The Audi A6 family is about to expand with an electric member, and a prototype has just been spotted.
The electric variant is the A6 E-Tron which Audi first previewed in 2021 with a thin veiled concept version. The automaker followed the original concept with an A6 Avant E-Tron concept earlier this year, strongly suggesting that the A6 E-Tron will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles (Audi’s name for the Avant Wagon).
Production A6 E-Tron has been confirmed for launch in 2023, which means we will probably see it reach the dealership as a 2024 model. It will compete with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan for the 2023 model year, as well as the high-end version of the Tesla Model S hatchback.
As our spy shots indicate, the production A6 E-Tron closely resembles the stunning concept. The length of the concept has been measured at 195.3 inches, which is approximately the size of the internal-combustion-powered A6, and we suspect that the production version will be the same size.
Of course there will be some differences, such as a little more ground clearance, as well as actual side mirrors instead of show car camera stalks. The LED light bar that makes up the concept’s taillights is also missing here, although we expect it to be featured in the production model.
You will notice that the headlights here are also made of paired material, where the concept features only thin slits at the top that create daytime running light. A similar design will be seen in the Q6 E-Tron SUV related later this year.
Audi A6 E-Tron Concept – 2021 Shanghai Auto Show
Both the Q6 E-Tron and the A6 E-Tron will be among the first vehicles based on the Volkswagen Group’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) modular EV platform, initially built by Audi and Porsche. The first Porsche to climb the platform will have an electric McCann in 2023.
Audi has confirmed that the A6 E-Tron will offer single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive. The Audi concept uses a dual-motor setup, rated at 469 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The concept was said to be good for a range of more than 300 miles with a 100-kilowatt-hour battery and capable of charging 5-80% in less than 25 minutes due to 800-volt technology. We can also see a high-performance RS 6 E-Tron with 600 hp from the people of Audi Sport.
Although Audi is about to launch the A6 E-Tron, the current internal-combustion model will still be around for a few years. Audi is planning a light update to keep the car fresh, along with its new electric siblings. However, from 2026 Audi will only launch EVs.