Electrifying Evolution: Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron Charges Ahead with Innovative PPE Platform

The electric vehicle range expands with the introduction of the Audi A6 and S6 Sportback E-Tron models, which, alongside the Porsche Macan EV and Audi Q6 E-Tron SUVs, are among the initial vehicles to adopt the Volkswagen Group's innovative Premium Platform Electric (PPE).

The latest foundations enhance the vehicle's driving range, improve handling, maximize cabin room, and present a modern digital dashboard.

Green Car Reports' initial experience with the Q6 E-Tron SUV earlier in the season, followed by an exclusive look at the A6 Sportback E-Tron in Munich, Germany, in mid-July, suggests that Audi's PPE could propel the brand to the forefront of the electric vehicle market.

In terms of pioneering, Audi took the initial leap. With the introduction of the Audi E-Tron in 2018, the company marked its foray into the electric vehicle segment in North America. This electric SUV was among the early entrants, alongside the pricier Tesla Model X and the ceased production of the Jaguar I-Pace. Audi adopted a conservative approach by designing the E-Tron to closely resemble its gas-powered counterpart, the Q8. This strategy proved to be successful as the E-Tron was honored with the Green Car Reports Best Car To Buy award in 2020.

All-New Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Over the past half-decade, there's been a significant transformation, evidenced by the introduction of the 2024 Q8 E-Tron. The evolution of the Q8 exemplifies the progress achievable for an individual electric vehicle, while the A6 and its counterpart, the Q6, demonstrate the extensive potential of a specialized platform that's utilized across multiple models and throughout the Volkswagen AG's diverse brand portfolio.

The adaptable Personal Protective Equipment and its high-powered 800-volt electrical system will be implemented in a minimum of ten electric vehicles that are set to be released worldwide in the upcoming years.

Gernot Döllner

Gernot Döllner

Audi's chief executive, Gernot Döllner, announced during a media event in Munich that the company's lineup will eventually consist solely of electric vehicles. He acknowledged that there's considerable discussion in Europe regarding the pace at which this will happen, but he assured that Audi is prepared to adapt over the coming decade.

By the year 2027, Audi aims to offer a battery-powered electric vehicle in each of its main market segments, and anticipates introducing a revamped lineup of combustion engine vehicles within the next two years. Despite other car manufacturers, including Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and its own group affiliate Porsche, scaling back on their all-electric ambitions, Audi remains committed to transitioning its entire fleet to electric by 2033. The forthcoming A6 and S6 hatchbacks are set to compete with current vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz EQE, BMW i5, and Tesla Model S.

Latest Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Currently, Audi's latest A6 E-Tron showcases their updated naming system in which models with even numbers are designated for electric vehicles, while those with odd numbers signify combustion engine cars. This system will also be applied to the upcoming Premium Platform Combustion, starting with the 2025 Audi A5.

"Döllner emphasized that these vehicles are essential for the transition towards a fully electric future."

Currently, Audi continues to use the cumbersome E-Tron label for its electric vehicles.

Latest Sportback Version of Audi A6 E-Tron Unveiled

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

The upcoming 2025 A6 E-Tron is leading the charge for Audi's conventional electric four-doors, aside from the revamped $130,000 E-Tron GT also set for a 2025 release. This electric A6 captures the subtle elegance that's been a hallmark of Audi's design for years.

The front cover smoothly descends, flanked by narrow daytime lights adorned with an intricate three-dimensional pattern. The distinctive lighting designs enhance a robust grille featuring decorative faux handles, an element of Audi's unique "inverted grille" concept where the upper grille is sealed apart from radar compartments. The LED headlights are anchored within black sections that resemble a raccoon's face, with recesses for air intake and a protruding splitter at the base. Audi asserts that the grille is engineered to maximize air passage while reducing resistance, contributing to the A6 Sportback E-Tron's status as the most streamlined car within the VW Group, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.21.

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Coupe

Latest Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

The optional lighting package might catch your eye, as it highlights the brand's emblem in red at the back and in white at the front. A simple gesture of sweeping your hand over the emblem on the hood activates the front trunk, providing ample space for a full backpack or the charging cable for the 9.6-kilowatt built-in charger. At the back, a projected light arrow on the floor indicates where to gesture with your foot to open the trunk hands-free.

Approach the vehicle and it lights up in a welcoming manner, similar to an obedient dog eagerly awaiting its owner, in contrast to the overly exuberant lighting displays offered by some other car brands. At the rear, a set of ten OLED panels alongside a light bar extends across the elevated hatch and built-in spoiler. This area also offers eight different customizable lighting patterns, much like the front of the car. Depending on the region, the rear lights have the capability to display a warning triangle to signal upcoming hazards, or they can produce various images in sync with the data processed by the five in-built computers that form the backbone of Audi's electronic infrastructure.

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Coupe

Latest Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

A lot has been pledged with the new technology, including vehicle-to-vehicle communication and advanced LED headlights that adapt to conditions, yet these won't be hitting the North American market just yet. However, this advancement that utilizes the rear lights to signal to fellow motorists might prove to be a more impactful safety feature than when the U.S. made the third brake light a requirement in 1986.

Fostering a common communication standard among different car manufacturers and their vehicles presents its own set of challenges.

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Unveiling of the Latest Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

The ability to modify the lighting signatures is restricted by U.S. rules, permitting alterations solely when the vehicle is stationary. The bulky side mirrors, as opposed to the sleeker camera-based mirrors found elsewhere, are a result of U.S. regulatory standards, which unfortunately increase the drag coefficient from 0.21 to 0.22 in North America.

Another feature not available in the US? The stunning Avant wagon version, with its robust build and sleek contours, isn't going to make its way to North American shores.

The A6 features compact overhangs and narrow spaces around the wheels, which come in a standard size of 19 inches, while the S6 has standard 20-inch wheels, with the option to upgrade to 21 inches. Its sloping roof and elevated rear give it the elegant appearance of a classic touring car, enhanced by a distinct Sportback design at the back. There's a noticeable black E-Tron accent along the lower sides of the car, indicating the substantial almost 6-inch base that contains the 100-kWh battery pack, of which 94.9 kWh is usable.

Platform for personal protective equipment for the Volkswagen Group, created by Porsche and Audi.

The Volkswagen Group has introduced a protective equipment platform, which was collaboratively created by Porsche and Audi

The Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron is equipped with similar technical components as the Q6 E-Tron SUV, which was Audi's initial significant step forward in electric vehicle development.

Upon its release in the local market by either spring or summer of next year, positioned as a 2025 model (though we anticipate a shift to a 2026 model), it will be available in the three versions listed previously.

Upcoming Audi S6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Upcoming Audi S6 E-Tron Coupe Model

The battery pack is positioned low and includes 12 units, each with 15 prismatic cells composed of nickel-cobalt-manganese lithium-ion cells that have a higher energy capacity. The A6 E-Tron is equipped with a 280-kw permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear for primary propulsion, complemented by a 140-kw induction motor at the front axle that assists during acceleration and supports additional power needs. The front motor is designed to disengage and spin without resistance during cruising to enhance efficiency.

Latest engine models are lighter and take up approximately 30% less room than the engines found in the Q4 and Q8, delivering greater efficiency and roughly a 50% reduction in friction losses compared to the previous generation of Audi motors. Specific details such as the A6's curb weight, projected range, torque, and additional specifications are yet to be determined.

Audi equips the S6 model with an adjustable air suspension system. According to Audi, the vehicle will feature tires of varying sizes, with the back tires being broader than those in front. The test models of the S6 are currently outfitted with Michelin Pilot Sports tires, measuring 245/40R21 at the front and 275/35R21 at the rear. It's still unclear whether this specification will be available in the American market.

Upcoming Audi S6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Unveiling of the Latest Audi S6 E-Tron Sportback Model

A6 Sportback E-Tron's stopping capabilities

Audi has stated that the A6 E-Tron's twin motors are capable of managing 95% of the braking required in typical day-to-day driving, with the ability to recover as much as 220 kilowatts of energy. While the Q6 model can reclaim energy equivalent to 0.25 g during deceleration, the exact figures for the A6 are yet to be confirmed. Drivers can use paddle shifters to vary the intensity of the regenerative braking from a freewheeling glide to a more pronounced slowing effect. Alternatively, selecting the “B” mode on the gear selector enables a one-pedal driving experience. Additionally, there's an automatic setting that adjusts the regenerative braking intensity based on the vehicle's onboard camera's assessment of road conditions and surrounding traffic.

Audi refrained from discussing the driving distance for the U.S. market, but aimed for a European range of about 750 kilometers, equivalent to 466 miles, based on the optimistic WLTP standard. It's possible that the A6 E-Tron with rear-wheel drive could achieve around 375 miles according to the EPA's evaluation.

Introducing the Fresh Audi S6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Upcoming Audi S6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Charging the A6 Sportback E-Tron

Audi's PPE is designed to handle a quick charging speed of 270 kW from a direct current source, should you come across a public charging station with that capability. The company suggests that in just 21 minutes, the battery can be boosted from 10% to 80%. Furthermore, a mere 10-minute charge at this speed can restore approximately 135 miles of driving distance. That's impressively quick.

Vehicle owners have the convenience of using the Plug & Charge feature at Electrify America locations which seamlessly links to their account without the necessity of card swiping. At an Electrify America site with a 135 kw capacity, the high-tech 800-volt charger effectively divides into two 400-volt circuits, enabling simultaneous charging that completes in roughly 35 minutes. When charging domestically using a 50-amp 240-volt AC outlet, the A6 E-Tron's integrated 9.6-kw charger is capable of fully charging the vehicle's battery in an estimated 10 hours.

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Model

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Coupe Model

The latest A6 E-Tron model maintains a similar length to the previous gasoline version, but it has gained at least an inch in both height and width. Sitting in the back seats, there was ample space for me, even providing a whole fist's worth of space above my head, which is notable given my 5-foot-8 height.

A sweeping sunroof offering six levels of shading enhances the cabin's openness, while the display vehicles feature Audi's premium stitched leather.

Freshly unveiled Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback model

Upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron Coupe Model

The A6 E-Tron features the company's latest "Digital Stage" technology, which is also being introduced in other new models such as the Q6 E-Tron and the upcoming Audi A5 sedan. This model boasts a sleek, curved panoramic screen that begins with a vivid 11.9-inch digital display for the driver, presenting car data and input from outside sensors. It includes a unique message area made up of a series of colorful dots and lines that represent the input being analyzed by the voice assistant. The comparable system in the Q6 delivered high-quality performance and, with the help of artificial intelligence, it's capable of interpreting over 800 commands related to the vehicle and other topics of interest.

The use of voice commands reduces the reliance on the 14.5-inch touchscreen display which enhances Audi's already impressive visual graphics. Users have the flexibility to effortlessly move and organize apps, adjust the order of information, and personalize the layout of the tiles. Adjacent to this is a 10.9-inch touchscreen specifically for the passenger, which allows for individual entertainment or assistance in navigation; the passenger has the capability to change navigation settings from their own screen. An exciting optional feature is the 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, which includes speakers in the headrests that create distinct auditory zones. This enables the driver to hear navigation instructions without interfering with the passenger's entertainment, like watching Netflix.

The cost and comprehensive details for the U.S. market will be made public as we approach the latter part of spring. However, for the German market, the A6 Sportback E-Tron Quattro is priced at 75,600 euros, equivalent to roughly $82,000, while the S6 is priced at 99,500 euros, approximately $108,000. Time will tell the outcome for the U.S. market.

Green Car Reports received coverage for their travel and accommodation expenses from Audi to deliver this direct account.

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