PCIe 2.0 is a differential signaling bus, with up to 32 'lanes'. The data does not have to arrive at the same time as it does in PCI (a parallel bus). As a result extenders are probably easier to make, can be longer, and still meet the specs. I havent found a free copy of PCIe 2.0, so I cant say for sure, but it does look to be the case. Some information says max bus length is 20 inches(PCIe 1.0) and 10m (PCIe 2.0).
Cheers