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Audi's exquisite A6 E-Tron concept, which previews an all-electric version of the next A6, wowed us with its low stance, OLED (and customizable) lighting units, and clean lines. Aside from the E-Tron GT, every electric Audi so far has been an SUV, and the A6 E-Tron assured us that the brand isn't leaving sedans. But there is another shrinking vehicle segment that Audi wants to save, and that is the wagon. The A6 Avant E-Tron concept takes the sedan's good looks, and adds a longer, sleeker roofline. Not only does this make the car even more beautiful, but it also increases cargo space.
The concept's 22-inch wheels and simple creases deliver a stylish design with few distractions. The long greenhouse blends in with the sheetmetal almost seamlessly, which emphasizes the chrome line that separates the black roof from the gray Neptune Valley body. The A6 Avant E-Tron also adopts a black trim piece on the rocker panels, which is a design element that is seen on every Audi EV. In front, the paint-color grille is surrounded by a black hexagonal frame, which makes it evident that this is an EV. Multiple indents on the so-called "grille" try to mimic gas-powered Audis, but the illuminated four-ring logo and E-Tron emblem on the bumper state otherwise. Just above the grille, the thin headlights scream "Audi," and feature pixel-themed DRLs. The rest of the front fascia is black, just like the A6 E-Tron sedan, but L-shaped chrome pieces and discreet fog lights try to make the Avant more unique. The rear end features a slim lightbar with the same pixel lighting, and delightfully large rear intakes. The aerodynamic rear spoiler connects the chrome window trim on either side of the car, while also hovering over the compact rear windshield. It also helps to draw the eye to the focal point of the Avant's design, which is its sloped roofline.
The A6 Avant E-Tron's stylish exterior also boasts little aerodynamic drag, which in turn minimizes energy consumption, increasing the vehicle's range. Additionally, there are hidden intakes below the fake grille, which cool the battery, braking system, and drivetrain. Two large rear intakes guide air under the car in order to achieve low turbulence. Additionally, the A6 Avant E-Tron features 800-volt charging capability, which can bring the battery from 5% to 80% in 25 minutes. Charging for just ten minutes allows the car to cover 186 miles before it runs out of power, so quick (for an EV) stops at the charging station are achievable. Overall range for this concept car is 435 miles, which may not blow Tesla out of the water, but is acceptable. The production model is expected to boast similar figures. Due to the lack of gears in an EV, 60 miles per hour can be reached in under seven seconds, though Audi says high-performance versions will accomplish this in less than four seconds.
The A6 Avant E-Tron also utilizes Audi's PPE electric drive system, with a battery module capable of holding up to 100 kWh of energy. The battery is positioned between the axles, on a flat surface. This allows the system to accommodate almost any vehicle type, while maximizing interior space with a flat floor. The PPE architecture also uses Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system. The base version features a single electric motor mounted to the rear axle, but two electric motors (one on the front axle and the other on the rear axle) will also be available on PPE vehicles. These two drivetrain options could end up on the production model, as it will be underpinned by the PPE system. Audi says each motor can produce 350 kW of power.
A long wheelbase, short overhangs, the absence of a transmission, and a high roof all come together to make an incredibly spacious interior, with plenty of legroom and a cavernous trunk. Audi didn't provide any interior dimensions, but it did say that the concept's overall size is comparable to the current A6 and A7 sedans. The RS6 Avant performance wagon boasts a 30 cubic-foot cargo area with the back seats up, as well as 41.3 inches of legroom in front and 37.4 inches in back.
Audi has impressed us yet again in the design department, but what makes the A6 Avant E-Tron even more special is the fact that Audi isn't done with wagons, no matter how low their sales figures are. When the next A6 arrives, expect the Avant to arrive shortly after with its longer roof and great aerodynamics. If the Porsche Taycan-based E-Tron GT is any indication, don't expect the A6 E-Tron to stray far from the concept in terms of design.
Would you buy this Audi if it wasn't just a concept?
Images: Audi
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