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The Audi A6 E-Tron is set to debut later this year following the recent introduction of its sibling, the Q6 E-Tron, and shares the same PPE platform developed alongside Porsche. The A6 E-Tron Sportback boasts a sleek design, achieving a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.21, making it the most aerodynamic Audi ever manufactured.
This aerodynamic efficiency is particularly advantageous for an electric vehicle (EV), enabling greater distance travelled on a single charge. Audi claims that the A6 E-Tron Sportback will deliver a range exceeding 466 miles according to the WLTP test cycle. Although this figure may decrease during EPA testing, it still signifies significant strides in the automotive industry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing EV efficiency and energy density.
According to Audi, the A6’s design surpasses all other models in its lineup in terms of aerodynamics, as well as being superior to all other Volkswagen Group vehicles. However, the A6 E-Tron Avant won’t achieve the same level of aerodynamic performance, recording a drag coefficient of 0.24 along with a slightly lower maximum range. Given that it’s a wagon, however, those slightly lower figures can be forgiven. That being said, Audi has yet to confirm whether the fully electric Avant will be available in the U.S.
The U.S. market will see three versions of the A6 E-Tron Sportback: a standard model producing 362 horsepower with rear-wheel drive, a 422-hp Quattro variant, and a powerful 496-hp S6 model (which can reach 543 hp during launch control). All models feature a rear-biased torque distribution, and the Sportback weighs in at 4,795 pounds.
To further enhance the Sportback’s aerodynamics, various smaller design elements have been implemented, prioritizing functionality alongside aesthetics. Features such as air curtains help direct airflow at the front and around each corner, while optional 21-inch wheels incorporate plastic aero covers. The EV can also utilize virtual exterior mirrors that retract closer to the body, and an optional air suspension can lower the sedan by up to 0.8 inches based on speed.
Integrating the battery pack into the new A6 E-Tron has raised its overall height; therefore, Audi’s designers cleverly created a black insert around the battery at the door sills, giving the impression of a sleeker profile.
All variants share a usable battery capacity of 94.4 kWh and can peak charge at 270 kW, thanks to the PPE’s 800-volt architecture. Similar to the Q6, the A6 E-Tron can divide its single battery into two 400-volt packs for compatibility with stations that use lower standards. It can charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes via DC fast charging, recovering up to 193 miles of range with only 10 minutes of charging. However, please note that these figures are based on the WLTP cycle; actual U.S. mileage may differ. Meanwhile, drivers can engage with Audi’s in-house developed video games using the heads-up display, which features stereoscopic 3D effects.
Inside, the A6 E-Tron offers all the modern comforts typical of Audi’s latest EV platforms. This includes Android Automotive infotainment powered by ChatGPT, which supports up to three displays. The setup features an 11.9-inch virtual driver’s cockpit screen paired with a 14.5-inch OLED center screen in a seamless curved design, alongside an optional 10.9-inch display for front-seat passengers. Audi offers an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system with four speakers embedded within the headrests and another 16 speakers throughout the interior, all driven by 830 watts.
Inside, the A6 E-Tron Sportback boasts a more luxurious ambiance compared to the Q6 E-Tron, featuring soft-close doors and a new panoramic glass roof that can dim at the touch of a button. Called a “digital curtain” by Audi, this roof includes four adjustment presets. Additionally, the latest high-tech features extend beyond just the EV drivetrain and interior; the updated Matrix LED headlights and OLED taillights are now standard.
However, due to U.S. regulations, some active lighting features will be restricted, preventing us from experiencing the interactive light shows that the A6 E-Tron can perform. Nevertheless, U.S. versions will likely still include the distinctive illuminated rings at the back as a consolation.
Although the A6 E-Tron’s silhouette may not be as striking as that of the longstanding internal combustion engine (ICE) A6 sedan, Audi’s new electric model is a stunning realization of the concept vehicle revealed three years prior. Whether one loves or hates its design, the new aesthetic direction of Audi’s electric vehicles is likely here to stay, and the A6 brings significant enhancements to the brand’s electric portfolio. While pricing for the U.S. market remains undisclosed, the A6 E-Tron will start at €63,000 (approximately $63,136 at current exchange rates) in Germany, with orders beginning in September.
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