Unlike in the US where SUVs and crossovers dominate the market, there's still a strong demand for large luxury sedans in China. As rear legroom is a priority to Chinese car owners, premium carmakers such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi offer stretched wheelbase versions of existing models exclusively for China.

The Audi A6L, for example, has a 3.93-inch longer wheelbase than the regular version, increasing the wheelbase to 119 inches. This increases the total length of the car to 198.8 inches, making it even larger than the flagship Audi A8 sedan. Speaking of which, the Audi A8 is sold in China exclusively with a 5.1-inch longer wheelbase, increasing the luxury sedan's length to 208.7 inches.

According to a new report by Reuters, the Audi A7 Sportback is also getting the long-wheelbase treatment. A government document obtained by Reuters reveals that Volkswagen AG and its Chinese joint venture partner SAIC Motor are investing 4.13 billion yuan ($590 million) to revamp their car plants in Shanghai to build new Volkswagen SUVs and Audi sedans, starting with the Audi A7L. Currently, SAIC Volkswagen only builds VW and Skoda-badged cars.

The revamp is expected to be completed by the end of 2020 in response to the demand for luxury cars in China, despite auto sales declining in the People's Republic over the last two years.

Production of the Audi A7L and new Volkswagen SUVs will be capped at 60,000 units annually. The regular Audi A7 Sportback is by no means petite, measuring 195.6 inches long with a 115.2 inch wheelbase. The spacious cabin provides 37 inches of rear legroom, but this will of course improve in the longer wheelbase version.

Like the regular Audi A7 Sportback, the extended-wheelbase version should pack a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system producing 335 hp and 369 lb-ft, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Like the Audi A6L and A8L, don't expect the stretched Audi A7 Sportback to be sold in America.