The next generation of the Audi A6 e-tron concept runs on a brand new, tailor-made electric platform called “Premium Platform Electric (PPE)”. (Photos: Audi)
Get to know the next fully electric model from Audi.
The concept of the Audi A6 e-tron follows the slim and sporty e-tron GT and the Q4 e-tron and outlines the brand’s plan for the next generation. Of course, the future is electrifying, and while some exact details are not yet available, this debut at Auto Shanghai 2021 is a clearer indication of what to expect in the next few years. In particular, the A6 e-tron is expected to reach US customers by the end of 2023, while production vehicles on the brand’s new platform will go into production in the second half of 2022.
Audi calls this platform “Premium Platform Electric” (PSA), a modular layout that it developed together with Porsche. The “modular” part is still crucial as it can support both a high profile crossover (like the next generation Macan) and a lower model like the A6. Unlike the conventional, more traditional A6 models of the past, this new concept uses a fastback-like design that is similar to the A7. That means it’s not as radical as the e-tron GT, for example. At 195 inches long, 77 inches wide, and just over 56 inches, it’s fashionably longer, lower, and wider than the old sedan, but it’s right in the same stadium as the Tesla Model S.
A6 e-tron specs can change, but probably not by much
One of the key elements to wider acceptance of electric vehicles is performance that is equal to or superior to gasoline vehicles. Tesla is currently the shining example of this philosophy in action, although Audi has ambitious plans with the production of the A6 e-tron. Keep in mind that some of these numbers can change over the course of the development cycle as we are only in the concept phase.
The Audi A6 e-tron concept uses two electric motors based on the power. Audi claims that together they produce up to 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. With this performance, the expected time from 0 to 60 is “less than four seconds,” although the company promises that even the less powerful versions are not too far off that mark. Fortunately, getting to an entry-level model with just one electric motor is pretty easy. This version will likely appear in less than 7 seconds, which is still a respectable number for an ordinary sedan. In practice, the A6 e-tron would compete against something like the Tesla Model S Long Range or cheaper versions of the Lucid Air, while the e-tron GT would compete against stronger variants of both competitors.
loading time
The Audi A6 e-tron concept uses a 100 kWh battery and can quickly charge 270 kW direct current. It is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture like the Porsche Taycan. So “filling up” this electric vehicle will be an experience that is very similar to stopping at a gas station, as Audi claims. The range of 300 km is replenished with a 10 minute charging time. Reaching 5 to 80 percent takes less than 25 minutes, provided the infrastructure supports juicing at that rate.
According to Audi, the A6 e-tron concept can achieve a maximum range of 700 km, depending on the configuration. This is one of the numbers most likely to change in practice, but again, this would make Audi’s next A6 competitive with the current front runner when it checks out. More importantly, if those numbers come into play when the car hits production, the acceleration, load times, and range of the gas-powered A6 variants can stay the same to attract larger numbers of buyers.
More details will follow
While Audi and Porsche expect to build cars on the PSA platform in the next year, Audi’s projects with the A6 are obviously not going to stop. Electric versions of the entry-level A4 and flagship A8 are also likely to be seen shortly. However, like the Porsche Macan, don’t expect the gas-powered models to go away anytime soon. Those who for some reason are unwilling to let go of the internal combustion should see some updates in the next few years, even as their electric counterparts hit the market.
Comments are closed.