First serve
Audi gives a preview of the electric brother of the upcoming A6.
(Photo: AUDI AG)
A year after the sedan, Audi is now presenting the estate version of its A6 E-Tron Concept electric car study. The Avant is based on the new PPE platform that the Ingolstadt-based company developed together with Porsche and that will carry electric models from the compact to the luxury class in the future. The series version of the electric A6 could celebrate its premiere in 2023.
Like the sedan presented in spring 2021, the station wagon is based on the proportions and appearance of the conventional A6 models, but shows its special drive technology with the closed front grille, extra short overhangs and aerodynamically designed body.
At the rear there is a continuous light band made of OLED elements that allow individual and dynamic lighting scenarios. Other lighting units on the flanks are used to project warning signals or indicators onto the asphalt. After all, the LED matrix spotlights can even be used to project video game content “in cinema quality” onto walls. According to Audi, the design is already very close to series production, and changes only affect details. However, it is still completely unclear what the interior and cockpit should look like – the new study does not have an interior.
There are at least framework values for the technology. Like the Porsche Taycan offshoot E-Tron GT, Audi relies on an 800-volt battery system for the A6 E-Tron, which allows high charging capacities of up to 270 kW. Under ideal conditions, ten minutes at the charging station should be enough for a 300-kilometer journey. Overall, the manufacturer promises a range of 700 kilometers.
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The batteries in the underbody are unusually flat, which should allow for a sleek silhouette on the one hand, but also a good amount of space in the interior. In addition, there is no longer a cardan tunnel for a conventional Quattro drive train. However, customers will not have to do without all-wheel drive in the future, because one- or two-motor drive systems can be implemented on the basis of PPE, the latter being able to act equally on the front and rear axles. Smaller and more efficient models only get a rear engine.
When the A6 E-Tron comes onto the market, Audi will initially continue to offer the conventional model and its successor – at least in selected countries. The VW subsidiary in Europe does not want to be fully electric until 2033. The Bavarian Stromer range is now being rapidly expanded: At the end of the year, the Q6 E-Tron will make its debut as the first PPE model, and by 2025 more than 20 E-models will be available.
Lots of storage space
The batteries in the underbody are unusually flat.
(Photo: AUDI AG)
Porsche genes
The Avant is based on the new PPE platform that the Ingolstadt-based company developed together with Porsche
(Photo: AUDI AG)
More: Extreme station wagon – the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo in the Handelsblatt auto test