Audi has globally unveiled the new A6 e-tron in Sportback and Avant guises. This model marks the second Audi based on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture, following the Q6 e-tron SUV that debuted in March 2023. The PPE platform, co-developed with Porsche, will support numerous VW Group cars in the coming years. The A6 e-tron, following Audi’s naming convention, serves as the electric counterpart to the recently unveiled A5 sedan. A high-performance S6 e-tron variant will also be available in both Sportback and Avant body styles.

Exterior Design and Styling

General Design

The A6 e-tron features Audi's typically understated design, with several interesting details, particularly in the lighting elements. The car adopts the split headlamp design from the Q6 e-tron, with slimmer upper LED DRLs to match its sleek profile. The LED signatures are customizable, and the main headlamps are Audi’s familiar Matrix beams.

Front and Side Profile

The gloss black fascia contrasts with the sealed-off, trapezoidal grille finished in body color. The bumper is smoother than the Q6 e-tron’s, with less angularity. The bonnet features sharp character lines extending from the LED DRLs to the A-pillars, adding muscle to the overall look. The S6 variants are distinguished by sportier bumper inserts.

The side profile, particularly in Sportback and Avant forms, is striking. The Sportback design enhances aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag coefficient of just 0.21cd. This design maintains interior space and allows for a large boot opening. The Sportback resembles the ICE-powered A7, while the Avant has a squat stance with pronounced rear fenders.

Rear Design

The rear features a continuous light bar and second-generation OLED tail lights with variable patterns that can communicate with following vehicles. The tailgate has a stepped design, and the bottom is finished with a subtle diffuser. The illuminated four-ring Audi logo is unique to the A6 e-tron.

Dimensions

• Length: 4,928mm
• Width: 1,923mm
• Height: 1,527mm
• Wheelbase: 2,946mm
• Frunk: 27 litres
• Boot Capacity: 502 litres
• Standard Wheels: 19-inch, upgradeable to 21-inch

Interior and Features

Layout and Technology

The A6 e-tron’s interior is similar to the Q6 e-tron, featuring a single curved display that includes an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central infotainment unit running an Android-based OS. A separate 10.9-inch screen is provided for the front passenger, and the car includes a HUD with augmented reality displays. The Audi assistant now features AI support with voice commands that evolve with use.

Unique Features

A standout feature is the ambient lighting strip at the base of the windscreen, wrapping around the dashboard and extending to the doors, where the screens for the camera-based ORVMs are located. The lighting strip changes color and serves as a charging indicator, turn signal, and displays welcome and goodbye animations.

The new squarish steering wheel replaces buttons with touch surfaces. The driver’s door pad houses a new touch-based control panel for mirror, seat, and light controls. The center console features a new toggle switch for the drive selector and retains a physical rotary dial for media controls, while the HVAC settings are integrated into the touchscreen.

Material and Finishes

The A6 e-tron features an entirely leather-free interior, with fabric, satin silver, and gloss black finishes on the dashboard and fabric upholstery on the seats. Key features include a premium 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a full ADAS suite, a powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic glass roof that can switch between transparent and opaque.

Battery, Range, and Specifications

Variants and Power

• Base RWD: 210 kW
• Performance RWD: 270 kW
• Top-spec Quattro AWD: 315 kW
• S6 e-tron: Quattro AWD with 370 kW (405 kW with launch control)

Performance

• Front Axle Motor: 140 kW, 275 Nm
• Rear Axle Motor: 280 kW, 580 Nm
• 0-100kph: 6.0 seconds (base RWD), 4.5 seconds (Quattro AWD), 3.9 seconds (S6 e-tron)
• Top Speed: 210 kph (regular), 240 kph (S6 e-tron) 

Battery and Charging

• Base RWD Battery: 83 kWh, WLTP-claimed range of 610 km
• Other Variants: 100 kWh, range of 670 km to 750 km
• Charging: 10-80% in 21 minutes with up to 270 kW at 800 volts, 310 km range in 10 minutes, onboard AC charging speed of 11 kW (22 kW optional)
• Unique Feature: Charging ports on both sides

India Launch and Pricing

Launch Date

International: Early 2025, starting with Europe
India: Mid-2025

Expected Price

• A6 e-tron: Starting at €85,000 (approx. Rs 77 lakh, before taxes)
• S6 e-tron: Starting at €1,00,000 (approx. Rs 91 lakh, before taxes)
• Upon launch, the A6 e-tron will compete with the BMW i5 in India.