Audi’s early electrification efforts focused on crossovers. However, as the German luxury brand prepares to diversify its electric vehicle range, the A6 Sportback e-tron and its more practical Avant sibling are presented on a sophisticated platform shared with the new Porsche Macan.
The front axle was developed specifically for the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), so it plays a key role in the driving dynamics of the A6 e-tron and makes it even more agile. The optional adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled damping allows the car to deliver excellent handling while offering sporty handling. The Audi drive select efficiency mode is a unique feature. In this mode, the suspension lowers the body by up to 20 millimetres (0.79 in) depending on the vehicle’s speed, further improving the aerodynamics.
Since almost every car today has to have split headlights, the new Audi duo embraces this trend, with headlights below a separate strip of daytime running lights and turn signals.
In contrast to the Q6, which has conventional door handles, the A6 e-tron has a more elegant appearance thanks to flush door handles. Since it carries the Sportback badge, the regular A6 is technically a hatchback/liftback with a more practical tailgate.
Audi touts a drag coefficient of just 0.21 for the Sportback, making it the most aerodynamic Audi ever on the road.
Inside, the cabin also looks instantly familiar. Yes, that means an additional 10.9-inch touchscreen for the passenger, while the driver gets an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, just like in the new A5.
Audi plans to sell the car in three versions: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and the more powerful S6. The base model will have 362 horsepower, giving it a 0-100 kmph time of 5.2 seconds, while the mid-range model will come with an additional motor on the front axle to take advantage of 422 horsepower, which reduces the acceleration time to 4.3 seconds.
As for the flagship, the S6 e-tron will have 496 horsepower at the driver’s disposal. Launch control temporarily raises the system’s power to 543 horsepower, enough to complete the sprint in just 3.7 seconds.
Regardless of the choice, all three share a lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 94.4 kWh, which supports DC charging at up to 270 kW, in which case it will take 21 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent.
