One of the mainstay models in the Audi UK range is today embracing full electrification for the first time. The familiar upper mid-size A6 and S6 make way for the all-new A6 e-tron and S6 Tron, which aligns with the brand’s ambitious e-mobility strategy.
Now available to order in Sportback and Avant body styles, the first phase of A6 e-tron variants are priced at £69,900 (MDP) and £71,700 (MDP), respectively, and their 550PS S6 e-tron equivalents from £97,500 (MDP) and £99,300 (MDP). The new arrivals share their state-of-the-art Premium Platform Electric (PPE) foundations with the recently launched Q6 e-Tron. They are products of the same single-minded pursuit of exceptional performance, range, efficiency, and charging capability.
Like many familiar series production Audi models, the new A6 e-tron Sportback and Avant closely resemble the innovatively styled show cars preceding them, such as the A6 e-tron concepts debuting at the Auto Shanghai Show 2021.
Their low, arcing rooflines and clean-cut contours are complemented by a distinctive frontal black mask integrating slimline headlamps, trademark quattro blisters, and a continuous, three-dimensional rear light strip, helping to create a dynamic, futuristic, and outstandingly aerodynamic form.
Audi aerodynamicists conducted exhaustive streamlining work on the new A6 e-tron models, reflected in the A6 e-tron Sportback’s achievement of an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.21. This makes it not only the most aerodynamic series production Audi of all time but also the most aerodynamic vehicle in the entire VW Group. The Avant’s value of 0.24 also stands as one of the best in the segment.
To capitalise on that aerodynamic efficiency, the new A6 and S6 e-tron Sportback and Avant models combine powerful, compact electric motors with a 100 kWh (94.9 kWh net) lithium-ion battery newly developed for the PPE. The first launch phase in the UK will comprise the A6 Sportback e-tron performance and A6 Avant e-tron performance, delivering 380PS (with launch control) from a single rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels. The S6 Sportback e-tron and S6 Avant e-tron feature a motor on each axle channelling 550PS (with launch control) to Quattro all-wheel-drive. Additional variants will follow later in the cycle.
The new A6 and S6 e-tron Sportback and Avant models are designed to deliver impressive performance. Their powerful, compact electric motors combined with a 100 kWh (94.9 kWh net) lithium-ion battery newly developed for the PPE ensure a rapid 0-62mph sprint times of 5.4 seconds for both A6 e-tron performance variants and 3.9 seconds (with launch control) for the two S6 e-tron models. Where conditions allow, they facilitate governed maximum speeds of 130 and 149mph, respectively. Aided by their airflow-optimised bodies, the A6 Sportback e-tron and Avant e-tron performance models can impressive maximum driving ranges of up to 463 miles and 437 miles, depending on the version. Despite their significant performance advantage, their S6 counterparts also demonstrate impressive staying power, the S6 Sportback e-tron covering up to 405 miles and the S6 Avant e-tron 388 miles, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.
Thanks to the advanced 800-volt technology and a maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW, the new A6 and S6 e-tron models can restore their ample ranges at an impressive speed. Using an HPC fast-charger, the A6 Sportback e-tron performance can replenish enough power for up to 192 miles in just 10 minutes and, from a 10% base, can reinstate 80% of its capacity in 21 minutes. This rapid charging capability ensures that you can get back on the road quickly, making the A6 and S6 e-tron models ideal for long journeys and everyday use.
The new A6 and S6 e-tron models are designed with energy efficiency in mind. An advanced recuperation system, which recuperates at up to 220kW and is active in 95% of all everyday braking processes, helps to harvest energy that would otherwise dissipate. This energy is then used to recharge the battery, extending the driving range. Additionally, a standard heat pump helps to maximise efficiency by using the unavoidable waste heat from the electric motors for interior heating and air conditioning, reducing the energy consumption of the climate control system.
The sophisticated five-link front and rear suspension deliver comfort, control and composure in the A6 e-tron performance models, enabling drivers to take full advantage of their impressive pace. S6 e-Tron versions with rear-biased all-wheel drive are further enhanced by adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, which adapts to specific road conditions and positions the body’s ride height at four levels. The Audi drive select system’s efficiency mode lowers the body by 20mm (depending on speed) in the interest of aerodynamics, helping to optimise energy consumption and driving range.
Travellers in the new A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron models enjoy the rapid but unruffled progress in exceptional surroundings.
The interior of the new A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron models is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience. The enveloping ‘soft wrap’, which extends from door to door across the entire panel width, cocoons the occupants in great comfort, ensuring a relaxing journey.
The digital hub for all models is the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) panoramic display, a testament to the advanced technology in these models. Its curved design incorporates the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch screen. MMI navigation plus, Audi connect internet-based services, the Audi smartphone interface, and wireless smartphone charging are standard features across the range. The new AI-supported, self-learning Audi Assistant also enables vocal control of numerous vehicle functions. The latest Audi app store integrated directly into the MMI offers access to a rapidly growing selection of popular third-party apps, showcasing the cutting-edge technology in these models.
The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system and supports over-the-air content updates. The Audi Connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner, which are also fitted as standard, are always up to date.
Advanced technology also provides driver assistance while on the move. In all versions, a TopView camera and the Parking Assist Plus system with its 360-degree exterior camera coverage help with manoeuvring, and everyday driving is aided and safeguarded by features such as adaptive cruise control, Emergency Brake Assist, Intersection Cross Traffic Assist, and Swing Assist.
Customers of the A6 e-tron performance models can choose from three specifications – Sport, S line and Edition 1 – while the S6 e-tron is available exclusively with a specially tailored version of the Edition 1 package that includes even more enhancements to aesthetics, technology and comfort.
Externally, the arches in Sport models are amply filled by 20-inch alloy wheels, and high-performance LEDs maximise visibility in the distinctive rear LED light strip and the headlamps. These can be temporarily or permanently upgraded post-delivery to Matrix LED specification ‘over the air’ as part of the Audi Functions on Demand programme. Powered tailgate operation is standard to facilitate loading, and noise-suppressing acoustic glazing for the windscreen and front side windows is also included to bring the refinement benefits of near-silent electric power delivery into even sharper relief. At the rear, the four rings are illuminated for the first time, further enhancing the newcomers’ air of technological sophistication.
Inside, the dashboard’s carefully selected blend of soft-touch and high-gloss materials is complemented by sustainable leather-effect Twin Leather upholstery for the heated comfort seats and the Softwrap, contrasting perfectly with the matt brushed aluminium inlays.
The next-in-line S-line models’ trademark features include S-line body styling, privacy glass, S-embossed sport seats, a black headlining, and a three-spoke steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom.
Progressing to the Edition 1 level brings an upgrade from the S line model’s 20-inch wheel to a 21-inch multi-spoke design, which frames red brake callipers. A black styling package, including black frontal Audi rings, also accentuates the purposeful stance. Matrix LED headlamps incorporate an upgrade to digital LED daytime running lights, which offer a range of active light signatures selectable by the driver.
The technology tally is also expanded inside Edition 1 models by a 10.9-inch MMI front passenger touch display enabling front seat occupants to stream content and access other functions independently of the driver and by several additional safety and driver assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus and a Lane-change Assistant.
The accommodation is further enhanced visually and ergonomically as well by ventilated Super Sport seats, heating for the front and outer rear seats and the steering wheel, Dinamica microfibre for the upholstery and Softwrap, and high-tech mesh and Vanadium for the inlays and trim.
The bespoke version of the Edition 1 specification for S6 e-tron quattro models takes another step up in design, comfort and luxury. S-specific exterior detailing maximises visual impact, and at the rear, lighting is upgraded to second-generation digital OLED technology, meaning the strip’s configuration can also be personalised through various selectable active digital light signatures. It also features a new communication light designed to warn surrounding road users about hazards using special warning symbols.
In addition to the versatile, adaptive air suspension, which maximises comfort and agility in S6 e-tron models, features such as soft-close doors and diamond-stitched Fine Nappa leather upholstery for the ventilated super sport seats heighten the indulgent feel. The upgraded seats also boost well-being with their built-in massage function and the high-performance speakers embedded in their headrests, which are served by a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system.
An innovative panoramic glass roof featuring smart glass that becomes opaque at the touch of a button is also among the features of the S Edition 1 package. Another infotainment-related highlight is the new Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, which projects information such as speed, signage, assistance systems status and navigation data via a tilted image plane so that it appears to be floating up to 200 metres ahead of the driver.
Prospective A6 e-tron customers can also add a carefully chosen selection of features through the optional Sound & Vision Pack. Regarding sports specifications, the pack costs £2,895, and its key components include:
- The configurable Augmented Reality Head-up Display.
- Ambient lighting package.
- Microsoft Office integration.
- The Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.
Added to S line and Edition 1 specifications, the Sound & Vision Pack adds the above equipment and headrest speakers, costing £3,195.
To take technological sophistication even further, the Sound & Vision Pack Pro for A6 e-tron Edition 1 model (£5,495) brings a panoramic glass sunroof with switchable transparency and second-generation virtual exterior mirrors. These can now fold electrically and have a flow-optimised shape, which reduces the vehicle’s frontal area and improves the drag coefficient. The interior displays, which have compact cameras, send super sharp images of the A6 e-trons’ surroundings inside the doors.
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