The next generation of the Audi A6 e-tron concept runs on a completely new, tailor-made electric platform called “Premium Platform Electric (PPE)”. (Photos: Audi)
Get to know the next fully electric model from Audi.
Directly on the heels of the sleek and sporty e-tron GT and the Q4 e-tron, the Audi A6 e-tron concept reveals the brand’s plan for the next generation. Of course, the future is electric, and while some exact details are not yet available, this debut at Auto Shanghai 2021 is a clearer indication of what to expect in the next few years. Specifically, the A6 e-tron is expected to reach US customers by the end of 2023, while series vehicles on the brand’s new platform will go into series production in the second half of 2022.
Audi calls this platform “Premium Platform Electric” or PPE, a modular layout that it developed together with Porsche. As always, the “modular” part is vital as it can underpin both a high-rise crossover (like the next-generation Macan) and a lowered model like the A6. Unlike the conventional, more traditional A6 models of the past, this new concept adopts a fastback-like styling that is similar to the A7. However, it is not as radical as the e-tron GT, for example. At 195 inches long, 77 inches wide, and just over 56 inches, it’s fashionably longer, lower, and wider than the old sedan, but it’s right in the same ballpark as the Tesla Model S.
A6 e-tron specs can change, but probably not by much
One of the critical elements in promoting wider electric vehicle adoption is performance that is equal to or superior to gasoline vehicles. Tesla is the current shining example of this philosophy in action, although Audi has ambitious plans with the A6 e-tron in series production. Keep in mind that some of these numbers can change over the course of the development cycle as we are only in the concept phase.
Starting with the performance, the Audi A6 e-tron concept uses two electric motors. Audi claims they produce up to 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque in tandem. With this type of performance, the expected 0-60 time is “less than four seconds,” although the company promises that even the less powerful versions won’t be too far off. Fortunately, getting to an entry-level model with just one electric motor is pretty easy. That version, in turn, will likely come out in less than 7 seconds, which is still a respectable number for an ordinary sedan. In practice, the A6 e-tron would compete against something like the Tesla Model S Long Range or cheaper versions of the Lucid Air, while the e-tron GT would compete against more potent variants of both competitors.
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The Audi A6 e-tron concept uses a 100 kWh battery and can quickly charge 270 kW direct current. It is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture like the Porsche Taycan, so “refueling” this electric vehicle will be an experience similar to stopping at a gas station, as Audi claims. A charging time of 10 minutes ensures a range of 300 km. The way from 5 to 80 percent takes less than 25 minutes, provided the infrastructure supports juicing at this speed.
Finally, Audi says that the A6 e-tron concept can achieve a maximum range of 434 miles (700 km) depending on the configuration. That’s one of the numbers that is most likely to change in practice, but that too would make Audi’s next A6 competitive with the current front-runner if it turns out. More importantly, the acceleration, charging times and range can be kept consistent with the gas-powered A6 variants in order to attract a wider audience if those numbers come into play when the car goes into production.
More details will follow
While Audi and Porsche expect to build cars on the PPE platform next year, Audi’s projects obviously don’t stop with the A6. We’ll likely see electric versions of the entry-level A4 and flagship A8 soon as well. However, like the Porsche Macan, don’t expect the gasoline models to go away anytime soon. Those who, for whatever reason, aren’t quite ready to let go of the internal combustion engine should see some updates in the next few years, even as their electric counterparts hit the market.
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