Meet the Audi A6 e-tron concept
Published on: 24/03/2022Audi is resolutely pushing ahead with its “e-volution” towards electric mobility. Case in point: the remarkable four-door Audi A6 e-tron concept. Sporting the A6 emblem, the concept vehicle belongs squarely in the brand’s luxury-class model series.
But, unlike so many that came before it, the Audi A6 e-tron concept relies exclusively on electric power, and is based on the innovative “Premium Platform Electric” platform (or PPE).
It represents an entirely new design concept – the only thing it has in common with the current Audi A6 are its dimensions. The 4.96-metre-long, 1.96-metre-wide and 1.44-metre-high body is designed as a Sportback, and its lines are an obvious reflection of the systematic advancement of Audi’s current design language.
But the concept isn’t just a design exercise – it’s a foretaste of Audi’s future production models and provides a clear indication of just how dynamic and elegant the electric-powered luxury class will look. PPE technology will ensure that what the car’s lines suggest is actually translated into dynamic driving performance and everyday suitability.
The Audi A6 e-tron is expected to eventually boast a range of more than 700 kilometres (based on the WLTP standard) – and the most powerful members of the family will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in less than four seconds.
And Audi drivers will not have to miss out on the brand’s trademark quattro drive system. The future range of PPE models will include versions with one electric motor mounted to the front and rear axles that use electronic coordination to deliver all-wheel drive on demand to achieve a perfect balance between driving dynamics and energy efficiency.
E for e-tron. E for elegant.
Aerodynamics has always played a key role in Audi’s long history of success in the luxury class. But the Audi A6 e-tron concept is writing a whole new chapter.
Its drag coefficient of just 0.22 is unprecedented in the electrified C-segment. While most of us don’t speak drag coefficient, that number translates into minimal aerodynamic drag, meaning lower energy consumption and extended range. At the same time, fine-tuning in the wind tunnel has resulted in an organic design with exceptional elegance and harmony down to the last detail.
A key feature of the future PPE fleet is a battery module that sits between the axles and holds around 100 kWh of energy in the Audi A6 e-tron concept. Making use of the entire vehicle base makes it possible to achieve a relatively flat layout for the battery. Drivers and passengers in future PPE models will benefit from a longer interior and more legroom in both rows of seats.
Fast charging, high range
The heart of the Audi A6 e-tron concept’s drive technology – and that of all future PPE models – is the 800-volt charging technology. Like the Audi e-tron GT before it, it ensures that the Audi A6 e-tron concept’s battery can be quickly charged with up to 270 kW at fast-charging stations.
The technology makes charging times similar to a stop to refuel a combustion engine car. Just 10 minutes are enough to charge the battery to a level sufficient to power the car more than 300 kilometres. And, in less than 25 minutes, you can charge the Audi A6 e-tron concept’s 100 kWh battery from five to 80 percent.
Together with a range of more than 700 kilometres – depending on the selected drive system and power output – the Audi A6 e-tron concept quickly shows that it is suitable for use as a primary vehicle for everyday needs.
The PPE platform is one more critical step in a long – and electric – success story. If you’d like to see what else Audi has in store when it comes to electric mobility, be sure to visit our Electric Models page!
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