Shanghai (ZXZC)- The first phase of FAW-VW's Changchun-based Audi Q plant is planned to be put into operation in March this year, according to FAW-VW. The new plant specializes in manufacturing all-new Audi Q5 and its derivatives models. Once the project is completed, the new plant will have a production capacity of up to 300,000 units per year.

The first phase of this project started construction in December 2014. Up to now, the plant is equipped with painting workshops, welding workshops, powertrain station and other infrastructures.

Reportedly, all-new Audi Q5 will come to market for sale in April this year.

The all-new Audi Q5, locally produced in China, is named as “Q5L”. It basically retains the design of Audi Q5 global version. The Q5L measures a length of 4765mm, width 1893mm and height 1659mm. It boasts a wheelbase of 2908mm, which is 88mm longer than Audi Q5's global version and 101mm longer than the existing locally-produced Q5 version.

The Q5L is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine which has two versions, the higher-power version and the lower-power version. The higher-power and lower-power version can deliver a maximum power output of 185kw and 140kw respectively, both mated with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system.