“The A6 e-tron is the first purely electric Audi model available as a Sportback and Avant,” says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “Its striking design enables the best aerodynamics in the portfolio and therefore greater efficiency. It will inspire enthusiasm for e-mobility with its long range of well over 700 kilometers and outstanding driving dynamics.”
The exterior: elegant and progressive
The body’s clean design focuses on dynamism, progressiveness, and elegance. The front is simultaneously harmonious and expressive. The slim design of the daytime running lights and the wide grille make the A6 e-tron appear flat and wide on the road.
A black mask surrounds the closed and inverted single frame, reflecting the distinct design language of the e-tron models. The main headlights and other functional elements, such as the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors and the air intakes, are integrated into the dark mask, making them almost invisible.
The dynamic roofline of the A6 e-tron rests on a powerful foundation with a low ride height. The quattro blisters are those contours that emphasize the quattro drive with their sculptural and muscular shape. They are a core element of the Audi design DNA. As the heart of the car, the battery is emphasized by a black insert in the sill area. The insert gives the car a flat, slim, and dynamic appearance from the side. It extends to the rear and integrates the reflectors, giving the A6 e-tron a visually stretched appearance. The Avant is also characterized by a very flat roofline, with the D-pillar sloping steeply forward. An aluminum-look trim piece from the A-pillar to the roof spoiler is a new, distinctive feature of the A6 Avant e-tron and creates a high recognizability.
The rear conveys a mixture of sporty elegance and full power. The clean architecture, combined with the continuous and three-dimensional light strip, gives the new A6 e-tron clarity and aplomb. A striking spoiler lip finishes off the rear of the Sportback, and the eye-catching rear diffuser further emphasizes the sporty and dynamic look of the rear.
The Audi A6 e-tron comes with 19-inch five-arm dynamic wheels, designed as aero wheels, as standard while the S line gets 20-inch “five-spoke tripod” wheels in graphite gray. The S6 e-tron comes with 20-inch wheels as standard. Stunning wheels up to 21 inches are available as an option. Nine distinctive designs – from sporty to elegant, are available, including six from
Audi Sport.
The exterior of the Audi A6 e-tron differs between the variants basic, S line and S model. Up to eight exterior colors are available at market launch, including the standard color Magnetic gray solid as well as Glacier white metallic, Typhoon gray metallic and Mythos black metallic. They emphasize the exterior’s powerful and progressive design. Two blue shades, Plasma blue metallic and Malpelo blue metallic, are also available. Daytona gray pearl effect and Siam beige metallic are reserved exclusively for the S line variant and the S model.
Best in class: outstanding aerodynamics
Superior aerodynamics is a core component of the long history of successes for Audi. The aerodynamic heroes of the past, such as the Audi 100 (C3) and the Audi 80 (B3), also belong to the mid-size segment.
The legendary cw value of the third-generation Audi 100 meant it was called the “aerodynamics world champion of all classes”. With a cw -value of 0.30, Audi outclassed its competitors in 1982 – and continued to do so for many years. Today, the Audi A6 e-tron is writing a new chapter in this success story.
At Audi, sporty design and aerodynamics do not contradict each other: Optimal basic tuning and numerous detail optimizations contribute to excellent aerodynamics and ensure an exceptionally low cw value of 0.21 for the Sportback, making it the best Audi of all time in terms of aerodynamics and the most aerodynamic vehicle in the entire VW Group. The Avant also achieves a very good cw value of 0.24, making it one of the best in its segment.
The front is aerodynamically optimized and has air curtains that positively influence the flow around the front and the wheels. The greenhouse is extremely slim, and the roofline slopes towards the rear. Moreover, a controllable cool-air intake under the Singleframe of the Audi A6 e-tron ensures the airstream can flow around this zone with minimal losses. Audi has further optimized this system with additional components. The underbody also plays a vital role in the aerodynamics concept through a high degree of sealing and small optimizations of various components. These include specially adapted wheel trims and 3D bumps ahead of the front wheels, which are individually optimized for the Sportback and Avant, the undertray, the battery, the rear axle, and sill panels. A wide and aerodynamically optimized diffuser achieves the optimum balance between lift at the rear axle and cw value. The Avant is also equipped with an additional spoiler on the diffuser. Aero elements in the form of side spoilers at the rear of the A6 Avant e-tron enable controlled stall. The low roof edge spoiler contributes to a small “still water area” behind the vehicle, which also improves the aerodynamics.
Aero optimizations offered by some of the wheels of various sizes round off the aerodynamic concept. For example, an attractive 21’’ aero wheel with plastic covers is offered. The optional virtual exterior mirrors are among the proven aerodynamic components that are already familiar from the Audi Q8 e-tron. Their second generation is used on the Audi A6 e-tron, and they can now fold electrically. The compact cameras have a flow-optimized shape, which reduces the front area of the vehicle and improves the drag coefficient.
Innovative lighting technology
With the new Audi A6 e-tron, Audi is underlining its leading role in lighting design and technology – an essential part of the Audi DNA. The headlights and rear lights have a three-dimensional design and offer digital light signatures, bringing the physical and digital worlds together. At the front, the Audi A6 e-tron family offers digital daytime running lights with LED technology as an option as well as second-generation digital OLED rear lights.
With around 45 segments per digital OLED panel, the A6 e-tron enables car-to-x communication and increases road safety. Light appears more vivid and intelligent on the new Audi A6 e-tron thanks to the perfect symbiosis between the lighting design and the new technology. Turning to the second-generation digital OLED rear lights, ten OLED panels with 450 segments use a specially developed algorithm to generate a new image several times per second. The active digital light signature also points the way to the future of Audi lighting technology. A software module in one of the five domain computers of the Audi A6 e-tron makes this light signature possible. At the front, the active digital light signature is created by the algorithm’s interaction with twelve dimmable segments. At the rear, all digital OLED segments are used for this purpose. The individual light segments interact in such a way that the overall luminous intensity of the light signature does not vary.
Audi is establishing new levels of lighting design, functionality, and safety with the second generation of digital OLED rear lights. Audi has also further developed its safety functions. The proximity detection that is already familiar from other Audi models has been expanded in the new A6 e-tron to include the communication light. It warns other road users of accidents and breakdowns. In addition to the regular taillight graphics, the communication light displays a specific static taillight signature with integrated warning symbols in the digital OLED rear light 2.0 in critical driving or traffic situations.
The technology used also sets new standards in terms of individualization: with eight digital light signatures in the newly designed digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and in the digital OLED rear lights 2.0, drivers can personalize their A6 e-tron in a completely new way, depending on the selected equipment.
A particular highlight of the new Audi A6 e-tron is the equipment-dependent illumination of the four rings at the rear. This strongly emphasizes the Audi corporate identity and gives the new A6 e-tron its very own personality.
Interior and MMI panoramic display
The interior of the Audi A6 e-tron is consistently geared towards the users’ needs. The three-dimensional and high-contrast design deliberately places elements in the foreground or background, creating a spatial architecture tailored to the occupants in terms of design and ergonomics. The MMI panoramic display, with its curved design and OLED technology, consists of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display and, together with the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, forms a digital stage with visually clear design.
Active Privacy Mode allows the front seat passenger to enjoy entertainment content while traveling, such as watching movies or streaming series, without distracting the driver. Depending on the current speed, and seat occupancy, the light is directed (privacy mode on) or diffused (content visible to all).
Audi is taking a significant step forward in display technology with the optional augmented reality head-up display (AR HuD), another central element of the digital stage.
The display reflects a large, tilted image plane across the windshield towards the driver. It shows relevant information such as speed, traffic signs, assistance, and navigation symbols.
The interior creates a homely ambiance. The “soft wrap” extends from door to door across the entire panel width, creating a homogeneous and enveloping feeling of space. The materials were selected from a functional perspective. At the same time, they ensure a clear design differentiation of the various areas in the vehicle’s interior. Comfort-oriented areas are designed with generous surfaces and soft materials. In contrast, the precisely designed control areas in high-quality, high-gloss black emphasize the clarity of interaction with the vehicle. The low-lying, slim air vents seem to disappear into the background. The displays of the optional virtual exterior mirrors are located inside the doors, clearly visible in the angle of the A-pillar and the door sill.
A digital wrap is also created here, which extends from mirror to mirror across the entire digital instrument panel and is connected via the dynamic interaction light at the base of the windshield. Essential functions such as mirror adjustment, lighting, and locking systems are integrated compactly into the central control panel in the driver’s door. An optional four-zone automatic air conditioning system and the air quality package with aroma fragrance and ionizer complete the elegant ambiance.
A smart panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency
An optional innovative panoramic glass roof further enhances the vehicles. In contrast to previous types, the panoramic roof’s smart glass minimizes direct sunlight and becomes opaque at the touch of a button. This works with PDLC technology (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal), which can switch from transparent to opaque. Electrically switchable glass components contain two PDLC film elements, between which the liquid crystals giving them their name float. If no voltage is applied, the crystals form an opaque layer, making the glass roof non-transparent. If voltage is applied, the crystals align so the roof becomes transparent. It can be individually controlled like a “digital curtain” via a button in the roof module; customers can choose from four presets.
Infotainment – integrating the digital world of customers
The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system. The A6 e-tron updates its content via over-the-air updates. Therefore, the latest Audi connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner, which comes as standard, are always up to date. Apps such as YouTube are available via the Audi Application Store for third-party apps, which is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone to use.
The store gives customers access to a wide range of apps. At the A6 e-tron launch, various applications will be available from categories including: Music, Video, Gaming, Navigation, Parking and Charging, Productivity, Weather, and News Services. The store is constantly expanding, and the app portfolio is market-specific.
In addition to the improved and more intuitive touch operation, the new display and operating concept addresses global trends toward interaction. For example, voice control has been significantly expanded and now plays a key role. The vehicle’s self-learning voice assistant, the Audi assistant, can control numerous vehicle functions.
The Audi assistant has access to additional online content, such as weather and general knowledge. Via a connection to ChatGPT (provided via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service) customers can interact with their car using natural language and listen to the information they would like to know while driving.
The Audi assistant automatically recognizes whether to execute a vehicle function, search for a destination, or, for example, provide the weather forecast. The Audi system only forwards queries to ChatGPT when it cannot answer general knowledge questions. Drivers enjoy a seamless experience as all the functions are integrated into the Audi assistant.
The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with headrest loudspeakers ensures optimum sound. A highly efficient amplifier drives 20 loudspeakers with 830 watts of power. Four of these are integrated into the front seat headrests, enabling Audi to provide personal surround sound, personal navigation announcements, and one-on-one phone calls. Additional loudspeakers in the A-pillar and mid-range speakers create an incomparable 3D surround sound. The dynamic interaction light offers a variety of communication functions, supporting the vehicle’s interaction with the occupants. It spans the interior and cockpit below the windshield in the shape of a generous arc.
Impressive range and charging performance
Powerful, compact, and highly efficient electric motors and a lithium-ion battery newly developed for the PPE consisting of twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh net) ensure a range of up to 756 kilometers (A6 Sportback e-tron ) and up to 720 kilometers (A6 Avant e-tron ). With a system output of up to 270 kW in the A6 Sportback/Avant e-tron performance (power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi) combined: 17.0-14.0; CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 0; CO2 class: A), the new Audi A6 e-tron provides the sporty driving experience Audi is known for. The Audi A6 e-tron performance accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Its top speed is 210 km/h. The S6 e-tron provides a system output of 370 kW (405 kW with launch control).
The S6 Sportback e-tron and the S6 Avant e-tron accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi) combined: 17.4-15.7; CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 0; CO2 class: A). The top speed is 240 km/h. Its range is up to 675 kilometers (S6 Sportback e-tron ) and up to 647 kilometers (S6 Avant e-tron ).
The A6 e-tron performance (270 kW) with rear-wheel drive and the S6 e-tron (370 kW) with quattro all-wheel drive, both as Sportback and Avant, will be available on launch. Depending on the market, further models with rear-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive will follow at a later date.
Thanks to 800-volt technology and a maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW as standard, short charging stops are possible with the Audi A6 e-tron. This means the A6 Sportback e-tron performance can be recharged at an appropriate charging station (High Power Charging, HPC) for a range of up to 310 kilometers in just ten minutes. The State of Charge (SoC) increases from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. Intelligent high-performance and predictive thermal management are key components of this impressive charging performance. Equipped with Plug & Charge, the vehicle authorizes itself at compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in and activates the charging process. The charging process is fully automatic. If a charging station works with 400-volt technology, the Audi A6 e-tron can use bank charging. To enable this, the 800-volt battery is split into two banks, each with a voltage of 400 volts, which can then be charged in parallel with up to 135 kW. AC charging with up to 11 kW is possible at standard home chargers. A 22 kW AC charging option will be offered later.
The advanced recuperation (regenerative braking) system is an important component in increasing the efficiency and range of the Audi A6 e-tron. This system can handle around 95 percent of everyday braking processes. The Audi A6 e-tron recuperates up to 220 kW. The temperature and the battery’s state of charge play a key role here. Recuperation occurs on the front and rear axles, with minor deceleration handled by the rear axle for efficiency reasons. In addition, a higher regenerative braking performance is possible on the rear axle due to the more powerful electric motor.
The integrated Brake System (iBS) that is familiar in previous e-tron models has been enhanced significantly as part of the Premium Platform Electric. Now, the described axle-specific brake blending between the mechanical friction brake and regenerative braking via the electric motors is possible.
As is typical for Audi, the Audi A6 e-tron also offers the option of two-stage recuperation, which can be adjusted using the paddles on the steering wheel. Coasting is also possible. Here, the vehicle rolls without additional drag when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal. Another variant of the A6 e-tron is the “B” driving mode, which comes close to what is colloquially called the “one-pedal feeling”. This mode offers the strongest recuperation deceleration. With an anticipatory driving style, almost all deceleration can be managed without pressing the brake pedal in driving mode “B”.
Precise driving dynamics, high comfort
The typical Audi DNA is also evident in the suspension. Here, there is a precisely defined set-up philosophy, and the suspension control systems are accurately coordinated with each other. The directly tuned front axle significantly influences the driving dynamics of the A6 e-tron, making the vehicle feel particularly agile.
The optional adaptive air suspension – an air suspension system with controlled damping – lends the vehicle a broad spread between high ride comfort and sporty handling. Depending on the speed and individual preferences, it adapts to specific road conditions and regulates the body’s ride height at four different levels. The efficiency mode in Audi drive select is a special feature. In efficiency mode, the suspension lowers the body by up to 20 millimeters depending on the speed, thus improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics. This serves to optimize energy consumption and increase range.
The rear-biased all-wheel drive system in the Audi S6 e-tron enhances the driving dynamics with a highly variable torque distribution. The different dimensions of the electric motors on the rear and front axles enable rear-biased torque distribution even under full load. The Audi S6 e-tron and A6 e-tron are equipped with differently sized tires on the front and rear axles, further improving stability and sportiness.
Always ready to assist: the driver assistance systems
With the A6 e-tron driver assistance systems, Audi provides a wide range of functions that make everyday life easier and significantly increase road safety for all road users.
The adaptive driving assistant plus is a new feature of the A6 e-tron. It supports the driver when accelerating, braking, maintaining speed and the set distance, and with lane guidance. This can increase driving comfort, especially on long journeys. In addition to various sensors, depending on the region, the system uses high-resolution map data and swarm data from other vehicles aggregated in the cloud to improve driving behavior. Applying this fusion of information, the vehicle calculates the route ahead to enable a comfortable driving experience across the entire speed range and in traffic jams.
Park assist plus, a reversing camera, the traffic sign-based speed limiter, camera-based traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, park assist plus with distance display, lane departure warning, and distraction and drowsiness warning will come as standard at market launch.
Market launch and prices
The powerful, sporty and perfectly proportioned A6 e-tron and the S6 e-tron, both as Sportback and Avant, will be available to order from September 2024. Prices for the upper mid-range model at market launch are 75,600 euros for the A6 Sportback e-tron performance and 77,250 euros for the A6 Avant e-tron performance. The S6 Sportback e-tron costs 99,500 euros and the price for the S6 Avant e-tron is 101,150 euros. Further models with rear-wheel or quattro drive will follow at a later date, depending on the market. A model with a smaller battery will represent an attractive entry into the A6 e-tron family.
The facts
The most important facts about the new
Audi A6 e-tron
Exterior design and aerodynamics
- Dynamic, elegant, and progressive bodywork
- Slim design of the daytime running lights and a wide Singleframe
- A continuous aluminum-look strip from the A-pillar to the roof spoiler of the A6 Avant e-tron
- Second-generation virtual exterior mirrors, now power folding
- Eight exterior colors: Magnetic gray uni, Glacier white metallic, Typhoon gray metallic, Mythos black metallic, Plasma blue metallic, Malpelo blue metallic. Daytona gray pearl effect and Siam beige metallic exclusively for S line and S model.
- Sporty design and aerodynamics do not contradict each other: cw-value 0.21 (Sportback), 0.24 (Avant)
Lighting technology
- Lighting design, range of functions, and road safety significantly increased
- Second-generation digital OLED rear lights show specific light signatures with warning symbols alongside regular light graphics
- Ten digital OLED panels in the rear lights with a total of 450 segments
- Number of pixels per digital OLED panel 2.0: 45 segments
- First Audi model on the European market with illuminated rings at the rear (dependent on configuration)
- Active digital light signature for headlights and rear lights
- Eight digital light signatures for digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED rear lights 2.0, displayed via MMI and myAudi app
- Communication light, including proximity detection, warns road users with special symbols
Interior design, display and operating concept
- Three-dimensionally designed applications ensure a generous feeling of space
- Interior conveys clear structures and emphasizes a homely ambiance
- Softwrap extends from the doors across the entire width of the control panel
- Digital exterior mirror displays are ergonomically positioned on the inside of the door at viewing height on the A-pillar
- Audi MMI panoramic display, with a curved design and OLED technology, consists of an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display
- Optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display with Active Privacy Mode
- Optional augmented reality head-up display
- New panoramic glass roof with switchable opacity
Infotainment and digital services
- Store for third-party apps integrated directly into the vehicle
- Function on demand: subsequent expansion of vehicle functions
- Software updates available via over-the-air (OTA)
- “Audi assistant” deeply integrated into the vehicle and is a self-learning system
- Integration of ChatGPT
- Enhanced e-tron route planner
Assistance systems
- Standard safety features include park assist plus, a reversing camera, traffic sign-based speed limiter, camera-based traffic sign recognition, adaptive speed assist, park assist plus with distance display, lane departure warning, distraction and drowsiness detection.
Drive and recuperation
- Highly integrated components, compact design, and optimized in-house production
- 30 percent less installation space required for electric motors, weight of motors reduced by around 20 percent
- Focus on efficiency, acoustics, and modular design
- Use of ASM (asynchronous motor) on the front axle and PSM (permanent-magnet synchronous motor) on the rear axle
- Hairpin winding maximizes current flow in the stator of the electric motor
- Rotor and stator with an innovative direct cooling system
- Energy-efficient silicon carbide semiconductors in pulse inverters
- Dry sump lubrication and electric oil pump in the gearbox
- Optimized acoustics thanks to mounts cast into the housing
- Direct oil cooling of the electric motors for increased power density
- Avoidance of heavy rare earths as far as possible
- At market launch, there are two performance levels for each body style:
- Audi A6 Sportback e-tron performance: 270 kW system output, rear-wheel drive, acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds
- Audi A6 Avant e-tron performance: 270 kW system output, rear-wheel drive, acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds
- Audi S6 Sportback e-tron: 370 kW system output (405 kW with launch control), quattro, acceleration 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (with launch control)
- Audi S6 Avant e-tron: 370 kW system output (405 kW with launch control), quattro, acceleration 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (launch control)
- Top speed of the A6 e-tron performance up to 210 km/h, S model up to 240 km/h
- Recuperation with high efficiency and availability
- Up to 220 kW of regenerative braking possible
- Brake blending for a smooth and consistent pedal feel
- Axis-specific blending is possible
Battery, charging, and intelligent thermal management
- Lithium-ion battery with a gross storage capacity of 100 kWh (net 94.9 kWh)
- Maximum charging power of up to 270 kW at corresponding high-performance chargers (HPC)
- 11 kW charging power with alternating current (AC), 22 kW planned in the life cycle
- Twelve modules with 180 prismatic cells (15 cells connected in series)
- Later entry-level variant with ten modules and a gross storage capacity of 83 kWh
- Cell chemistry enables around 30 percent higher energy density
- Battery integrated into the vehicle’s crash structure and cooling system
- Homogeneous heat transfer thanks to the cooling plate integrated into the battery housing
- Underbody protection made of fiber composite material saves weight
- High-voltage battery assembly at the headquarters in Ingolstadt
- Battery Management Controller (BMCe) regulates current
- HV battery from PPE enables efficient bank charging at 400-volt charging stations
- Predictive thermal management
- Thermal management enables post and continuous conditioning of the HV battery
- Battery heater for preconditioning the HV battery
Chassis and steering
- The proven Audi DNA also characterizes the suspension and steering components – impressive driving dynamics and first-class comfort
- Front axle with improved steering behavior for optimized road holding and driving dynamics
- High steering precision and more steering feel with adapted software for flat-floor concept
- Audi A6 e-tron with dynamic suspension featuring steel springs with sporty, dynamic characteristic and good comfort as standard; air suspension is available as an option
- Audi S6 e-tron with sporty air suspension “adaptive air suspension” as standard (high comfort, level control, and different trim positions)
- Low ride height in drive select mode efficiency for maximum improvement in aerodynamics and more range
- S6 e-tron: different dimensioning of the electric motors on the rear and front axles and rear-biased torque distribution for dynamic handling
- Depending on the variant and equipment, either equipped with special, rolling resistance and energy consumption-optimized or particularly high-grip performance tires
Market launch and prices
- The A6 e-tron and the S6 e-tron, both as Sportback and Avant, will be available to order from September 2024.
- Prices start at 75,600 euros for the A6 Sportback e-tron performance and 77,250 euros for the A6 Avant e-tron performance. The S6 Sportback e-tron costs 99,500 euros and the price for the S6 Avant e-tron is 101,150 euros.
- A model with a smaller battery will represent an attractively priced entry into the A6 e-tron family.
Production and sustainability
- Second all-electric model from Ingolstadt and net carbon-neutral production1
- State-of-the-art production technology: battery assembly for models based on the PPE at the Ingolstadt site
- Audi 360factory: Integration of the individual production steps into existing structures and processes
- In the paint shop in Ingolstadt, new automated production technology supports employees
- Use of recycled materials in the interior and exterior
- Doors and flaps made from aluminum
1Audi understands net-zero CO2 emissions to mean a situation in which, after other possible reduction measures have been exhausted, the company offsets the carbon emitted by Audi’s products or activities and/or the carbon emissions that currently cannot be avoided in the supply chain, manufacturing, and recycling of Audi vehicles through voluntary offsetting projects carried out worldwide. In this context, carbon emissions generated during a vehicle’s utilization stage, i.e. from the moment it is delivered to the customer, are not taken into account.
All information, images, and videos related to the new Audi A6 e-tron model series are available in the Audi MediaCenter.