The new model – which is launched as Infiniti reveals a teaser pic of its new concept car – bears the distinction of the first Infiniti model to be produced locally in China. With an overall length of 4852mm/191.0in and wheelbase stretched to 2898mm/114.1in – 48mm/1.9in longer wheelbase than the standard Q50, the model will provide more room and comfort for rear passengers.

Meanwhile the standard-wheelbase Q50 will continue being imported to the Chinese mainland market from the Tochigi factory in Japan.

The Q50L is powered by Infiniti’s first 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder gas engine with turbocharger, offering 211PS and 350Nm of torque and married up to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Other technologies include the world’s first steer-by-wire system – Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) – along with the double touch-screen Infiniti InTouch HCI system, Active Lane Control, new Bose 14-speaker Studio on Wheels audio system, plus other onboard extras like the in-car mood light system, rear window sunshade, electronic anti-glare side mirrors. In total, five specification levels will be offered, comprising the Comfort, Elegant, Sports, Luxury and Luxury Sports trims.

The carmaker said that the model is in keeping with the forthcoming updated Q70L long wheelbase saloon for the US and Canada, which originated in the Chinese market in 2012.

Infiniti added that the launch of the Q50L marks the next step in the company’s global growth plan underlining its determination to turn China into Infiniti’s second volume hub globally, helped by a mix of global and dedicated regional models.

Production will take place at the Xiangyang factory in Hubei province, which becomes the fourth assembly plant for Infiniti vehicles globally.

Deliveries of the new Q50L start in the beginning of November. Prices have not been announced.