Audi has officially unveiled the new A6 e-tron, an all-electric version of one of the carmaker’s most popular badges.
The company’s local division confirmed that the new model is “under consideration” for a South African introduction around mid-2025, approximately one year from now.
Audi recently announced that its transition to a greener future holds a major shakeup for the nomenclature of its vehicles.
The even-numbered badges will now be reserved for new-energy vehicles while the odd-numbered badges for petrol and diesel models, like the new A5 which is replacing the A4.
Hence, the A6 will from here on out exclusively be sold in electric guise, while the A7 is expected to continue being offered with internal combustion engines.
Design
The A6 e-tron was first shown off as a concept at the Auto Shanghai Trade Fair in 2021, acting as a forerunner for Audi’s future family of electric vehicles (EVs).
It is the second model to be built on the brand’s PPE platform for upper-midsize vehicles, and will be offered in both Sportback and Avant (estate) body styles – a first for an Audi EV.
The futuristic A6 can be differentiated from its forebears by a new sealed-off black mask grille similar to those seen on other EVs, which helps to disguise the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors installed behind it.
The central location of the battery, which is hinted at with black inserts in the sill area, helps to give the e-tron a flat floor and a low ride height.
It also has a flat roofline thanks to the steeply sloping D-pillar, and the A-pillar benefits from an aluminium-look trim piece that extends to the roof spoiler.
By default, the A6 comes with 19-inch, five-spoke aero alloy wheels, though the S line is treated to larger 20-inch rims with a Graphite Grey finish. It’s also possible to upgrade to 21-inch alloys at the customer’s request.
Eight exterior colours will be available at launch including Magnetic Grey Solid, Glacier White Metallic, Typhoon Grey Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Plasma Blue Metallic, and Malpelo Blue Metallic.
Two of the options – Daytona Grey Pearl Effect and Siam Beige Metallic – are reserved for S line and S models.
Aerodynamics played a major role in the design of the Audi, with optimized air curtains that positively influence the airflow around the nose and the wheels.
A controllable air intake under the grille of the e-tron ensures that air can stream around this zone with minimal losses, and the underbody is sealed as much as possible to reduce drag even further.
There is a wide diffuser that helps to balance lift at the rear axle, and the Avant has additional side spoilers at the rear for enhanced handling prowess.
Buyers can take the aero optimizations even further with optional virtual exterior mirrors like the ones used on the Q8 e-tron, which are much smaller than regular mirrors and use cameras that project an image onto OLED screens inside the cabin.
Another innovation of the electric A6 is its lighting signature, which starts with a set of digital daytime running lights and LED headlights with 12 dimmable segments.
The taillights use second-generation OLED technology with 45 segments per panel, allowing them to project a new image several times per second to improve road safety.
The rear lamps are able to display communications to other drivers, warning of upcoming hazards like accidents or breakdowns.
The back also features a static light signature with integrated warning symbols that can be displayed in critical driving or traffic situations.
As a final touch, owners have the option to include a lighting effect for the four rings logo at the back.
Interior
Moving inside, the centerpiece of the cabin is the MMI panoramic curved display consisting of an 11.9-inch virtual driver’s cockpit, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and a 10.9-inch front passenger display.
An Active Privacy Mode allows the front passenger to watch movies or series on the go without distracting the driver by controlling where the light is presented.
Depending on the car’s speed and seat occupancy, an intelligent control unit determines whether the passenger screen is directed (private) or diffused, letting everyone see what’s being played.
The infotainment screen, meanwhile, uses the Android Automotive operating system and can receive over-the-air software updates or download third-party apps like YouTube.
Apps included at launch are Music, Video, Gaming, Navigation, Parking and Charging, Productivity, Weather, and News Services.
There is also an Audi voice assistant with ChatGPT capabilities, letting users interact with the car using natural language instead of fixed prompts.
As standard, the A6 will attempt to resolve any requests using Audi assistant and will only forward queries to ChatGPT for general questions.
Adding to the various screens is an optional second-gen augmented reality heads-up display (AR HUD), which projects a tilted image plane across the windshield showing information like speed, traffic signs, and navigation icons.
The rest of the interior features gloss black finishes and low-lying slim air vents for the four-zone climate control that are designed to be barely noticeable.
If the virtual side mirrors are installed, the OLED screens will be mounted inside the doors.
Another option is a panoramic sunroof with smart glass that minimizes direct sunlight and can become opaque or clear at the touch of a button thanks to a number of liquid crystals that turn transparent when a voltage is applied.
Finally, there is a Bang & Olufsen stereo with 3D surround sound enabled by no less than 20 speakers throughout the cabin.
Powertrain
The core of the A6 e-tron is a lithium-ion battery with 800V technology and a gross capacity of 100kWh, giving it an incredible range of over 750km on the Sportback and 720km on the Avant, owing to the latter’s bulkier profile.
The battery is hooked up to electric motors mounted on each axle, which generate a system output of 270kW on the base models and 370kW (405kW with launch control) on the high-performance S6.
As a result, the A6 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210km/h.
The S6, on the other hand, can hit 100km/h in 3.9 seconds before capping out at 240km/h, though the added intensity drops its range to between 640km and 670km.
Audi’s new EV can support DC charging at a rate of 270kW, letting it top up its range by 310km in as little as 10 minutes.
It also supports Plug & Charge, which authorizes it to automatically begin charging at supported public outlets when plugged in.
If the charging station relies on 400V tech, the A6 can use split bank charging to charge its 800V system as two units in parallel at a rate of up to 135kW.
The new model also supports 11kW AC cables for home use, and a 22kW AC option will be added at a later date.
Regenerative brakes on both the front and rear axle help to feed power back to the battery, which can be set to one or two-stage recuperation using paddles on the steering wheel.
Adaptive air suspension is optionally available, which uses controlled damping to switch between comfort and sport handling modes, or respond to road conditions by adjusting the ride height.
Audi A6 e-tron
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