Audi is electrifying the business class. In addition to an electric A6 sedan, there will be a station wagon, which can now initially be seen as a study.
A year after the Limousine presents Audi now the station wagon variant of his electric car study A6 E-Tron Concept. The A6 Avant is based on the new PPE platform, which the Ingolstadt-based company developed together with Porsche and which will carry electric models from the compact to the luxury class in the future. The series version of the electric A6 could celebrate its premiere in 2024.
Far ahead in lighting technology
Like the sedan presented in spring 2021, the station wagon is based on the proportions and appearance of the conventional A6 models, but shows its special drive technology with the closed front grille, extra short overhangs and aerodynamically designed body. At the rear there is a continuous light band made of OLED elements that allow individual and dynamic lighting scenarios. Other lighting units on the flanks are used to project warning signals or indicators onto the asphalt.
After all, the LED matrix spotlights can even be used to project video game content “in cinema quality” onto walls. According to Audi, the design is already very close to series production, but changes only affect details. However, it is still completely unclear what the interior and cockpit should look like - the new study does not have an interior.
Quickly loaded with the A6 Avant
There are at least framework values for the technology. Like the Porsche Taycan offshoot E-Tron GT, Audi relies on an 6-volt battery system for the A800 E-Tron, which allows high charging capacities of up to 270 kW. Ten minutes at the charging station should therefore be enough for a 300-kilometer journey under ideal conditions. Overall, the manufacturer promises a range of 700 kilometers. The batteries in the underbody are unusually flat, which should allow for a sleek silhouette on the one hand, but also a good amount of space in the interior.
In addition, there is no longer a cardan tunnel for a conventional Quattro drive train. However, customers will not have to do without all-wheel drive in the future, because one- or two-motor drive systems can be implemented on the basis of PPE, the latter being able to act equally on the front and rear axles. Smaller and more efficient models only get a rear engine.
When the A6 E-Tron comes onto the market, Audi will initially continue to offer the conventional model and its successor – at least in selected countries. The VW subsidiary in Europe does not want to be fully electric until 2033. The Bavarian Stromer range is now being rapidly expanded: At the end of the year, the Q6 E-Tron will make its debut as the first PPE model, and by 2025 more than 20 E-models will be available.