Reimagining the upper mid-size segment: the Audi A6 e-tron sets new benchmarks for design and range

At the Auto Shanghai 2021 trade fair, the Audi A6 e-tron concept made its debut as the forerunner of an innovative family of all-electric volume models. Now, the Audi A6 e-tron is being launched as a Sportback and Avant. As the second model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), it features the familiar strengths of the PPE in terms of performance, range, efficiency, and charging. It is also the first model on the platform with a flat floor concept. The exterior is commanding, sporty, and perfectly proportioned. The interior is shaped by Audi’s new design philosophy. Depending on the chosen equipment, the A6 e-tron offers many innovative features, such as second-generation virtual exterior mirrors, a panoramic glass roof with transparency control, and illuminated rings in the back. Since September 2024, the A6 e-tron performance with rear-wheel drive and a system output of 270 kW (280 kW with Launch Control) and the S6 e-tron with quattro drive and an output of 370 kW (405 kW with Launch Control), each as Sportback and Avant, can be ordered. Since October 2024, two more variants are available: a more affordable A6 e-tron with rear-wheel drive and a smaller battery, which has a total gross capacity of 83 kWh (net 75.8 kWh), and another model with quattro all-wheel drive and the larger battery capacity of 100 kWh (net 94.9 kWh). The entry-level price for the A6 e-tron is 62,800 euros.

“The A6 e-tron is the first all-electric Audi model to be available as a Sportback and Avant,” says Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “Its striking design provides the best aerodynamics in Audi’s portfolio and, consequently, improved efficiency. With its long range of well over 700 kilometers and outstanding driving dynamics, it will get people excited about electric mobility.”

The exterior: elegant and progressive

The clean body design focuses on dynamism, elegance, and progressivity. The front is as harmonious and homogeneous as it is expressive.

The ultra-slim design of the daytime running lights and the wide grille give the A6 e-tron a flat and wide appearance on the street. A black mask encircles the fully closed, inverted Singleframe, which reflects the specific design language of the e-tron models. The main headlights and other functional elements, such as the driver assistance system sensors and the air intakes, are integrated into the dark mask surrounding the vehicle, making them almost invisible.

The dynamic roof line of the A6 e-tron rests on a strong base with a low ride height. With their sculptural and muscular shape, the quattro blister packs are contours that highlight the quattro drive system. They are a core element of the Audi design DNA. 

As the heart of the car, the battery is highlighted by a black inlay in the rocker panel, which gives the car a flat, slim, and dynamic appearance when viewed from the side. It runs through to the rear and integrates the reflectors, which visually extends the length of the A6 e-tron. The Avant also features a very flat roof line, with the C-pillar and its strong forward lean. A new formal USP of the A6 Avant e-tron: the surrounding aluminum-look trim runs from the A-pillar to the roof spoiler for high recall value.

The rear boasts a blend of sporty elegance and impressive power. The clean architecture combined with the continuous, three-dimensional strip of lights lends the new A6 e-tron clarity and poise. A distinctive spoiler edge completes the rear of the Sportback. The distinctive rear diffuser further emphasizes the sporty and dynamic appearance of the rear.

With a length of 4,928 millimeters, a width of 1,923 millimeters (excluding mirrors), and a height of 1,527 millimeters for the Avant and 1,487 millimeters for the Sportback, the A6 e-tron offers maximum space, comfort, and suitability for everyday use. The wheelbase is 2,946 millimeters. 

The Audi A6 e-tron comes as standard with 19-inch five-arm dynamic wheels, which are designed as aero wheels, and in the S line, the car has 20-inch five-spoke tripod wheels in Graphite Gray. The S6 e-tron comes as standard with 20-inch wheels. Highly attractive wheels up to 21 inches are available as an option. Nine different designs – from sporty to elegant – are available, six from Audi Sport.

The exterior of the Audi A6 e-tron is divided into the Basic, S line, and S model variants. 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 underline the exterior’s powerful and progressive design. 

Two shades of blue are also available: Plasma Blue metallic and Malpelo Blue metallic. Daytona Gray Pearl Effect and Siam Beige Metallic are reserved exclusively for the S line and the S model.

Outstanding aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is an essential component of Audi’s long success story. The aerodynamic heroes of the past, such as the Audi 100 (C3) and the Audi 80 (B3), were also mid-size vehicles.

The Cd value of the third-generation Audi 100 remains legendary. At the time, it was the aerodynamics world champion across all classes. With its Cd value of 0.30, Audi was already far outperforming its competitors as early as 1982 and continued to do so for many years. Now, the Audi A6 e-tron is writing the next chapter in this success story. There is no contradiction between sporty design and aerodynamics at Audi: An ideal basic setup and numerous fine-tunings contribute to excellent aerodynamics and ensure an exceptionally low Cd value of 0.21 for the Sportback, which makes it the most aerodynamic Audi of all time and the best vehicle in the entire VW Group. With a Cd value of 0.24, the Avant also achieves an excellent result and is one of the best in its body segment.

The front features optimized aerodynamics and air curtains for improved airflow around the front and wheels. The greenhouse is extremely slim, and the roof line slopes backwards. Under the Singleframe of the Audi A6 e-tron, a controllable cool-air intake ensures that the headwind can flow around this area with minimal losses. This system is optimized with additional components. The aerodynamic concept also hinges on the underbody, which is largely finished and has many fine-tuned parts, including specially adapted wheel spoilers and 3D bumpers on the front wheels, each of which has been individually fine-tuned for the Sportback and Avant models, the damping pan as well as the battery, rear axle, and sill panels. A wide, aerodynamically optimized diffuser ensures an ideal balance between rear-axle lift and Cd value. The Avant is also equipped with an additional spoiler on the diffuser. Aero bezels, i.e., lateral breakaway edges, at the rear of the A6 Avant e-tron make it possible to achieve a clearly defined flow stall. The low roof spoiler contributes to a small wake space behind the car, which also improves aerodynamics.

The aerodynamic concept is completed by aero optimizations on some wheels of the different sizes available. For example, attractive 21-inch aero wheels with plastic covers are available. The optional virtual exterior mirrors are among the tried-and-proven aerodynamic components in the Audi Q8 e-tron. In the Audi A6 e-tron, they are used in the second-generation and now feature power folding. The compact cameras are streamlined, reducing the vehicle’s frontal area and improving the Cd value.

Innovative lighting technology

With the new A6 e-tron, Audi is reinforcing its leading role in light design and technology – an important part of Audi’s DNA. The three-dimensional headlights and rear lights feature digital light signatures that blend the physical and digital worlds. Depending on the chosen equipment, the Audi A6 e-tron family offers digital daytime running lights with LED technology at the front and the second-generation digital OLED rear lights at the rear. 

With around 45 segments per digital OLED panel, the A6 e-tron enables car-to-X communication and increases road safety. Thanks to a perfect symbiosis between the light design and the new technology, the lights in the Audi A6 e-tron look more vibrant and intelligent than ever before. The second-generation digital OLED rear lights have ten 450-segment OLED panels that use a specially developed algorithm to generate a new image several times a second. The active digital light signature points the way to the future of lighting technology at Audi. At the front, the active digital light signature is created via the interaction of the algorithm with twelve segments that dim up and down. At the rear, all the digital OLED segments are used. The individual segments interact in such a way that the overall image of the light signature does not vary in light intensity.

With the second generation of digital OLED rear lights, Audi is taking light design, range of features, and safety to a new level. Proximity indication, a feature familiar from other Audi models, has been expanded in the new A6 e-tron to include the communication light. This feature warns other road users in advance of accidents and breakdowns. To do this, the communication light in the digital OLED rear lights 2.0 warns its environment in critical road situations by displaying a specific, static rear light signature with integrated warning symbols in addition to the regular rear light graphic.

Lighting technology is also setting new standards in individualization: With eight digital light signatures in the redesigned digital daytime running lights in the Matrix LED headlights and in the digital OLED rear lights 2.0, drivers can customize their A6 e-tron like never before, depending on the chosen equipment.

A particular highlight of the Audi A6 e-tron is the optional illumination of the four rings at the rear. This feature clearly emphasizes the Audi corporate identity and gives the vehicle its own personality.

Interior design and MMI panoramic display 

The Audi A6 e-tron interior is systematically tailored to the user's needs. For example, the three-dimensional, high-contrast interior deliberately places elements in the foreground or background, creating a spatial architecture with aesthetics and ergonomics tailored to the occupants. 

The MMI panoramic display, which features a curved design and OLED technology, consists of the 11.9” Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5” MMI touch display and, together with the 10.9” MMI passenger display, forms a visually distinct digital stage.

Thanks to active privacy mode, the front passenger can enjoy content, such as watching movies or streaming series, while travelling without distracting the driver. The light in the MMI passenger display is directed (privacy mode on) or diffused (content visible to everyone), depending on the car’s speed and seat occupancy.

Audi is making a huge leap forward in display technology with the optional augmented reality head-up display (AR HuD), another key element of the digital stage. The display reflects a large, tilted image plane across the windshield to the driver, showing relevant information such as speed, traffic signs, and assistance and navigation icons.

The interior features accentuate the cozy ambiance. The so-called “Softwrap” extends from door to door across the entire width of the dashboard, creating a homogeneous and welcoming sense of space. The materials used were selected with functionality in mind and clearly delineate the different areas of the vehicle interior through their design. Areas emphasizing comfort stand out with their large surfaces and soft materials. In contrast, the precisely designed operating areas come in high-quality, high-gloss black to provide the necessary clarity for interacting with the vehicle. The low-lying, slim air vents seem to disappear in the background. The displays of the optional virtual exterior mirrors are easily visible on the inside of the door where the A-pillar and door sill come together – in exactly the same field of view as traditional exterior mirrors.

Here, too, a digital wrap is created that contains the displays of the optional digital exterior mirrors and extends with the dynamic interaction light at the base of the windshield across the entire digital instrument panel. Essential functions such as mirror adjustment, lighting, and locking systems are compactly integrated into the central control panel in the driver’s door. 

An optional three-zone automatic air conditioning system completes the elegant ambiance.

The interior also offers plenty of storage space. The center console features two cup holders, a mobile phone charging tray, and a storage compartment below the armrest with more than five liters of storage space. The trunk provides 502 liters of luggage space (Avant & Sportback). With the rear seats folded down, the luggage space in the Avant increases to up to 1,422 liters and in the Sportback to 1,330 liters. There is an additional 27 liters of storage space in the standard front trunk (frunk) under the hood, which is a convenient place to stow small-sized travel bags, for example. The towing capacity is 2,100 kilograms for all variants.

Smart panoramic glass roof with transparency control

An optional innovative panoramic glass roof adds even more value to the vehicles. Unlike most predecessors, the panoramic roof’s smart glass minimizes direct sunlight and turns opaque at the touch of a button. This is accomplished through polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology, which can change from transparent to opaque. Electrically controllable glass components contain two PDLC film elements sandwiching the liquid crystals that give the technology its name. When no voltage has been applied to them, the crystals form a non-transparent layer, making the glass roof opaque. When voltage is applied, the crystals align, and the roof becomes transparent. It can be individually controlled like a “digital curtain” via a button in the roof module, where customers can choose from four presets.

Integrating customers’ digital world: the infotainment system

The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as the operating system. The Audi A6 e-tron updates content via over-the-air updates. This means that the 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 through the Audi Application Store for third-party apps embedded directly in the MMI, eliminating the need for a smartphone.

The store gives customers access to a variety of apps. Apps from the following categories are available for the A6 e-tron at market launch: Music, Video, Gaming, Navigation, Parking and Charging, Productivity, Weather and News. The store is constantly expanding, and the app portfolio is tailored to each specific market.

In addition to improved and more intuitive touch operation, the new display and operating concept follows global interaction trends. Voice control has been significantly expanded and now plays a key role. The driver can control many vehicle functions using Audi’s self-learning voice assistant, the Audi assistant.

Furthermore, the Audi assistant can access additional online content, such as weather and general information. With the connection to ChatGPT (provided via Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service), customers can look up information freely while driving and continue to interact with their cars using natural language.

The Audi assistant automatically recognizes whether to execute a vehicle function, search for a destination, or, for example, show 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 involved are integrated into the Audi assistant.

The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with headrest speakers delivers optimal sound. At the heart of the system are two highly efficient amplifiers that drive 20 loudspeakers with 830 watts.

Four are integrated into the front seat headrests, a design which enables Audi to introduce personal surround sound and personal navigation prompts and phone calls. Additional loudspeakers in the A-pillar and midrange speakers create an unparalleled 3D surround sound.

The dynamic interaction light offers a wide range of communication functions that aid the vehicle in interacting with its occupants in appropriate situations. Below the windshield, it envelops the interior and cockpit in a generous arc and helps stage the interior with a wide range of colors.

Impressive range and charging performance

Powerful, compact, and highly efficient electric motors combined with a newly developed lithium-ion battery with twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (net: 94.9 kWh) ensure a range of up to 756 kilometers (A6 Sportback e-tron performance ) or up to 720 kilometers (A6 Avant e-tron performance ). The range of the A6 Sportback e-tron is up to 627 kilometers, 598 kilometers for the A6 Avant e-tron. The A6 Sportback e-tron quattro reaches a range up to 716 kilometers, the A6 Avant e-tron quattro up to 685 kilometers.

With a system output of up to 270 kW (280 kW with Launch Control) for the A6 Sportback e-tron performance / Avant e-tron performance (combined power consumption in kWh/100 km: 17.0–14.0; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; CO₂ class: A), the new Audi A6 e-tron delivers the sporty driving experience so typical of Audi. The Audi A6 e-tron performance (combined power consumption in kWh/100 km: 17.0–14.0; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; CO₂ class: A) goes from 0 to 100 km in 5.4 seconds. Its top speed is 210 km/h.

The Audi S6 e-tron (combined power consumption in kWh/100 km: 17.4–15.7; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; CO₂ class: A) has a system output of 370 kW (405 kW in Launch Control mode). The S6 Sportback e-tron and the S6 Avant e-tron (combined power consumption in kWh/100 km: 17.4–15.7; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; CO₂ class: A) go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Their top speed is 240 km/h. They have a range of up to 675 kilometers (S6 Sportback e-tron ) and up to 647 kilometers (S6 Avant e-tron ).

The entry-level variant Audi A6 e-tron (power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 16.6-13.6; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 0; CO₂ class: A) has a system output of 210 kW (with Launch Control 240 kW) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds.

The Audi A6 e-tron quattro (power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 17.5-14.7; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 0; CO₂ class: A) has a system output of 315 kW (with Launch Control 340 kW) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Thanks to 800-volt technology and a standard maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW (225 kW for the entry-level variant A6 e-tron ), short charging stops are possible. At HPC (high-power charging) stations, the A6 Sportback e-tron performance can charge up to 310 kilometers in only ten minutes. 

With the entry-level variant A6 e-tron, up to 260 kilometers of range for the Sportback and up to 245 kilometers for the Avant can be recharged in ten minutes. For the A6 e-tron quattro, range increases up to 290 kilometers for the Sportback and up to 280 kilometers for the Avant. In 21 minutes, the state of charge (SoC) climbs from 10 to 80 percent. The intelligent, high-performance, and predictive thermal management system is an essential prerequisite for this impressive charging performance.

Equipped with Plug & Charge (PnC), the vehicle automatically authorizes and activates compatible charging stations when the charging cable is connected. Billing is also automatic. To take advantage of this system, the primary user must have an active Audi charging contract with an activated PnC certificate in the vehicle, set it up beforehand using the myAudi app, and activate the function in the MMI. The Audi A6 e-tron enables bank charging at charging stations with 400-volt technology. The 800-volt battery is electrically divided into two banks, each with 400 volts, which can then charge in parallel with up to 135 kW. With a standard domestic wallbox, AC charging with up to 11 kW is possible. A 22 kW AC charging option will be offered at a later date.

Enhanced regenerative braking (recuperation) is a critical component in increasing the efficiency and range of the Audi A6 e-tron. The system manages around 95 percent of everyday braking maneuvers. In this way, the Audi A6 e-tron recuperates with up to 220 kW.

The battery's temperature and state of charge play a key role here. Both the front and rear axles are involved in recuperation. For efficiency reasons, more minor braking maneuvers are done on the rear axle alone. In addition, the rear axle is capable of higher recuperation performance thanks to the more powerful electric motor there.

The Intelligent Brake System (iBS) known from previous e-tron models has undergone significant further development in the Premium Platform Electric. For example, the electric motors can now employ the mechanical friction brake and the electric recuperation brake for axle-specific brake blending, as described.

As is typical for Audi, the Audi A6 e-tron also gives the driver the option of two-stage coasting recuperation, adjustable via the paddles on the steering wheel. Coasting is also possible. Here, the vehicle rolls freely when the driver removes their foot from the accelerator, without additional friction torque. As an additional variant, the A6 e-tron has driving mode B, which comes very close to what is commonly called the “one-pedal feeling”. This mode offers the strongest recuperation delay. In combination with predictive driving, driving mode B lets the driver perform nearly all braking maneuvers without using the brake pedal.

Precise driving dynamics, high level of comfort

Audi’s DNA also turns up in the suspension, which works according to a precisely defined tuning philosophy that ensures the participating suspension control systems are precisely calibrated to one another. The dynamic driving characteristics of the A6 e-tron significantly influence the highly direct front-axle tuning, making the vehicle especially agile.

The optional adaptive air suspension – air suspension with controlled damping – gives the vehicle a wide range between a high level of ride comfort and sporty handling. Depending on the speed and the driver’s personal preferences, it adapts to the road conditions and adjusts the height of the body to four different levels.

A special Audi drive select feature is the efficiency mode. In this mode, the suspension lowers the body by up to 20 millimeters, depending on the speed, improving the vehicle's aerodynamics. This helps to optimize power consumption and increases the range.

With its rear-biased tuning, the all-wheel drive ensures highly variable all-wheel drive distribution overall and is another feature that improves the driving dynamics of the Audi S6 e-tron. The different sizes of the electric motors on the front and rear axles enable a rear-heavy torque distribution even under full load. The Audi S6 e-tron and A6 e-tron are equipped with mixed tires on the front and rear axles, which further improves stability and sportiness.

Always ready to assist: driver assistance systems 

Audi provides numerous driver assistance system functions that make everyday use easier and significantly increase road safety for all road users.

The adaptive cruise assist plus is an innovative feature in the A6 e-tron. It supports the driver in accelerating, braking, maintaining speed and following distance, and keeping the vehicle in its lane. This increases driving comfort, especially on long journeys. In addition to various sensors (available on a regional basis), the system uses high-resolution map data and cloud-based swarm data from other vehicles to improve handling. It uses all this information holistically to calculate the route ahead and provides a comfortable driving experience across the entire speed range and in traffic jams.

At market launch, park assist plus, a reversing camera, a traffic sign-based speed limiter, camera-based traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise assist, rear park assist plus with distance display, lane departure warning, and attention and drowsiness detection come as standard.

Market launch and prices

Since September 2024, the A6 e-tron performance and the S6 e-tron, each as Sportback and Avant, can be ordered. Since October 2024, two more variants are available: a more affordable A6 e-tron with rear-wheel drive and a smaller battery and another variant with quattro all-wheel drive.

Prices for the A6 e-tron start at 62,800 euros for the Sportback and 64,450 euros for the Avant. The A6 Sportback e-tron performance costs 75,600 euros, the A6 Avant e-tron performance 77,250 euros. The A6 Sportback e-tron quattro costs 79,800 euros, the price for the A6 Avant e-tron quattro is 81,450 euros.

The S6 Sportback e-tron costs 99,500 euros and the price of the S6 Avant e-tron is 101,150 euros.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.