A rear-wheel drive sedan isn’t abnormal, but one with Audi’s four rings on the front? That is very, very unusual. But believe it or not, the base Audi A6 E-Tron—the new electric version of Audi’s longstanding mid-size sedan—drives just its rear wheels. Audi is, of course, a brand defined by its Quattro all-wheel drive system, but it built front-wheel drive cars for much of its history. You have to go all the way back to the Audi 920 of the late 1930s to find an earlier rear-wheel drive Audi sedan than this new A6. And for all of its modern history, the company has only built front or all-wheel drive cars. The only exceptions are the rear-wheel drive versions of the R8 supercar and the base Q4 E-Tron crossover.
Quick history lesson: Audi was formed around the turn of the 20th century, and in 1932, it became part of the Auto Union along with fellow German companies Horch, Wanderer, and DKW. Hence the four rings of the Audi logo. After the War, the Audi name was dropped until the mid-1960s, when Auto Union revived it in favor of DKW. Most modern Audis can trace their lineage to the DKW F9, which was designed in the early days of World War II as a successor to the Volkswagen Beetle. As an excellent video from the B Sport YouTube channel explains, Auto Union ran with the F9’s drivetrain layout of a longitudinal engine ahead of a transmission sending power to the front wheels. In gas-powered cars larger than the A3, it’s the layout Audi still uses to this day, albeit often with the addition of a driveshaft going to the rear in the classic Quattro all-wheel drive system. This includes the A6 and all its predecessors.
All of this is to say that there are decades of tradition here, which the A6 E-Tron breaks with. Of course, many single-motor EVs are rear-wheel drive for a variety of reasons, so on some level, it’s not that unusual. Plus, the A6’s rivals—the Tesla Model S, BMW i5, and Mercedes EQE—are all rear-wheel drive in base form. Still, it’s astonishing that this is the first modern, rear-wheel-drive Audi sedan. Going electric changes everything. This break from tradition doesn’t really matter in the big scheme of things, yet it’s certainly notable given Audi’s history. But, a rear-wheel drive sedan is almost always a good thing, so the base A6 E-Tron might be a sweet spot in the Audi range.
Electric Innovations at Audi
Audi has made a significant shift in their approach to electric vehicles with the release of the base A6 E-Tron being a rear-wheel drive sedan. Traditionally known for their Quattro all-wheel drive system, this move represents a new direction for the brand. The electrification of their lineup has allowed Audi to introduce innovative features and technologies that were not possible with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The A6 E-Tron showcases Audi’s commitment to sustainability and modernization in the automotive industry.
Breaking Tradition: The Evolution of Audi’s Drivetrain Layout
Since its inception, Audi has followed a specific drivetrain layout that involved a longitudinal engine ahead of a transmission sending power to the front wheels. This layout can be traced back to the DKW F9, which was designed as a successor to the Volkswagen Beetle. Over the years, Audi has refined this drivetrain layout in their gas-powered cars larger than the A3, often incorporating a driveshaft going to the rear in their Quattro all-wheel drive system. The introduction of the rear-wheel drive A6 E-Tron marks a departure from this traditional setup and showcases Audi’s willingness to adapt and evolve in the electric vehicle market.
Rear-Wheel Drive in the Electric Vehicle Market
While rear-wheel drive sedans are not uncommon in the electric vehicle market, the base A6 E-Tron’s configuration is a unique offering from Audi. The Tesla Model S, BMW i5, and Mercedes EQE—all rivals of the A6 E-Tron—are also rear-wheel drive in their base form. This configuration offers a different driving experience compared to all-wheel drive vehicles and may appeal to drivers looking for a more dynamic and engaging ride. The A6 E-Tron’s rear-wheel drive setup combined with its electric powertrain makes it a compelling option for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency in a luxury sedan.
The Future of Audi’s Electric Vehicle Lineup
The launch of the base A6 E-Tron signals Audi’s continued commitment to electrification and sustainability. As the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles, Audi is focused on expanding their electric vehicle lineup to offer consumers a wide range of options. The A6 E-Tron’s rear-wheel drive configuration sets it apart from other electric sedans on the market and positions Audi as a leader in innovation and technology. With advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, Audi is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market and set new standards for performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
The base Audi A6 E-Tron’s rear-wheel drive configuration represents a significant departure from Audi’s traditional all-wheel drive system and marks a new chapter in the brand’s history. By embracing electric powertrains and innovative technologies, Audi is redefining the luxury sedan segment and setting new standards for performance and sustainability. The A6 E-Tron’s unique drivetrain layout, combined with Audi’s commitment to electrification, positions it as a top contender in the electric vehicle market. As Audi continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup and push the boundaries of technology, the A6 E-Tron stands out as a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and progress in the automotive industry.