Audi A6 Avant e-tron Concept revealed
Advantage Avant as Audi adds an all-electric powertrain to its successful wagon formula
With a legacy of producing some the finest-proportioned station wagon packages in modern motoring, Audi is looking to complement its recent progress in all-electric mobility with a revisit to its Avant playbook.
Built on the brand’s new PPE platform that it co-developed with Porsche, the new A6 Avant e-tron concept is an evolution of the A6 Sportback shown at the 2021 Shanghai motor show. Measuring a smidge under 5-metres in length, the new wagon concept builds on a legacy of A6 Avant derivatives dating back to 1977.
“With the Audi A6 e-tron concept, we are offering a completely tangible look at future production models based on our new PPE technology platform,” says Audi Board Member for Technical Development, Oliver Hoffman. “We’re not just electrifying the Avant’s 45-year history. What we want most of all is to use technical skills to add an exclamation point. This includes 800-volt technology, 270 kW of charging capability and a range of up to 700 km.”
Boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.24, the low-slung new Avant e-tron concept benefits from latest its maker has to offer in terms of exterior lighting technologies. This includes Digital Matrix LED and OLED inserts that can be customised to offer bespoke signature lighting, and even double as a projector for occupants to screen video games onto a wall ahead, while the car is being charged. As previewed on the concept, Audi will look to offer its camera-based side mirrors setup on a production model that is touted to be “very similar” in terms of styling to the show car.
Expect the all-new, all-electric A6 line-up to build on this range's legacy of offering business class motoring. This includes a compelling blend of executive luxury and modern-day convenience. As before, Avant owners will enjoy the added benefits that a wagon shape affords when compared with a traditional sedan profile, including improved versatility and practicality .
Likely to be offered with either a single electric motor powering the rear axle only or – while mimicking the already available modern e-tron range – the inclusion of dual motor, all-wheel drive derivatives, including RS models. Having all-but mastered the art of the fast wagons over the years, expect an A6 Avant e-tron RS derivative to be capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in under 4 seconds.