The new Audi A6 has been revealed, and it’s turning heads. However, this iconic model is undergoing significant changes, especially in terms of its powertrain, marking a shift from its traditional roots.
The Audi A6, long revered as the quintessential executive car, is evolving. Following in the footsteps of the Audi A4, which has transitioned away from being the go-to vehicle for long-distance drivers, the A6 is now aligning with Audi’s broader strategy focused on electrification. Under this new scheme, all even-numbered models, like the A6, will be electric, while odd-numbered models will continue to use combustion engines.
While some automakers have announced plans to continue developing combustion engines due to concerns about the pace of the transition to electric power, Audi remains committed to its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, at least for now. This approach appears to be paying off, with the Audi A6 now entering the market as a fully electric vehicle, much like the shift BMW made with its 7 Series. As with that transition, the new A6 may divide opinions.
The latest iteration of the Audi A6, now branded as the A6 e-tron, is a significant departure from the past. Gone is the familiar three-liter diesel engine, replaced by an electric powertrain built on Audi’s new PPE platform. This is the same platform used by the Audi Q6 e-tron and the second-generation Porsche Macan.
The A6 e-tron features distinctive split headlights, a design choice that has sparked mixed reactions in models from other brands, but it also comes with two body styles: a classic sedan-like shape, which is actually a liftback, and a sleekly designed wagon. The PPE platform gives the A6 e-tron substantial dimensions, measuring 4,928 millimeters in length with a 2,946-millimeter wheelbase, and it supports a range of fully electric powertrains. Meanwhile, the upcoming generation of the Audi A7 will cater to those who prefer combustion engines.
In terms of design, the A6 e-tron shares some elements with the new A5 but is fully optimized for electric driving. The liftback boasts an impressive drag coefficient of 0.21, thanks in part to aerodynamically optimized wheels and cameras that replace traditional side mirrors. Audi claims that the A6 e-tron is currently the most aerodynamic vehicle in its lineup.
Inside, the similarities between the A5 and A6 are more evident. The A6 e-tron offers a high-tech interior with two main displays: an 11.9-inch driver’s display and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, with the option for an additional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger. True to Audi’s reputation, the A6 promises spacious and comfortable seating for four adults, although the rear seat might be less comfortable for a fifth passenger due to its shape. The A6 also maintains a practical cargo space.
The sleek exterior design and the vehicle’s overall DNA reflect Audi’s commitment to both aesthetics and functionality. The A6 e-tron introduces new OLED tail lights that enhance safety communication with other road users. More importantly, it represents a significant step toward making electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience. The battery module, consisting of 180 prismatic cells, provides a total capacity of 100 kWh, with 94.9 kWh being usable. This translates to a range of 756 kilometers for the standard A6 e-tron Sportback and 720 kilometers for the Avant wagon.
The base version of the A6 e-tron delivers 270 kW (367 hp) of power, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, with a top speed limited to 210 km/h. The more powerful Audi S6 e-tron will offer 370 kW (503 hp) or 405 kW (550 hp) in Launch Control mode, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. The S6 e-tron has a maximum range of 675 kilometers for the liftback and 647 kilometers for the wagon. The base model comes with rear-wheel drive, while the S6 offers all-wheel drive.
Regardless of the body style or configuration, the A6 e-tron features an 800V battery system with a maximum charging capacity of 270 kW. This allows for a 310-kilometer range boost in just 10 minutes, and the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.
