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German cars from China
Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz build cars in China with Chinese partners, and many of their China-market models are long-wheelbase versions made for Chinese buyers. Tongda Motors exports these cars, new, zero-mileage and used, to dealers and fleets outside China, each unit inspected against its VIN before you pay. From 10 units per order.
- BRANDS
- VW · AUDI · BMW · MERCEDES-BENZ
- PARTNERS
- FAW · SAIC · BRILLIANCE · BAIC
- DRIVE
- LHD
- ORDERS
- 10+ UNITS
BUILT IN CHINA
German brands, Chinese partners.
From 1994, Chinese rules kept a foreign carmaker's stake in a local car venture at 50% or less, so German brands build in China with Chinese partners. Volkswagen and Audi work with FAW and SAIC, BMW with Brilliance Auto in Shenyang, and Mercedes-Benz with BAIC in Beijing. The cap was eased from 2018 and lifted for passenger cars in 2022. BMW has held 75% of BMW Brilliance since 2022, while BAIC holds 51% of Beijing Benz.
Why buy them in China? The cars are left-hand drive and available new, and the range includes versions not sold in Europe. Many are long-wheelbase models with an L in the name, such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class L, the BMW 5 Series Li and the Audi A6L. Some carry names used only in China, like the Sagitar, which is China's Volkswagen Jetta. And the line-up includes electric models built in China, from the Volkswagen ID.4 CROZZ to the Audi Q6L e-tron and the long-wheelbase BMW iX3.
WHO BUILDS WHAT
Who builds German cars in China.
FAW-VOLKSWAGEN · SAIC VOLKSWAGEN
02Audi
FAW AUDI · SAIC AUDI
03BMW
BMW BRILLIANCE (BBA)
BEIJING BENZ (BBAC)
FAW and SAIC build both Volkswagens and Audis, and SAIC Audi also builds the cars of AUDI, a China-only electric brand written in capitals and without the four rings. Each brand page lists the models built in China.
BEFORE YOU ORDER
What to check before you order.
China-market names
Names often differ from yours. The Sagitar is China's Jetta, the Teramont is the SUV sold as the Atlas in North America, and in China the Passat is a sedan. BMW and Mercedes-Benz add L or Li to long-wheelbase versions, as in 325Li or C 260 L. Each quotation gives the China-market name, the VIN and the nearest export equivalent.
Left-hand drive and China 6 emissions
Every China-market car is left-hand drive and meets China 6 emissions, broadly aligned with Euro 6. Equipment follows Chinese trims and option packages, so we list the options of each car by VIN, not by trim name.
Software language
China-market cars come with software set up for China. The languages available differ by model and are confirmed on the quotation before you order, so your customers know what they get at handover.
Factory warranty outside China
Do not assume the brand's factory warranty travels with a China-built car. Coverage in your market is not guaranteed: confirm it with the brand's local distributor before ordering, and plan your own servicing and after-sales support.
Homologation
A long-wheelbase L model is a different car from the one homologated in most export markets. Check registration for the exact China-market version, not just the model name, with your customs broker or vehicle authority before you order.
Parts and service
Long-wheelbase bodies, China-only models and local equipment can need parts your local dealer does not stock. The quotation states which joint venture built each unit, so your workshop can confirm parts supply and diagnostics before you order.
LONG-WHEELBASE
The L models: stretched for the back seat.
01
Mercedes-Benz
Beijing Benz builds the C-Class, E-Class and GLC with a longer wheelbase and an L after the model number, as in C 260 L or E 300 L. The electric GLC L, launched in July 2026, has a 3.03 m wheelbase, 55 mm more than the standard car.
02
BMW
BMW Brilliance builds the 3 Series Li, 5 Series Li and X5 Li in Shenyang, plus long-wheelbase versions of the X1, X3 and the new iX3. The China X3's wheelbase is 110 mm longer than standard, at 2,975 mm.
03
Audi
FAW Audi builds the A5L, A6L and Q5L, and Audi FAW NEV the electric A6L e-tron and Q6L e-tron. Audi quotes 77 mm of extra wheelbase on the A5L, 125 mm on the Q5L and 132 mm on the A6L e-tron.
04
Same name, longer car
The extra length goes to rear legroom, and equipment and software are set for China. Check homologation and body parts for the L version itself, not the model name.
Besides new cars, we supply zero-mileage and low-mileage used L models, each inspected against its VIN, with photos, before you pay.
MODEL PAGES
Long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz in detail.
For other models, see the brand pages above or all brands.
QUESTIONS
German cars from China: what buyers ask.
Which Mercedes-Benz models are made in China?
Beijing Benz, Mercedes-Benz's joint venture with BAIC, builds the C-Class, E-Class and GLC in long-wheelbase L form, the GLA and GLB, the EQA, EQB and EQE SUV electric models, and the long-wheelbase electric GLC. They are China-market cars, so we confirm version and options per VIN on the quotation. See Mercedes-Benz cars from China.
Which BMW models are made in China?
BMW Brilliance builds the 2 Series Gran Coupé, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and X5 in Shenyang for the Chinese market, most in long-wheelbase form such as the 3 Series Li, 5 Series Li and X5 Li, plus the long-wheelbase iX3 from BMW's Neue Klasse. BMW has held 75% of the venture since 2022. See BMW cars from China.
What does the L mean in C-Class L, A6L or 325Li?
It marks a long-wheelbase version built for China, with the extra length given to rear legroom. Audi quotes 77 mm more wheelbase on the A5L and 125 mm on the Q5L, and the China-built BMW X3 is 110 mm longer between the axles. These cars differ from the European versions, so check homologation for the L version itself.
Is a China-built German car the same as one built in Europe?
Not exactly. It is the brand's model, built in China by its joint venture for Chinese buyers, and it can differ in length, name, equipment and software: many are long-wheelbase versions, and the Sagitar, for example, is China's Volkswagen Jetta. All are left-hand drive and meet China 6 emissions, broadly aligned with Euro 6. Each quotation states the version, options and nearest export equivalent per VIN.
Does the factory warranty apply outside China?
Do not assume it does. Factory warranty coverage outside China is not guaranteed for China-market cars, so confirm how it applies in your market before you order and plan servicing accordingly. We are an independent exporter, not affiliated with Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or their Chinese partners.
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