Audi has pulled the wraps off the A6 Avant e-tron concept. Based on the A6 Sportback e-tron Concept displayed at the 2021 Shanghai Motorshow, the estate version debuts an EV rendition of the much-loved Audi station wagon silhouette.
The German automaker is quick to point out that this isn’t merely a one-off design showcase. Instead, the A6 Avant e-tron is expected to preview a future production model, with the A6 e-tron primed to enter the market in 2024. We can only hope that Audi does bring the Avant to our side of the pond as well.
Striking Longroof Design
Ingolstadt has had a knack for making some gorgeous wagons in the past, and the A6 Avant e-tron concept undoubtedly builds on that track record. The face is relatively familiar, being shared with the A6 Sportback e-tron. The grille, however, is slightly different. It retains the signature enclosed look of the e-tron line, but introduces more pronounced dimples for an added dose of aggression. This is complemented by arch-filling 22-inch wheels and plenty of convex and concave edges down the side.
While the new showcase adopts the wagon body style, the A6 Avant e-tron shares its vital statistics with the A6 e-tron concept that debuted last year. It measures 4.96 meters (16.3 ft.) long, 1.96 meters (6.4 ft.) wide, and 1.44 meters (4.7 ft.) high. As is the norm with e-tron models, the Avant concept features rearward-facing cameras replacing the traditional mirrors. The Avant also adopts the same customizable LED lights featured on last year’s A6 Sportback concept, which Audi promises will translate into the thinnest headlights brought into production.
See: The A6 Sportback E-Tron Is A Sexy Four Door Coupe Version Of The Avant
But it’s the rear that grabs the most attention. The high beltline finishes in a swept-up design gracing the tailgate with a single light strip at the rear. It’s almost reminiscent of a second spoiler, and indeed Audi claims that the design is aerodynamically functional. This is further aided with the inclusion of a floating roof-mounted unit squaring off the tapered glass area.
Moving down, below the tailgate, you’ll find a diffuser with two sizeable outlines integrated into the rear bumper – something we could definitely do without on the production version as it ruins the car’s lines adding unnecessary drama. Aerodynamic performance was something that was heavily emphasized upon with the A6 Sportback e-tron Concept. Although not quite as slippery as its four-door coupe brother (0.22 cW), the Avant e-tron concept returns an impressive cW value of 0.24, the same figure as the production e-tron GT.
It’s Production-Oriented
The Avant concept is very much a precursor to a production car, which Audi all but confirmed will be headed for serial production in 2024. Granted, some aspects of the A6 e-tron remain a mystery, such as what the interior looks like or how much space it can offer — characteristics you’d think would have a fair amount of importance in what is primarily a practical family car.
However, away from the overall design, the spotlight is squarely on the drivetrain, with a range of performance options planned. Entry-level cars are said to be no slouches, able to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in under seven seconds. Performance-oriented versions will drop that number to “well under” four seconds.
Read: 2024 Audi A6 e-tron Electric Sedan Makes Spy Debut
“We’re not just electrifying the Avant’s successful 45-year history,” says Audi Board Member for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann. “What we want most of all is to use technical skill to add an exclamation point. In particular, this includes powerful 800-volt technology, 270 kW of charging capacity, and a WLTP range of up to 700 kilometers (435 miles).”
Such range expectations are significantly greater than Audi’s current crop of EVs, most of which have a maximum running distance of around 250 miles (400 km), and instead puts the new car in the ballpark of the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Tesla Model S. The Avant sports a 100 kWh battery. Using the 800-volt charging system (as found in the e-tron GT), an 80 percent recharge could be had in as little as 25 minutes.
PPE To Offer More Than Just SUVs, But Expect The Q6 First
The A6 e-tron Sportback and Avant concepts are the first cars to be designed based on Audi’s PPE platform. The PPE, or Premium Platform Electric, is a modular system jointly developed with Porsche. Crucially, it will form the basis for the next Macan.
The first production vehicle based on the PPE platform will be unveiled in 2023, which has been confirmed to be the Q6 e-tron. But Audi says that their PPE platform is designed for both ground clearance and lower vehicles, with it designed to cater to cars beyond SUVs. The A6 Sportback and A6 Avant are two such examples, but the German automaker says they have more such EVs waiting in the wings, that cover the B, C, and D segments.
Audi had previously confirmed that starting from 2026, they will only be launching fully electric vehicles. So it comes as no surprise that the iconic Avant shape would eventually incorporate battery technology. However, interestingly during the Avant presentation, it was stated that for the company’s premium products, a line of parallel internal combustion-engined models would be offered for markets that are slow on the charging infrastructure uptake.
So, do you like what you see? What would you change for the production model? Let us know in the comments below.
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