Audi A6 Avant e-tron: The Electric Estate Challenging BMW i5 on All Fronts

The electric car market is heating up as Audi unleashes its A6 Avant e-tron, a sleek new electric estate car designed to directly challenge the BMW i5 Touring. This highly anticipated vehicle, now available for order in Europe with deliveries expected in early 2025, marks a significant move in the premium electric segment, bringing Audi's signature Avant styling and advanced electric technology to the forefront.

The A6 Avant e-tron enters a growing class of electric estates, setting the stage for a fierce battle for market share against its established German rival, the BMW i5 Touring, which has largely dominated the segment since its recent launch.

Audi's New Electric Estate Car

The Audi A6 Avant e-tron is stepping forward to compete directly with models like the BMW i5 Touring. Audi revealed its production version on July 31, 2024, with orders starting in September of the same year and deliveries expected to begin in February 2025. This new Audi model is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a special base designed only for electric cars. This platform has an 800-volt system, which allows for fast charging. The A6 Avant e-tron aims to combine a sporty look with the usefulness of an estate car.

It features a design that takes hints from the Audi e-tron GT, with a clear and modern style. Key design points include sleek proportions and a wide stance. Flush door handles. The car also has innovative lighting, with illuminated Audi rings at the back and Matrix LED headlights that offer advanced and changing light for the road.

The cabin is also notable for being leather-free, using recycled materials in some parts. The BMW i5, which first came out as a sedan for the 2024 model year, also offers a Touring (estate) version. It uses BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, which is designed to work with gasoline, hybrid, and electric engines. This means the i5 shares its base with its gasoline-powered sibling. The BMW i5's design combines classic BMW elements with new features, aiming for a balance of elegance and a sporty feel. It includes features like angled headlights and taillights. 

​Audi A6 Avant e-tron: Power and Speed

When it comes to power, both electric estate cars offer different options. The Audi A6 Avant e-tron comes with various electric motor setups. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) models start with 210 kW (282 hp), while a "performance" RWD model gives 270 kW (362 hp). For those who want all-wheel drive (AWD), the "quattro" model provides a combined 315 kW (422 hp). The top-tier S6 e-tron version increases this to 370 kW (496 hp), or up to 405 kW (543 hp) when using launch control.

The Audi A6 Avant e-tron "performance" RWD model can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The S6 e-tron can do it in 3.9 seconds with launch control. On the BMW side, the i5 also provides strong performance. The eDrive40 model, which is rear-wheel drive, has 335 HP (250 kW). A new xDrive40 all-wheel-drive model is also available with two electric motors, giving a combined 389 HP.

For maximum power, the i5 M60 features dual electric motors, delivering 593 HP (442 kW) and 586 lb-ft of twisting force. In terms of acceleration, the i5 eDrive40 can reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The xDrive40 model completes the 0-60 mph sprint in an estimated 5.2 seconds. The powerful i5 M60 is quicker, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

Also Read: New Audi A6 e-tron Unveiled Globally

How Far Can They Go?

The Audi A6 Avant e-tron offers impressive figures. With its larger 100 kWh battery (94.9 kWh usable), the Avant version is expected to achieve up to 447 miles of range. The Sportback version, which has a slightly better aerodynamic design, can reach up to 466 miles. Generally, the A6 e-tron Avant with the larger battery can deliver up to 720 kilometers (about 447 miles) on a full charge. The entry-level A6 e-tron comes with a smaller 83 kWh battery (75.8 kWh usable).

For the BMW i5, the range varies by model. The eDrive40 version offers a range of up to 295 miles. The xDrive40 model has a slightly lower range, estimated between 248 and 266 miles. The more powerful i5 M60 has a range between 240 and 256 miles. Some reports suggest a maximum range of up to 310 miles for the i5. Real-world driving may see this closer to 260 miles.

Quick Charging Times

Both Audi and BMW have equipped their electric estate cars with fast charging technology to make long journeys more convenient. The Audi A6 Avant e-tron stands out with its 800-volt electrical system, which allows for very fast DC charging speeds up to 270 kW.

This means the A6 Avant e-tron can charge its battery from 5% to 80% in less than 25 minutes. A quick 10-minute charge can add around 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) of range. Both vehicles also come with an on-board charger that supports up to 11 kW AC charging.

The BMW i5 uses a 400-volt system and still offers competitive charging times. It can handle DC fast charging at up to 205 kW. This allows the i5 to gain 180 to 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charging. For the i5 eDrive40 and M60, approximately 100 miles of range can be added in just 10 to 11 minutes at a public DC fast charger. For home charging, using a Level 2 BMW Wallbox, a full charge can be completed in under 10 hours.

Inside the Cabin

Inside, both the Audi A6 Avant e-tron and the BMW i5 aim to offer a luxurious and advanced experience for people. The Audi A6 Avant e-tron's cabin focuses on the user. It features a new interior design that mixes beauty with easy-to-use controls. A key part of the interior is the MMI panoramic display, which includes an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display, both using curved OLED technology. There is also an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger.

Audi offers unique lighting features, such as interior ambient lighting that can change colors and brightness. A panoramic glass sunroof where the transparency of different sections can be changed with a button. For sound, a 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is available. The A6 Avant e-tron has a cargo volume of 502 liters with the rear seats up and 1422 liters when they are folded down. It also includes a small storage space at the front, known as a frunk. The BMW i5 interior is designed for up to five people and features a technology-focused layout.

A main highlight is the BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central display into one unit. The car uses the iDrive 8.5 operating system. Standard interior features include vegan leather upholstery called Veganza and ambient lighting. a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System. Options include heated and cooled front seats, higher-quality leather, and glass controls. a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. The BMW i5 Touring offers more cargo space, with 570 liters with the seats up and an impressive 1700 liters when the rear seats are folded. But it does not have a frunk.

Under the Skin: Platforms

The underlying structure, or platform, of an electric car is essential for its performance, space, and how it drives. The Audi A6 Avant e-tron is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which was developed with Porsche. This platform is made only for battery-electric cars, meaning it is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of electric technology. The PPE allows for a flat floor because the battery module is placed between the axles. This design helps with space inside and also contributes to the car's aerodynamics. The PPE also supports an 800-volt system, which is key to its fast charging abilities.

In contrast, the BMW i5 uses the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. The CLAR platform is a flexible design that can support various types of engines, including gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric powertrains. This means the i5 shares its basic structure with the regular gasoline-powered 5 Series. While this offers BMW flexibility, some experts note that a dedicated electric platform can offer better use of space and greater efficiency.

The CLAR platform uses a mix of strong steel, aluminum, and optional carbon fiber to keep weight down. It is designed for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive setups and is used across many BMW models from the 3 Series to the 7 Series and even SUVs.

Also Read: Audi Reduces Prices Of The Cars By Up to Rs 2.46 Lakh Under GST 2.0 Regime

Both the Audi A6 Avant e-tron and the BMW i5 are positioned in the luxury electric car market. Their pricing reflects this. The Audi A6 Avant e-tron's entry-level models start around £69,000 in the UK, with the more practical estate version priced at £71,700. In Europe, the entry-level A6 e-tron starts at 62,800 euros. The "performance" Avant model has a price of 77,250 euros, while the S6 Avant e-tron starts at 101,150 euros. For the BMW i5, prices for the eDrive40 model start around $67,100 to $68,275 in the US market.

The more powerful i5 M60 is priced higher, starting around $84,100 to $85,275. The i5 Touring, BMW's electric estate car, starts from £60,725 in some markets. When looking at car reviews and market comparisons, the Audi A6 Avant e-tron is noted for being competitively priced in its standard form.

The BMW i5 Touring generally starts at a slightly higher price point. Both cars face competition from other luxury electric vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz EQE. The arrival of the Audi A6 Avant e-tron provides a strong new option in the growing segment of electric estate cars, offering a direct challenge to the BMW i5 on several essential fronts.

CarBike360 Says

The electric revolution is accelerating, and Audi is leading the charge with its formidable A6 Avant e-tron. This all-new electric estate car has just hit the streets, boasting a stunning design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance figures.