Audi has finally revealed the production version of its long-awaited, and somewhat delayed, A6 e-tron electric saloon (and Avant estate).
Having been previewed as far back as 2022 by the A6 e-tron concept, the production model of the new A6 had been held-back by delays in developing the complex software for the PPE (premium platform electric) structure that lies beneath the bodywork. The same delays for the same PPE structure also held up the debuts of the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan Electric. By rights, this A6 e-tron should have been on sale by the end of 2023.
Will it have been worth the wait? Possibly so, as the A6 e-tron will hit the market – and order books will open in Ireland in September, although first deliveries may well take rather longer than that – with a maximum range of 756km for the biggest-battery version. That is more than 120km better than managed by the longest-ranged Q6 SUV, which demonstrates the significant downside of bulkier, taller vehicles in an electric motoring age.
The A6 e-tron is most definitely not tall and bulky. Indeed, it boasts one of the most aerodynamically slippery bodies in production, with a coefficient of drag (Cd) figure of 0.21. In that, the A6 e-tron is following in the hallowed wheel tracks of the likes of the original 1980s Audi 100, a car whose sleek shape and flush-fit side glass arguably introduced the concept of aerodynamic shaping to the wider motoring public.
That aero package is helped by a carefully shaped floor under the bodywork, aerodynamic wheel designs and a moving flap in the grille at the front, which can allow fresh air to flow into the car when needed for cooling, or which can close and divert that airflow away and around the bodywork. There will also be the option of replacing the standard side mirrors with rear-facing cameras, mounted in very slim aero-friendly pods.
As with the Q6 e-tron SUV, you’ll be able to control the patterns used by the A6 e-tron’s pixel-like LED headlights and brake lights, but while that might be considered a gimmick, Audi is also using the lights for safety enhancements. Already, the OLED rear lights of many Audis can increase in intensity and brightness to warn following traffic that it’s getting too close. The brake lights on the A6 e-tron will also be able to display specific warning signals to following cars to warn of accidents or breakdowns on the road ahead.
Underneath, the A6 e-tron’s PPE structure will be available with a choice of battery sizes – with the largest being a 94.9kWh usable battery pack, allowing the A6 e-tron saloon (it’s actually a practical fastback with a sleek tailgate) to stretch to 746km on one charge, or 720km for the slightly-less aerodynamic Avant estate. The two-motor four-wheel drive versions boast up to 367hp (that’s 270kW) of power, allowing for a brisk 5.4 sec 0-100km/h sprint time.
If that’s not enough, there will also be a sporting S6 quattro version, with as much as 550hp (405kW) in its “launch control” mode, and that will get to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, although you lose some range because of the higher power output – it falls to 675km.
There will eventually be two-wheel drive versions of the A6 e-tron, which will use a rear-mounted single electric motor, making them and the current Q6 the first mainstream rear-drive Audi models since the 1970s (the rear-drive version of the R8 supercar hardly counts as “mainstream”).
Thanks to an 800-volt electrical system, the A6 e-tron will be able to charge at up to 270kW from a sufficiently rapid direct current (DC) charging point, which means you’ll be theoretically able to add as much as 310km of extra range in just 10 minutes worth of charging. On less powerful chargers, the A6 e-tron can split the battery into two sections, and charge each in parallel at speeds of up to 135kW. The A6 e-tron will charge at 11kW from alternating current (AC) power, although in due course a 22kW AC charging option will be available.
Air suspension will be available as an option, and in “efficiency” mode that will automatically lower the A6 e-tron’s body by 20mm for even further-improved aerodynamics on long motorway journeys.
Inside, the A6 e-tron’s cabin is basically the same as that of the new Q6, just set lower down. It has the same dramatic, curved, sweeping twin-screen instrument and infotainment layout, and the option of a third screen in front of the passenger. There’s also an advanced head-up display, and the option of a glass roof which dims and lightens electronically.
Audi says that the A6 e-tron will launch in Europe with a starting price of €75,600, which would suggest an Irish price of about €80,000 – similar to the prices of the rival BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, albeit with longer range than either.
The A6 is also part of Audi’s new model naming strategy which will see electric models badged with even numbers – A6, Q6, Q8, the new A4 – and those which retain petrol, diesel, and hybrid power badged with odd numbers – starting with the incoming new A5 saloon and Avant estate, which effectively replaces the old A4.
Commenting on the new Audi A6 e-tron model range, Audi Ireland brand director Damien O’Sullivan said: “As the second model range to come off the PPE platform we cannot wait to have the Audi A6 e-tron in Irish Audi dealerships and on Irish roads. Audi continues to push technology and design, the aerodynamics of this vehicle are incredible and the technology and power within is groundbreaking., With over 700km of range and the outstanding charging times, this model is another option for Irish consumers wanting to switch to electric driving or to upgrade and continue their electric experience.”
