Rejoice! Audi’s new naming strategy is confusing, to say the least, with even equals electric and odd equals combustion, but the new A6 e-tron is actually named after the car it replaces. Yes, the combustion A6 will likely be gone soon (or at least under the A6 moniker), but the new electric model promises plenty of what made the executive saloon so popular. Smooth styling, comfort and plenty of technology still remain, so the switch to electricity hasn’t sucked the soul out of the luxury saloon.
Balancing Looks and a Long Range
The sharp looks aren’t just for show. They contribute to the 0.21 drag coefficient, making the A6 e-tron the most aerodynamic Audi ever and the most aerodynamic vehicle present in the vast VW Group. There are air curtains at the front and an air intake behind the Singleframe grille further guides the airstream. Clever underside components and a sloping roofline also help, but there are more visual aerodynamic features like the rear diffuser and flush door handles, as well as optional aero wheels and virtual mirrors, instead of conventional (but less efficient) mirrors.
On a purely cosmetic level, the Audi A6 e-tron has an imposing design. The minuscule daytime running lights and wide grille will make quite the sight in your rearview mirror, while the dark section (which hides the main headlights and some sensors and intakes) below adds to the macho look. At the side, the Sportback has a sporty, sloped roofline, whereas the Avant has a much flatter silhouette which extends into a protruding spoiler.
The rear follows in a similar vein, with a muscular appearance. The full-length lightbar combines well with the aforementioned diffuser and roof spoiler on the Avant, while the A6 Sportback e-tron gets a slight spoiler lip. Audi is keen to talk about its lighting technology, which can create a ‘signature’ and can be personalised and warn other road users about potential danger, which seems to be the only practical use of the complex technology.
A Whirlwind of Technology Onboard
The focus of the interior seems to be gadgets and gizmos, but there are still plenty of pleasant materials used. Comfort-oriented sections, like the seats, are covered in soft, more premium materials, whereas the control areas are finished in gloss black to mirror the sleek technology and create contrast. The slim air vents are well-hidden and the virtual mirror displays are integrated nicely into the doors.
The stars of the show though, are the three screens that dominate proceedings, although the passenger screen will likely be an optional extra. The curved, driver-centred display comprises the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. The front passenger display measures 10.9 inches and uses Active Privacy Mode to block the driver from seeing the screen while driving to prevent distraction. Passengers especially will benefit from the variety of apps available for the e-tron, such as YouTube, while the Audi assistant is promised in the future and will be powered by ChatGPT. The optional AR head-up display provides key information for the driver.
The interior is almost devoid of buttons, aside from those on the driver’s door. They control functions such as mirror adjustment, lighting and locking. The optional panoramic roof adds to the premium, innovative ambience and uses snazzy PDLC technology to electrically switch from transparent to opaque, and a couple of presets in-between.
No Compromises Present
The Audi A6 e-tron performance as it’s officially named, despite there only being one A6 e-tron model, has a range of 450 miles in Sportback guise, while the Avant reduces this slightly to 430. These are incredibly impressive numbers and are thanks to the optimised aerodynamics and monstrous 100kWh battery. Don’t think that this means the new EV is a slouch when it comes to performance, though. 362hp takes the A6 e-tron to 62mph in 5.4 seconds and to a top speed of 130 mph.
In need of more performance? Like the Q6 e-tron, there’s also an S version. The S6 e-tron utilises quattro all-wheel drive, unlike the rear-drive A6, and has 496hp. This means it’s good for 0-62 in just 3.9 seconds and can reach 149mph. Audi may be hinting at an RS6 e-tron with the cryptic statement ‘Further models with rear-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive will follow at a later date’.
The impressive figures don’t just stop there. Thanks to 800-volt technology and a maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW, the A6 Sportback can gain up to 192 miles of range in just 10 minutes and 10% to 80% takes just 21 minutes, provided you find the right charger. As expected, there’s the standard regenerative braking, which can recuperate up to 220kW and one-pedal driving is possible.
Designed for Dynamic Driving
With great performance in a straight line, cornering can’t be neglected. Therefore, Audi has used some clever suspension trickery to improve agility and engagement. The optional adaptive air suspension can switch between comfort and sportiness, while in efficiency mode it drops down to improve airflow. The S6 e-tron’s quattro system is rear-biased and torque distribution can be changed on the fly, allowing for a more agile and enjoyable driving experience.
The Audi A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron will be available to order from 2nd September, both as Sportback and Avant. Pricing will be announced when they become available, although expect the A6 Sportback e-tron to start at around £60,000, while the S6 e-tron could be priced at around £85,000.
