Audi has revealed a bold new A6 Avant e-tron concept which previews an executive electric estate due to launch in 2024.
The stunning new machine is effectively an estate version of the A6 e-tron concept saloon that was revealed last year at the Shanghai motor show, kickstarting a new family of EVs from the German firm.
The production version of the A6 Avant e-tron will use Audi's new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture – which is being co-developed with Porsche – and will launch after the A6 saloon and forthcoming Q6 e-tron SUV, both of which are due in 2023.
Audi’s current e-tron GT uses the J1 platform which it shares with Porsche’s Taycan. While it retains the traditional under-floor battery layout, the PPE platform has a relatively flat layout, making it suitable both for SUVs with high-ground clearance and vehicles with a low-slung design such as the Audi A6 Avant.
The A6 Avant will be powered by a 100kWh battery that can deliver up to 435 miles of range between charges. With 800-volt charging technology the new Avant will be able to charge at speeds of up to 270kW. This results in a charge time of 25 minutes when boosting the Audi’s battery from 5-80%, with Audi claiming that 186 miles can be added in just 10 minutes.
With the battery back spread across the PPE chassis, Audi says this allows for greater space within the cabin, which is likely to be offer similar dimensions to the current A6.
Although full performance figures have not been revealed, Audi has confirmed the A6 Avant e-tron concept has a total output of 350kW (469bhp) and 590 lb ft from its dual-electric motors. A less powerful single motor version is likely to be offered, which Audi said would be "optimised for maximum consumption and maximum range'.
The A6 Avant maintains Audi’s e-tron design language with a version of the ‘Singleframe’ grille, while the deep air intakes at the bottom are responsible for cooling the brakes, battery and drivetrain.
At 4960mm long and 1440mm the A6 Avant e-tron, slightly bigger than the current combustion-engined A6 Avant, although it is slightly narrower. Audi has put a major focus on aerodynamic efficiency, and the rakish roofline, sleek body panels, low front end and rear diffuser result in a drag coefficient of 0.24, which should help to increase overall range.
The A6 Avant e-tron showcases the Digital LED Matrix headlights as seen on the saloon concept, as well as new rear tail lights featuring OLED technology.
Audi’s new LED light technology is fully customisable and features a novel game which can be played by the passenger and driver. When the car is parked in front of a wall passengers can play a video game projected onto it by the headlights , instead of using a small screen in the cockpit.
The concept is likely to change slightly before it is put into production in 2024.
READ MORE
Subscribe to the Move Electric newsletter
e-CARS
New Volkswagen ID Buzz: everything you need to know
How efficient are electric cars?
e-BIKES
Ducati expands e-bike range with first racing machine
e-MOTORBIKES
New Yamaha Neo is Europe-bound '50cc equivalent' electric moped
Electric Motion Epure Race e-motorbike review
e-SCOOTERS
Eskuta KS-450 e-scooter review
Taito unveils innovative new three-wheeled electric scooter
e-WORLD
Electric surfboard firm Awake aims to make waves with first e-foil
Volta Zero electric truck can 'dramatically improve' inner-city road safety