Pshhh Model S has higher range.... and 0-60 is faster.... Tesla will make sure no Audi could charge at their stations.



- Comfy

Audi previewed the electric version of the next-generation A6 by unveiling the sedan as an eye-catching, close-to-production concept in April 2021. It's only half of the family: The second part is the Avant station wagon, which the firm just introduced as a sporty-looking design study.

Up front, only a small handful of styling cues differentiate the A6 Avant E-Tron concept from its sedan counterpart. Both body styles feature a body-colored insert where you'd expect to find a grille and sharp-looking headlights with Matrix LED technology that will soon be legal in the United States. It's what's beyond the front end that counts: The roof line peaks above the front passengers and gently slopes towards a spoiler mounted above a steeply-raked D-pillar. The rear end is dominated by a light bar with digital OLED elements that are customizable, a feature that illustrates an upcoming way to personalize a car. All told, the Avant's design puts a bigger emphasis on form than on function.

That's intentional: The station wagon segment is shrinking as SUVs and crossovers find their way into more driveways, even in Europe, so pegging a long-roof model as a master of utility is no longer a selling point. Sporty design is what will help wagons stand out in the 2020s.

What you see is mostly what you'll get when the first A6 E-Tron Avant rolls off the assembly line in the not-too-distant future.

"I can promise you that a lot of what we're showing here will be available and seen on the road. That's the beauty of my work: we're working on a concept but at the same time we're also working on the production-bound car, so the fascination that the concept is generating is one that we want to bring to the road. The production model will be about 90% or 95% of what you see here," affirmed Audi designer Wolf Seebers. "Of course, we'll need to change some details like adding door handles; that's not something we can do yet."

The shooting brake-like sheetmetal hides the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that Audi is jointly developing with sister company Porsche for a wide range of electric cars. It's modular enough to underpin relatively high-riding models, like the next-generation Macan and the upcoming Q6 E-Tron, and lower cars such as the A6 duo. Bigger and smaller models built on PPE are in the works as well.

Like the sedan, the Avant is equipped with a 100-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and fitted with a pair of electric motors (one per axle) for through-the-road Quattro all-wheel-drive. The system's total output checks in at 469 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, and Audi quotes a maximum driving range of about 434 miles, according to the testing cycle used in Europe. Fast-charging technology built around an 800-volt system should let drivers zap the battery pack with about 186 miles of range in 10 minutes when using a 270-kilowatt fast charger.

Looking ahead, the lineup will grow with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant that should deliver more driving range. Are you wondering what the future holds for the fire-breathing RS6 Avant? So were we; Audi told us that, in theory, the PPE platform is modular enough to underpin a high-performance model worthy of the RS badge, but nothing is official at this point. Similarly, no decision has been made about an Allroad.

Like the A6 E-Tron sedan, the Avant is already on its way to production, and sales should start before the end of 2023. Don't get too excited if you like what you see, however: Audi confirmed that the wagon will not be sold in the United States for the same basic reasons that very few carmakers bother bringing their long-roof models on our side of the pond. As for the current A6, you haven't seen the last of it yet.

"The current-generation A6 was released in 2018, so it's a pretty young car; it's still fresh. And, of course, once this generation retires, we will still have an A6 family member powered by an internal combustion engine. It won't be built on the PPE platform, of course, but we will have a parallel offer of combustion-powered and electric A6 cars," an Audi spokesperson told us.

The Aud A6 E-Tron will reportedly transform from an EV concept into a production vehicle later this year. This gallery of spy photos catches a camouflaged example conducting brake tests in the Austrian Alps.

Compared to the concept, this camouflaged A6 E-Tron adopts a front end with split headlights. The upper section is for the main lamps, and the running lights occupy the lower area. Both models have a trapezoidal lower fascia, but the outline of the shape is much sharper on this car. The vertical inlets in the corners are narrower than on the concept.

The production-spec A6 E-Tron has a profile that's very similar to the concept (see comparison below). The front and rear overhangs appear to be a bit longer on the vehicle in these spy shots. The camo hides the design details along the flanks. The wheels on this vehicle have a retro look with spokes that become wider at the rim.


Compared to the A6 E-Tron Concept, the production version appears to have some big changes. This vehicle wears placeholder taillights, but it seems the full-width layout is gone. The show car's sharp wraparound element is also absent from the model in these spy shots.



The A6 E-Tron rides on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, which also underpins the upcoming Porsche Macan EV. There are no powertrain details for the production-spec model, but the concept has a pair of electric motors making a total of 470 horsepower (350 kilowatts) and 590 pound-feet (800 Newton-meters). The company estimates the vehicle can reach 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in less than four seconds.

The concept uses a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack that provides an estimated range of more than 435 miles (700 kilometers) in the WLTP test. The system supports fast charging at up to 270 kilowatts, providing 186 miles (300 kilometers) of driving distance in just 10 minutes.

Following the A6 E-Tron's rumored debut later this year, Audi confirms the Avant wagon variant of the EV is coming to market in 2024. It is mechanically identical to the four-door, but the extended roof lets owners stuff more cargo into the rear.

The 2022 Audi RS6 Avant is already quick enough to launch your dog through the back window, but it may yet have more performance left in it. So much more, in fact, that the RS6 could be tipped to get not just one, but two higher-performing models, one of which anonymous Audi employees have reportedly described as "very special."

This comes via Australian outlet Which Car?, which had a chance to speak to the A6 and R8 product spokesperson Eva Stania. When asked whether there was demand for an even quicker model, Stania said, "We have some ideas, so just wait and see." She followed up by pointing to the R8 Performance as a direction in which the RS6 Avant could go, strongly suggesting there could be an RS6 Performance on the way.

"You drove the RS6 C7 [generation] as a Performance," Stania told the outlet. "We recently launched the R8 RWD as a Performance, so you can be pretty sure that we will follow up the Performance strategy."

There's some indication that something more is coming after that, too. Unspecified Audi employees allegedly disclosed that a second, still higher-performing wagon will happen, describing it as "very special." This model, to be clear, is apparently separate from the RS6 Performance.

​​​​​​​When I called an Audi spokesperson, however, they said they hadn't heard of anything that fit either description. It's possible these models are still a ways out, or as the Audi spokesperson emphasized, they won't end up coming to the United States.

Completely new to the U.S. as of 2020, the RS6 has been known to the rest of the world for four generations now. This latest RS6, the C8 (no, not the Corvette) is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, generating 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Any hypothetical RS6 Performance could be expected to upstage that, and that'd be no difficult task, as the V8 leaves plenty of performance on the table.

A variant of the engine makes an extra 50 hp and 37 lb-ft in the Lamborghini Urus, for a total of 641 and 627, respectively. Those alone would make for a car worthy of being called the RS6 Performance, though the Aussies seemed sure it'll be bundled with further suspension and brake improvements. They also point out that as 2022 marks 20 years of RS6, this'd be a good year to reveal it. Looking at prior models, it also appears likely that whatever the "very special" versions will be may come nearer to the end of production, some time mid-decade.

Such is still very much up in the air, but if the RS6 Performance drops as expected, it'll be a promising sign that something even more extreme could follow in its footsteps.

When the Audi RS6 Avant finally arrived in the United States for the 2021 model year, everyone here at Motor1.com was excited. Americans finally got the chance to experience one of the fastest and most capable station wagons in the world, and we are now even happier to learn a new generation RS6 Avant is in the cards. Of course, it won’t come soon, but it’s good to know the speedy wagon from Ingolstadt has a future.

The current generation of the RS6 Avant will be retired towards the middle of the decade and its successor should arrive in late 2025 or early 2026. In an interview with Wheels, former head of Audi Sport and current head of R&D at Audi, Stephan Reil, basically confirmed the new performance wagon will be powered by a hybrid powertrain. Additional details are not known, though the way the RS6 Avant will evolve is likely the model’s largest transformation in history so far.

“Of course this [hybridization] is the way to go, in the next generation I can tell you it will have more hybridization,” Reil told the publication. “This is our way toward fully electrified cars.” To a certain extent, even today’s RS6 Avant is electrified – the powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is supported by a mild-hybrid system – but its successor will rely on plug-in hybrid technology.

When the C9-gen Audi RS6 Avant arrives in 2026, it will be the last speedy wagon from the company to feature a combustion engine. We don’t know whether there will be a V8 under the hood, but Stephan Reil told Wheels its successor will be purely electric. The executive looked back at the evolution of the previous generations of RS6 Avants when speaking about the future models.

“It started about a generation after C6 that CO2 emissions got more and more important. Then on the C7, we had the downsizing from a V10 to V8, we brought in cylinder deactivation, and on the C8 we now have a 48-volt mild hybrid system.”

This year, Audi celebrates the RS6 Avant’s 20th anniversary. Just recently, our team had the chance to explore all RS6 Avant generations and spend a beautiful day in the Canadian Rockies with the speedy wagons. It is very difficult to tell which generation is the best one – we love them all, frankly – but Motor1.com's Senior Editor Brett Evans seems to have a soft spot for the second-gen RS6 with the V10 engine. See more in the video below.

More powerful and faster than any RS6 and RS7 to date: new Audi RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance are bursting with extras that sharpen the models' appearance and make for a more emotive driving experience. The potent 4.0-liter V8 biturbo TFSI engine now has an engine power of 463 kW (630 PS) and a maximum torque of 850 Nm. From December 8, the RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance are available for 135,000 euros each.

At Audi, 'performance' means more power. For example, larger turbochargers and an increase in boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar in the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo TFSI engine that both the Audi RS6 Avant performance and Audi RS7 Sportback performance boast, allow an increase of 30 PS in engine power and 50 Nm more torque compared to the base versions. This means a total increase in power from 441 kW (600 PS) to 463 kW (630 PS) and in maximum torque from 800 to 850 Nm. The performance models sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the RS6 / RS7 base versions.

Yet less is sometimes more: reduced insulation between the engine compartment, the interior, and the rear of the vehicle ensures the Audi RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance will thrill customers with an exciting, next-level sound experience - the reduction also makes the car eight kilograms lighter. The RS6 Avant performance has a total unladen weight of 2,090 kg whilst the RS7 Sportback performance weighs 2,065 kg.

For heightened driving dynamics: new self-locking center differential

Power from the 4.0 TFSI engine flows through a standard eight-speed tiptronic with faster shifting times to the permanent all-wheel drive quattro. The strictly mechanical center differential distributes engine power to the rear axle at ratio of 40:60 and if slippage occurs, more drive torque is automatically applied to the axle with better traction - up to 70 percent can flow to the front axle and up to 85 percent to the rear axle. The self-locking center differential is lighter and more compact, improving driving dynamics plus offering noticeably more precise cornering which makes for less understeering at the handling limits. As an added improvement, the self-steering response is more exact with passengers benefitting from a more agile driving experience overall.

Exclusive and high-performance: 22-inch wheels with high-performance tires

The new RS6 Avant performance and RS7 Sportback performance roll off the line on standard 21-inch aluminum cast wheels in a ten-spoke star design and 273/35 tires. For an even sportier appearance, 22-inch lightweight wheels are also available, alongside the standard 22-inch aluminum cast wheels - in burnished glossy metallic black, matte gray, matte black, or matte neodymium gold. Inspired by motorsport, the airy 5-Y spoke design aids brake cooling and the lighter rims are manufactured in a high-tech forging-milling process. The new lightweight wheel is around five kilograms lighter than the 22-inch aluminum wheel on the current RS6 Avant or RS7 Sportback - this 20-kilogram weight reduction in unsprung masses improves the throttle response.

New high-performance Continental "Sport Contact 7" 285/30 tires, which are part of the new lightweight wheel, play a key role in reducing weight. The tires offer consistently better grip on both dry and wet roads and reduce understeering when cornering at speed, making for overall more precise handling across the entire speed range. Additionally, the brake path is up to two meters shorter with the new wheels when braking from 100 to 0 km/h.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver control the vehicle's character. Six profiles are available: efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, as well as two customizable RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes.

But experience of the driving modes in the performance models is much more unique. For example, the coasting mode now only activates automatically in the efficiency profile, which means in speed ranges up to 160 km/h, it switches off the combustion engine and coasts with no fuel consumption or drag torque from the engine. Additionally, fine-tuning to the engine control unit software makes for tighter load changes in S mode when the "dynamic" drive select mode or driving mode S is active, further increasing the emotionality. The updated software in the transmission control unit makes for faster shifting times and a noticeably increased spread between the various driving modes.

RS Dynamic Package as standard

The RS Dynamic Package is standard equipment in the RS6 Avant performance and RS7 performance models. This includes the increase in maximum speed to 280 km/h (180 mph), dynamic all-wheel steering (the RS-specific software update helps the driver with active steering corrections on the front and rear axles), and the quattro sport differential on the rear axle.

The RS Dynamics Package plus is also available as an option, which in addition to the RS Dynamics Package, raises the top speed to 305 km/h and includes an RS ceramic brake system. Customers can order the calipers in gray, red, or blue and discs measure 440 mm (front) and 370 mm (rear). The RS ceramic brake system weights a total of approx. 34 kg less than its steel counterpart for a reduction of the unsprung masses.

Fresh exterior colors and optics packages

The new RS6 Avant performance and RS7 Sportback performance are available in a total of 16 exterior colors - for the first time, metallic and matte Ascari Blue and matte Dew Silver are included.The performance models stand out with standard RS exterior components in matte gray, including the exterior mirrors, the front spoiler, the front side flaps, the side sill inserts, the roof rails, and the trim on the side windows and rear diffuser. A matte carbon/black optics package is also an option, in which the roof rails and trim on the side windows are black. The Audi rings and model name is available in the customer's choice of chrome or black.

Out of the blue: new interior accents and features

In the interior, the familiar RS design packages in gray and red have been expanded to include the color blue. The steering wheel rim in Alcantra black features contrasting stitching in Mercato blue, whilst the floor mats, the side of the center console, and the selector lever cuff also come with blue contrasting stitching. The seat belts are full-surface ocean blue with the decorative inlays in a carbon twill structure with optional blue accents. The selector lever knob and the side of the center console are made with Dinamica microfiber, which consists of around 45% recycled PET fibers and the sports seats feature high-quality Valcona leather upholstery perforated with honeycomb stitching with contrasting stitching in Mercato blue. Another distinguishing feature is an entrance LED in the front doors that projects the lettering "RS performance" onto the ground next to the car.

Customers can order RS design packages in the three available color variants with optional additional features: decorative inlays, door armrests and center armrest in Dinamica microfiber. An added benefit of this equipment variant is the seat center panel with a gray, red, or blue inlay, whilst the customer's chosen color shows through the perforated sports seats and the seat backs feature RS embossing in matching colors.

Customers can use the new "Audi Exclusive Customizer" visualization tool to design their vehicles in thousands of individual combinations and thus create their own personal special edition. They can choose from a wide range of individual paint finishes as well as leather and stitching colors; the tool uses a 3D model to visualize the customization process.

The displays of the standard 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus offer new features including a blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode which changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, blinking in a manner identical to that used in motorsport, to indicate the optimal time to change gears. Plus, Launch Control, which fully exploits the acceleration potential of the RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance by signaling the ideal moment to accelerate off the line, with new traffic light icons.

Performance by tradition: from the RS6 Avant plus to today

The RS6 Avant performance and RS7 Sportback performance in the C8 generation continue Audi's long-standing sport strategy of plus and performance models. It all began with the RS6 Avant plus in the C5 generation, shortly before the series was discontinued in 2004, quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH) launched a special limited series of 999 units with a subtle upgrade in power. The engine power climbed by 30 PS to 480 PS and the model bore the distinction of being the first Audi to officially go faster than 250 km/h. Audi Sport throttled the RS6 plus to 280 km/h, making it the fastest sport wagon. Without the engine control unit, it reached a top speed of more than 300 km/h.

The plus variant in the C6 generation hit the market in 2008 and was limited to 500 units. Unlike its predecessor, it did not feature any additional power; the V10 kept its 580 PS. But Audi limited the top speed of the special Avant and Sedan to 303 km/h; the only faster vehicle at the time was the R8.

In the C7 generation, "plus" became "performance" - the Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback performance rolled off the line in 2016, with a slightly tweaked engine, the power rose to 605 PS, 45 PS more than in the base model. The overboost function increased briefly to 750 Nm in "dynamic" driving mode and depending on equipment, the speed was limited at 250, 280 or 305 km/h.

The new Audi RS6 Avant GT is the pinnacle of the model series. The special edition is packed with exclusive details for both the exterior and the interior. An impressive pass-through roof edge spoiler, redefined diffuser, and 22-inch wheels in a distinctive design underscore its top position in the model series. The interior features high-quality bucket seats, a fresh color combination, and individual numbering in the center console as exclusive accents. Lightweight adjustable coilover suspension unique to the RS6 Avant GT and a reworked quattro sport differential on the rear axle sharpen the driving experience. The twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine in a V-layout has an output of 463 kW (630 PS) and delivers 850 Nm of torque from 2,300 to 4,500 rpm. Delivery of the Audi RS6 Avant GT will begin in the second quarter 2024, the price starts at 219,355 euro.

The idea of the Audi RS6 Avant GT goes back to the apprentice project RS6 GTO concept from 2020. Twelve apprentices learning to work as bodywork and vehicle construction mechanics, automotive mechanics, automotive painters, and tooling mechanics worked on the project for six months with the support of Audi Design. They took most of their inspiration from the legendary Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO race car from 1989. The result shows the range of ways in which young talents can contribute to the company even during their apprenticeship.

An unparalleled appearance

The new Audi RS6 Avant GT stands out from other models in its range, the RS6 Avant and the RS6 Avant performance version, thanks to its even more impressive appearance based on the RS6 GTO concept. The striking front end takes obvious inspiration from the RS6 GTO concept.

The Singleframe and the air intakes are finished entirely in high-gloss black, which makes the car appear even lower and wider. Vertical blades in the front apron, a new intake grille, and a powerful front splitter integrated into the bumper enhance the sharpened look. For the first time, Audi Sport GmbH is not only using a fully redesigned hood but is also manufacturing it from carbon fiber. The one-of-a-kind finish makes the redesigned hood's carbon material a real eye-catcher, and it is impressively framed by the color of the body. Integrated air outlets behind the large 22-inch wheels reduce air pressure in the wheel arch and improve brake cooling. Like the hood, the fenders housing the large wheels are made entirely of carbon fiber for the first time - a highlight on the vehicle itself as well as for Audi Production.

The side profile is defined by inserts in the side skirts, exterior mirror covers in glossy carbon and the 22-inch wheels in the 6-spoke design made exclusively for the RS6 Avant GT. At the rear, the special edition impresses with black "RS6 GT" lettering, a tailgate specially adapted to the design with a visually lowered loading edge, a functional diffuser with a vertically centered reflector that makes the car appear even wider, and a distinctive double wing inspired by motorsport. The latter was taken almost 1:1 from the apprentices' concept car. For the first time in the history of the RS6 Avant, the roof rails have been removed for an even flatter, sportier silhouette.

For the Audi RS6 Avant GT, customers have the option to choose exclusive decals in two colors. The first, in conjunction with an Arkona White finish, combines the traditional colors of Audi Sport, black, gray, and red. The model badges at the front and rear also come in these colors. If this color combination is chosen, the wheels in the distinctive design always come in high-gloss white. Alternatively, the decals in black and gray tones come with the exterior color Nardo grey or Mythos black. To match, Audi Sport GmbH offers the high-sheen wheels in high-gloss black or matte black. The four rings in the Singleframe and the tailgate along with the model lettering are black as standard. The following finishes are available for the exterior: Arkona White, Nardo Gray, Chronos Gray Metallic, Madeira Brown Metallic, and Mythos Black Metallic.

The RS6 Avant GT rolls off the production line with the RS design package plus as standard. The black interior is enhanced by numerous accents in the exclusive color combination of red and copper, for example the stitching on the steering wheel, the sides of the center console, the center armrest and door armrests and the floor mats with "RS6 GT" lettering. The new RS bucket seats in a leather-Dinamica combination and the "RS6 GT" lettering right below the headrests also feature this color scheme. The honeycomb stitching in the center of the seat shimmers in Express Red, while that on the outer seam of the bucket seat is finished in copper.

The armrests, the dashboard, the center console including its sides, and the door waist rails are upholstered in Dinamica black microfiber, while the decorative inlays are covered in Dinamica deep black microfiber. The decorative inlays are also available in an open-pore carbon twill structure as an option. The seat belts catch the eye with their full crimson red color. As a special highlight, the center console features the car's serial number in the limited run of 660 models.

Next-level performance

The new Audi RS6 Avant GT has a power output of 463 kW (630 PS) and a maximum torque figure of 850 Nm. That is an increase of 22 kW (30 PS) and 50 Nm compared with the RS6 Avant base model. The spearhead of the series sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the RS6 Avant. The RS6 Avant GT accelerates to 200 km/h from a standstill in just 11.5 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than the RS6 Avant. The standard top speed is 305 km/h (190 mph), negative acceleration is handled by the standard RS ceramic brake system.

The power of the 4.0 TFSI is applied to the permanent all-wheel drive quattro via the standard eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox with optimized shift times. Like the RS6 Avant performance, the RS6 Avant GT uses the latest version of the locking center differential. Particularly light and compact, it distributes engine power to the front and rear axle at ratio of 40:60. If slippage occurs, more drive torque is automatically applied to the axle with better traction - up to 70 percent can flow to the front axle and up to 85 percent to the rear axle. The reworked center differential improves driving dynamics, ensures noticeably more precise cornering, and makes for less understeer at the limit.

To further distinguish the special edition from other RS models, the quattro sport differential on the rear axle has been specially tuned for the Audi RS6 Avant GT. The new parameters focus on greater agility and rear bias in "dynamic" driving mode. Customers benefit from sporty, neutral, and highly precise handling. For the first time, and only for the RS6 Avant GT, adjustable coilover suspension comes as standard. It lowers the ride height by ten millimeters compared to the RS6 Avant and offers a perfect combination of dynamics and comfort. A higher spring rate, triple-adjustable dampers, and stiffer stabilizers (30 percent stiffer at the front and 80 percent at the rear) ensure less body roll, which once again significantly increases the fun factor. The necessary tools and instructions for making individual adjustments are also on board. Customers can alternatively order the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) or the RS adaptive air suspension.

The new high-performance Continental "Sport Contact 7" 285/30 R22 tires ensure the necessary grip for dynamic driving. The tires offer consistently better roadholding under both dry and wet conditions and reduce understeer when cornering at speed, making for overall more precise handling across the entire speed range. Additionally, the braking distance is up to two meters shorter with the new tires when braking from 100 to 0 km/h (62 mph to 0 mph).

Manufacturing of the highest grade

One thing that is different about the new Audi RS6 Avant GT is that, unlike the regular RS6 Avant, it is not entirely assembled on the production line in Neckarsulm. After the body construction works and painting shop, the 660 models go to Böllinger Höfe, where the Audi R8, Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are built in small-series production. Located near Audi's production site in Neckarsulm, this highly flexible facility is unique within the Group and thus offers the best conditions for finishing the Audi RS6 Avant GT there. Final assembly is carried out by seven experienced employees at three assembly stations set up especially for this exclusive special edition. Each individual vehicle spends a whole day there. All GT-specific features are fitted by hand to each of the only 660 RS6 Avant GT models produced worldwide. This includes the hood, the fenders, the rocker panels, the double wing, the front and rear aprons, and the adjustable coilover suspension.

Production at Böllinger Höfe is net carbon neutral. To achieve this, Audi uses green electricity and heat from renewable sources - an important milestone both for the brand and the Neckarsulm site. CO2 emissions Audi cannot yet avoid by means of renewable energy sources are offset using carbon credits from certified environmental projects. The company is thus making a significant contribution to Mission:Zero - the premium manufacturer's environmental program for fully sustainable production.

The Audi A6 e-tron concept debuted at the Auto Shanghai 2021 trade fair as the forerunner of an innovative family of all-electric volume models. Audi is now launching the A6 e-tron as a Sportback and Avant. As the second model on the PPE platform, the upper mid-size vehicle picks up on the familiar product strengths of performance, range, efficiency, and charging. It is also the platform's first model with a flat floor concept. The exterior is powerful, sporty, and perfectly proportioned. Audi's new design philosophy defines the interior. Depending on the equipment level, the A6 e-tron offers many innovative features, such as second-generation virtual exterior mirrors, a panoramic glass roof that becomes opaque at the touch of a button and illuminated rings at the rear. The A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron can be ordered from September 2024 as Sportback and Avant versions. Prices at market launch are 75,600 euros for the A6 Sportback e-tron performance and 99,500 euros for the Audi S6 Sportback e-tron.

"The A6 e-tron is the first purely electric Audi model available as a Sportback and Avant," says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. "Its striking design enables the best aerodynamics in the portfolio and therefore greater efficiency. It will inspire enthusiasm for e-mobility with its long range of well over 700 kilometers and outstanding driving dynamics."

The exterior: elegant and progressive

The body's clean design focuses on dynamism, progressiveness, and elegance. The front is simultaneously harmonious and expressive. The slim design of the daytime running lights and the wide grille make the A6 e-tron appear flat and wide on the road.

A black mask surrounds the closed and inverted single frame, reflecting the distinct design language of the e-tron models. The main headlights and other functional elements, such as the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors and the air intakes, are integrated into the dark mask, making them almost invisible.

The dynamic roofline of the A6 e-tron rests on a powerful foundation with a low ride height. The quattro blisters are those contours that emphasize the quattro drive with their sculptural and muscular shape. They are a core element of the Audi design DNA. As the heart of the car, the battery is emphasized by a black insert in the sill area. The insert gives the car a flat, slim, and dynamic appearance from the side. It extends to the rear and integrates the reflectors, giving the A6 e-tron a visually stretched appearance. The Avant is also characterized by a very flat roofline, with the D-pillar sloping steeply forward. An aluminum-look trim piece from the A-pillar to the roof spoiler is a new, distinctive feature of the A6 Avant e-tron and creates a high recognizability.

The rear conveys a mixture of sporty elegance and full power. The clean architecture, combined with the continuous and three-dimensional light strip, gives the new A6 e-tron clarity and aplomb. A striking spoiler lip finishes off the rear of the Sportback, and the eye-catching rear diffuser further emphasizes the sporty and dynamic look of the rear.

The Audi A6 e-tron comes with 19-inch five-arm dynamic wheels, designed as aero wheels, as standard while the S line gets 20-inch "five-spoke tripod" wheels in graphite gray. The S6 e-tron comes with 20-inch wheels as standard. Stunning wheels up to 21 inches are available as an option. Nine distinctive designs - from sporty to elegant, are available, including six from Audi Sport.

The exterior of the Audi A6 e-tron differs between the variants basic, S line and S model. Up to eight exterior colors are available at market launch, including the standard color Magnetic gray solid as well as Glacier white metallic, Typhoon gray metallic and Mythos black metallic. They emphasize the exterior's powerful and progressive design. Two blue shades, Plasma blue metallic and Malpelo blue metallic, are also available. Daytona gray pearl effect and Siam beige metallic are reserved exclusively for the S line variant and the S model.

Best in class: outstanding aerodynamics

Superior aerodynamics is a core component of the long history of successes for Audi. The aerodynamic heroes of the past, such as the Audi 100 (C3) and the Audi 80 (B3), also belong to the mid-size segment.

The legendary cw value of the third-generation Audi 100 meant it was called the "aerodynamics world champion of all classes". With a cw -value of 0.30, Audi outclassed its competitors in 1982 - and continued to do so for many years. Today, the Audi A6 e-tron is writing a new chapter in this success story.

At Audi, sporty design and aerodynamics do not contradict each other: Optimal basic tuning and numerous detail optimizations contribute to excellent aerodynamics and ensure an exceptionally low cw value of 0.21 for the Sportback, making it the best Audi of all time in terms of aerodynamics and the most aerodynamic vehicle in the entire VW Group. The Avant also achieves a very good cw value of 0.24, making it one of the best in its segment.

The front is aerodynamically optimized and has air curtains that positively influence the flow around the front and the wheels. The greenhouse is extremely slim, and the roofline slopes towards the rear. Moreover, a controllable cool-air intake under the Singleframe of the Audi A6 e-tron ensures the airstream can flow around this zone with minimal losses. Audi has further optimized this system with additional components. The underbody also plays a vital role in the aerodynamics concept through a high degree of sealing and small optimizations of various components. These include specially adapted wheel trims and 3D bumps ahead of the front wheels, which are individually optimized for the Sportback and Avant, the undertray, the battery, the rear axle, and sill panels. A wide and aerodynamically optimized diffuser achieves the optimum balance between lift at the rear axle and cw value. The Avant is also equipped with an additional spoiler on the diffuser. Aero elements in the form of side spoilers at the rear of the A6 Avant e-tron enable controlled stall. The low roof edge spoiler contributes to a small "still water area" behind the vehicle, which also improves the aerodynamics.

Aero optimizations offered by some of the wheels of various sizes round off the aerodynamic concept. For example, an attractive 21" aero wheel with plastic covers is offered. The optional virtual exterior mirrors are among the proven aerodynamic components that are already familiar from the Audi Q8 e-tron. Their second generation is used on the Audi A6 e-tron, and they can now fold electrically. The compact cameras have a flow-optimized shape, which reduces the front area of the vehicle and improves the drag coefficient.

Innovative lighting technology

With the new Audi A6 e-tron, Audi is underlining its leading role in lighting design and technology - an essential part of the Audi DNA. The headlights and rear lights have a three-dimensional design and offer digital light signatures, bringing the physical and digital worlds together. At the front, the Audi A6 e-tron family offers digital daytime running lights with LED technology as an option as well as second-generation digital OLED rear lights.

With around 45 segments per digital OLED panel, the A6 e-tron enables car-to-x communication and increases road safety. Light appears more vivid and intelligent on the new Audi A6 e-tron thanks to the perfect symbiosis between the lighting design and the new technology. Turning to the second-generation digital OLED rear lights, ten OLED panels with 450 segments use a specially developed algorithm to generate a new image several times per second. The active digital light signature also points the way to the future of Audi lighting technology. A software module in one of the five domain computers of the Audi A6 e-tron makes this light signature possible. At the front, the active digital light signature is created by the algorithm's interaction with twelve dimmable segments. At the rear, all digital OLED segments are used for this purpose. The individual light segments interact in such a way that the overall luminous intensity of the light signature does not vary.

Audi is establishing new levels of lighting design, functionality, and safety with the second generation of digital OLED rear lights. Audi has also further developed its safety functions. The proximity detection that is already familiar from other Audi models has been expanded in the new A6 e-tron to include the communication light. It warns other road users of accidents and breakdowns. In addition to the regular taillight graphics, the communication light displays a specific static taillight signature with integrated warning symbols in the digital OLED rear light 2.0 in critical driving or traffic situations.

The technology used also sets new standards in terms of individualization: with eight digital light signatures in the newly designed digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and in the digital OLED rear lights 2.0, drivers can personalize their A6 e-tron in a completely new way, depending on the selected equipment.

A particular highlight of the new Audi A6 e-tron is the equipment-dependent illumination of the four rings at the rear. This strongly emphasizes the Audi corporate identity and gives the new A6 e-tron its very own personality.

Interior and MMI panoramic display

The interior of the Audi A6 e-tron is consistently geared towards the users' needs. The three-dimensional and high-contrast design deliberately places elements in the foreground or background, creating a spatial architecture tailored to the occupants in terms of design and ergonomics. The MMI panoramic display, with its curved design and OLED technology, consists of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display and, together with the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, forms a digital stage with visually clear design.

Active Privacy Mode allows the front seat passenger to enjoy entertainment content while traveling, such as watching movies or streaming series, without distracting the driver. Depending on the current speed, and seat occupancy, the light is directed (privacy mode on) or diffused (content visible to all).

Audi is taking a significant step forward in display technology with the optional augmented reality head-up display (AR HuD), another central element of the digital stage.

The display reflects a large, tilted image plane across the windshield towards the driver. It shows relevant information such as speed, traffic signs, assistance, and navigation symbols.

The interior creates a homely ambiance. The "soft wrap" extends from door to door across the entire panel width, creating a homogeneous and enveloping feeling of space. The materials were selected from a functional perspective. At the same time, they ensure a clear design differentiation of the various areas in the vehicle's interior. Comfort-oriented areas are designed with generous surfaces and soft materials. In contrast, the precisely designed control areas in high-quality, high-gloss black emphasize the clarity of interaction with the vehicle. The low-lying, slim air vents seem to disappear into the background. The displays of the optional virtual exterior mirrors are located inside the doors, clearly visible in the angle of the A-pillar and the door sill.

A digital wrap is also created here, which extends from mirror to mirror across the entire digital instrument panel and is connected via the dynamic interaction light at the base of the windshield. Essential functions such as mirror adjustment, lighting, and locking systems are integrated compactly into the central control panel in the driver's door. An optional four-zone automatic air conditioning system and the air quality package with aroma fragrance and ionizer complete the elegant ambiance.

A smart panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency

An optional innovative panoramic glass roof further enhances the vehicles. In contrast to previous types, the panoramic roof's smart glass minimizes direct sunlight and becomes opaque at the touch of a button. This works with PDLC technology (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal), which can switch from transparent to opaque. Electrically switchable glass components contain two PDLC film elements, between which the liquid crystals giving them their name float. If no voltage is applied, the crystals form an opaque layer, making the glass roof non-transparent. If voltage is applied, the crystals align so the roof becomes transparent. It can be individually controlled like a "digital curtain" via a button in the roof module; customers can choose from four presets.

Infotainment - integrating the digital world of customers

The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system. The A6 e-tron updates its content via over-the-air updates. Therefore, the latest Audi connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner, which comes as standard, are always up to date. Apps such as YouTube are available via the Audi Application Store for third-party apps, which is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone to use.

The store gives customers access to a wide range of apps. At the A6 e-tron launch, various applications will be available from categories including: Music, Video, Gaming, Navigation, Parking and Charging, Productivity, Weather, and News Services. The store is constantly expanding, and the app portfolio is market-specific.

In addition to the improved and more intuitive touch operation, the new display and operating concept addresses global trends toward interaction. For example, voice control has been significantly expanded and now plays a key role. The vehicle's self-learning voice assistant, the Audi assistant, can control numerous vehicle functions.

The Audi assistant has access to additional online content, such as weather and general knowledge. Via a connection to ChatGPT (provided via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service) customers can interact with their car using natural language and listen to the information they would like to know while driving.

The Audi assistant automatically recognizes whether to execute a vehicle function, search for a destination, or, for example, provide the weather forecast. The Audi system only forwards queries to ChatGPT when it cannot answer general knowledge questions. Drivers enjoy a seamless experience as all the functions are integrated into the Audi assistant.

The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with headrest loudspeakers ensures optimum sound. A highly efficient amplifier drives 20 loudspeakers with 830 watts of power. Four of these are integrated into the front seat headrests, enabling Audi to provide personal surround sound, personal navigation announcements, and one-on-one phone calls. Additional loudspeakers in the A-pillar and mid-range speakers create an incomparable 3D surround sound. The dynamic interaction light offers a variety of communication functions, supporting the vehicle's interaction with the occupants. It spans the interior and cockpit below the windshield in the shape of a generous arc.

Impressive range and charging performance

Powerful, compact, and highly efficient electric motors and a lithium-ion battery newly developed for the PPE consisting of twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh net) ensure a range of up to 756 kilometers (A6 Sportback e-tron) and up to 720 kilometers (A6 Avant e-tron). With a system output of up to 270 kW in the A6 Sportback/Avant e-tron performance, the new Audi A6 e-tron provides the sporty driving experience Audi is known for. The Audi A6 e-tron performance accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Its top speed is 210 km/h. The S6 e-tron provides a system output of 370 kW (405 kW with launch control).

The S6 Sportback e-tron and the S6 Avant e-tron accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The top speed is 240 km/h. Its range is up to 675 kilometers (S6 Sportback e-tron) and up to 647 kilometers (S6 Avant e-tron).

The A6 e-tron performance (270 kW) with rear-wheel drive and the S6 e-tron (370 kW) with quattro all-wheel drive, both as Sportback and Avant, will be available on launch. Depending on the market, further models with rear-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive will follow at a later date.

Thanks to 800-volt technology and a maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW as standard, short charging stops are possible with the Audi A6 e-tron. This means the A6 Sportback e-tron performance can be recharged at an appropriate charging station (High Power Charging, HPC) for a range of up to 310 kilometers in just ten minutes. The State of Charge (SoC) increases from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. Intelligent high-performance and predictive thermal management are key components of this impressive charging performance. Equipped with Plug & Charge, the vehicle authorizes itself at compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in and activates the charging process. The charging process is fully automatic. If a charging station works with 400-volt technology, the Audi A6 e-tron can use bank charging. To enable this, the 800-volt battery is split into two banks, each with a voltage of 400 volts, which can then be charged in parallel with up to 135 kW. AC charging with up to 11 kW is possible at standard home chargers. A 22 kW AC charging option will be offered later.

The advanced recuperation (regenerative braking) system is an important component in increasing the efficiency and range of the Audi A6 e-tron. This system can handle around 95 percent of everyday braking processes. The Audi A6 e-tron recuperates up to 220 kW. The temperature and the battery's state of charge play a key role here. Recuperation occurs on the front and rear axles, with minor deceleration handled by the rear axle for efficiency reasons. In addition, a higher regenerative braking performance is possible on the rear axle due to the more powerful electric motor.

The integrated Brake System (iBS) that is familiar in previous e-tron models has been enhanced significantly as part of the Premium Platform Electric. Now, the described axle-specific brake blending between the mechanical friction brake and regenerative braking via the electric motors is possible.

As is typical for Audi, the Audi A6 e-tron also offers the option of two-stage recuperation, which can be adjusted using the paddles on the steering wheel. Coasting is also possible. Here, the vehicle rolls without additional drag when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal. Another variant of the A6 e-tron is the "B" driving mode, which comes close to what is colloquially called the "one-pedal feeling". This mode offers the strongest recuperation deceleration. With an anticipatory driving style, almost all deceleration can be managed without pressing the brake pedal in driving mode "B".

Precise driving dynamics, high comfort

The typical Audi DNA is also evident in the suspension. Here, there is a precisely defined set-up philosophy, and the suspension control systems are accurately coordinated with each other. The directly tuned front axle significantly influences the driving dynamics of the A6 e-tron, making the vehicle feel particularly agile.

The optional adaptive air suspension - an air suspension system with controlled damping - lends the vehicle a broad spread between high ride comfort and sporty handling. Depending on the speed and individual preferences, it adapts to specific road conditions and regulates the body's ride height at four different levels. The efficiency mode in Audi drive select is a special feature. In efficiency mode, the suspension lowers the body by up to 20 millimeters depending on the speed, thus improving the vehicle's aerodynamics. This serves to optimize energy consumption and increase range.

The rear-biased all-wheel drive system in the Audi S6 e-tron enhances the driving dynamics with a highly variable torque distribution. The different dimensions of the electric motors on the rear and front axles enable rear-biased torque distribution even under full load. The Audi S6 e-tron and A6 e-tron are equipped with differently sized tires on the front and rear axles, further improving stability and sportiness.

Always ready to assist: the driver assistance systems

With the A6 e-tron driver assistance systems, Audi provides a wide range of functions that make everyday life easier and significantly increase road safety for all road users.

The adaptive driving assistant plus is a new feature of the A6 e-tron. It supports the driver when accelerating, braking, maintaining speed and the set distance, and with lane guidance. This can increase driving comfort, especially on long journeys. In addition to various sensors, depending on the region, the system uses high-resolution map data and swarm data from other vehicles aggregated in the cloud to improve driving behavior. Applying this fusion of information, the vehicle calculates the route ahead to enable a comfortable driving experience across the entire speed range and in traffic jams.

Park assist plus, a reversing camera, the traffic sign-based speed limiter, camera-based traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, park assist plus with distance display, lane departure warning, and distraction and drowsiness warning will come as standard at market launch.

Market launch and prices

The powerful, sporty and perfectly proportioned A6 e-tron and the S6 e-tron, both as Sportback and Avant, will be available to order from September 2024. Prices for the upper mid-range model at market launch are 75,600 euros for the A6 Sportback e-tron performance and 77,250 euros for the A6 Avant e-tron performance. The S6 Sportback e-tron costs 99,500 euros and the price for the S6 Avant e-tron is 101,150 euros. Further models with rear-wheel or quattro drive will follow at a later date, depending on the market. A model with a smaller battery will represent an attractive entry into the A6 e-tron family.