FYI: Audi’s groundbreaking shift to electric vehicles is set to replace the gasoline-powered A6 with the innovative A6 E-Tron and its performance variant, the S6 E-Tron.
Audi Unveils the A6 E-Tron and S6 E-Tron: A New Era of Luxury EVs
Audi revealed its future icons on Wednesday: the A6 E-Tron and its performance sibling, the S6 E-Tron. These new models will mark the end of the gasoline-powered A6 lineup, arriving in the U.S. by next spring or summer. Audi has yet to announce the pricing for these upcoming electric vehicles.
Embracing the Electric Future
The new A6 E-Tron will be available in different markets as either a Sportback hatchback or an Avant wagon. In the U.S., only the Sportback version will be sold. These new additions are part of Audi’s strategic move to phase out internal combustion engines by the early 2030s. It’s anticipated that the final launches of gasoline or diesel models from Audi will not occur until 2026 at the earliest.
Cutting-Edge Platform and Fast Charging
Built on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which premiered with the Audi Q6 E-Tron and the Porsche Macan EV, the A6 E-Tron features an 800-volt system. This allows for rapid DC charging at up to 270kW, enabling the standard 100kWh battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.
Sharp Design and Spacious Interiors
The production model closely follows the design cues of the 2021 concept, with sleek split headlights and an enclosed grille contributing to a bold front fascia. The illuminated Audi logo and stylish LED light strip dominate the rear. The car measures 194 inches in length, slightly shorter than the Tesla Model S but with a longer wheelbase of 116 inches that maximizes interior space. It comfortably seats four adults and offers 26 cubic feet of storage, expandable to 40 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The interior mirrors that of the Q6 E-Tron, featuring driver-focused curved panels, an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Audi also provides a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the passenger, enabling video playback and various vehicle controls, all while ensuring the driver remains undistracted through digital blinds.
Multiple Powertrains for U.S. Buyers
In the U.S., the A6 E-Tron will be offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. The S6 E-Tron, however, will only come with all-wheel drive.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: A single motor producing up to 362 horsepower can achieve 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
- All-Wheel Drive: A dual-motor setup delivers up to 422 horsepower, reducing 0-60 mph time to 4.3 seconds. Both configurations have a top speed of 130 mph.
The S6 E-Tron promises even greater performance, featuring a 496-horsepower dual-motor system with the ability to temporarily boost to 543 horsepower thanks to launch control. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149 mph.
Potential RS 6 E-Tron on the Horizon
Rumors suggest that an even more powerful RS 6 E-Tron could join the lineup, though official confirmation is still pending. While no EPA range estimates have been provided yet, it’s anticipated that the A6 E-Tron will achieve over 300 miles on the EPA cycle, based on its recorded 466-mile range on the WLTP cycle used abroad.
Innovations and Regulatory Challenges
Technologies like matrix LED headlights, car-to-car communication, and customizable light signatures won’t be available in the U.S. due to current regulations. Similarly, the camera-based side mirrors seen in other markets will also be left out of the American models.
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Conclusion
With the launch of the A6 E-Tron and S6 E-Tron, Audi continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, setting the stage for an all-electric future that promises to deliver both luxury and performance.
Donald Smith
Editor of Automotive.fyi
