A pure, electric A6 sixth generation driving experience for customers with a 450 mile range.
Available in 2025, the new Audi A6 e-tron offers fully electric, single or dual motored Sportback or Avant body styles and is pitched to be a direct competitor to BMW’s i5 and Mercedes’ EQE.
In line with a new strategy of badging electric models with even numbers, the soon to be facelifted current ICE-powered A6 will be designated the E7.
Subtle refinements in the A6 e-tron such as more prominent black grille surrounds, slightly adjusted split headlights, broadened full width tail-lights and traditional door handles distance it from its 2021 concept predecessors but there is still plenty of crossover.
Besides the ability to combine with an illuminated tailgate emblem, Audi says that second generation rear OLED lights and high-tech front Matrix LEDs will provide eight alternative digital lighting signatures. However, US regulations mean that some features such as virtual mirrors, adaptive matrix headlights, car to X communications and active digital light signatures won’t be available for all markets.
Prioritising aerodynamics, Audi has conducted extensive wind-tunnel testing and carried out over 1,300 simulations on the A6 e-tron to produce not only the most aerodynamic Audi to date, but the most aerodynamic vehicle in the entire VW Group. Although not quite up to the drag coefficient of the Mercedes-Benz EQS at 0.20 Cd, the A6 Sportback e-tron comes in at 0.21 Cd. However, the A6 Avant e-tron boasts best in class at 0.24 Cd.
In addition to the standard line-up and due for global release, the S6 e-tron is the AWD performance model that produces a combined 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS) increasing to 543 hp (405 kW / 551 PS) when activated through launch control (an electronic aid to assist acceleration from a standing start). Top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h (149 mph) and the vehicle goes from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.7 seconds.
In terms of batteries, both the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron feature a 100 kWh (94.4 kWh net) capacity, floor-mounted battery pack with 270kW DC charging supported by 800V architecture. This gives a range of around 447 – 466 miles for the A6 e-tron and 398 – 416 miles for the S6 e-tron depending on the body style. Audi has also confirmed that a 79kWh unit will become available shortly after the new A6 launch.
The A6 can be recharged at 11kW on a domestic AC supply through either of its two charging ports and the driver’s side port can also take DC at rates of up to 270kW. The A6 Sportback e-tron Performance can recharge at a suitable charging station for a range of up to 192 miles in around 10 minutes and the battery’s state of charge increases from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes. An upgrade to 22kW AC charging is planned for later in the car’s life cycle.
Based on the Porsche and Audi combined development of PPE architecture for all electric cars, the Audi A6 e-tron lineup will include three powertrains at launch. At entry level, the A6 e-tron Performance has a rear-wheel drive set up propelled by a single electric motor that generates 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS). For even greater performance, the dual-motor AWD A6 e-tron quattro has an output of 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS).
According to Audi, the A6 Avant e-tron performance cabin sets a new benchmark for Audi interior design although some features have been carried over from the Audi Q6 e-tron. The high centre console and dashboard is dominated by a triple screen set-up of digital instrument cluster, passenger touchscreen, and infotainment display. In addition, there is a comprehensive list of ADAS systems and two additional screens which function as virtual mirrors.
Optional adaptive air suspension offers four ride height levels and in efficiency mode, ground clearance is automatically reduced by 20 mm at higher speeds further enhancing aerodynamics. The base level A6 e-tron is fitted with 19-inch aero-optimized wheels, the S line and S6 e-tron feature 20-inch alloys, and there is a further option for 21-inch wheels.
Other options include a fragrance dispensing, ionizing 4-zone automatic AC system, a 20 speaker, 830 watt Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System and a panoramic glass roof that can change between clear opaque for switchable transparency at the touch of a button.
In terms of availability, orders for the Audi A6 e-tron are set to start in September 2024.