well over fifty feet long.

That's right. This is the new Chinese President Mr. Wing's car outside his very own theme park.

[aka_kerrly]

Spare tyre said:

I seem to remember that they don't like estate type vehicles as that is for manual working types

I've seen all sorts of odd versions of European hat backs turned into saloons, Clio, zx, saxo etc

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=chinese+citroens&...

Edited by Spare tyre on Friday 28th March 18:54

From the first page of Google results:
I think the Chinese have taken the rat concept a bit too far.

[AyBee]

Garlick said:

It's an image/ class thing I believe.

This Was speaking to a mate who works for JLR who said that the majority of the Range Rovers bought by the Chinese were basic spec with tiny engines, they just buy them for status.