Audi’s New A6 E-Tron Brings Electric Luxury to the Market
Audi has recently expanded their electric vehicle offerings with the introduction of the A6 Sportback E-Tron. Building on their success with electric crossovers, Audi brings its luxury expertise to the electric sedan market with this new model.
The Design and Features of the A6 E-Tron
The A6 Sportback E-Tron and its Avant sibling are built on the same PPE platform as the Q6 E-Tron and the new Porsche Macan. The design of these models includes split headlights with daytime running lights and turn signals underneath, as well as flush door handles for a sleek profile. The Sportback version boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21, making it the most aerodynamic Audi road-going car to date. The interior features a 14.5-inch touchscreen in the center and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver.
Power and Performance Options
In the US market, Audi plans to offer the A6 Sportback E-Tron in three different versions: rear-wheel drive, Quattro, and the high-performance S6. The base model will have 362 horsepower, while the midrange model will have 422 horsepower, and the S6 will offer 496 horsepower. All three models share a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 94.4 kWh, allowing for fast DC charging up to 270 kW.
Range and Efficiency
Audi estimates that the Euro version of the A6 E-Tron will have a range of over 466 miles in rear-wheel-drive form, with the Avant model slightly less due to its less aerodynamic design. The high-performance S models will have slightly lower ranges, in the 398-416 mile range. These estimates are based on WLTP testing, and the EPA range for the US models may differ. Comparing to rivals, the A6 E-Tron offers competitive range, with the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and Tesla Model S offering similar mileage on a single charge.
Future of Audi’s Electric Lineup
By introducing the A6 E-Tron, Audi signals a shift towards a fully electric lineup in the near future. The A6 will transition to the A7 moniker for its next ICE model, following Audi’s updated naming strategy of even numbers for electric cars and odd numbers for combustion vehicles. The A5 Sportback and Avant have already adopted this strategy, paving the way for a future electric A4 and A8 to come.
Conclusion
Overall, the Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron represents a significant step forward in Audi’s electric vehicle lineup. With its elegant design, powerful performance options, competitive range, and commitment to a fully electric future, the A6 E-Tron sets a new standard for luxury electric vehicles in the market. Audi fans and EV enthusiasts alike can look forward to the arrival of this groundbreaking new model.