Audi is really serious with its shift towards electric mobility, recently unveiling the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron compact SUVs. These models, however, belong to the present e-Tron lineup. Audi is clearing the way for the future by introducing the new A6 e-tron concept, which was unveiled officially at the Auto Shanghai 2021 show.
PPE: Audi's Newest EV Platform
The Audi A6 e-tron concept is essentially the first member of a family of vehicles underpinned by the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). PPE is a modular system is being developed along with partners including Porsche AG. Audi's first PPE-underpinned production vehicles—initially in the C-segment and later in the B- and D-segments—to be unveiled in the second half of 2022.
PPE's high modularity will pave way for a wide range of EVs, including that of the Audi A6 series (thus, the concept). It's designed to underpin electric vehicles beyond the SUV segment, such as a Sportback.
Exterior Shaped By Wind Tunnel
With dimensions similar to the current members of the Audi A6/A7 series, the Audi A6 e-tron concept was conceived in a wind tunnel. It even outperforms the 0.30 Cd value of the legendary Audi 100/C3; its unprecedented Cd value of just 0.22 means the concept exhibits minimal aerodynamic drag.
Design-wise, the A6 e-tron concept boasts large 22-inch wheels, short overhangs, a flat cabin, a wide coupe roof arch as well as the absence of hard edges—giving the impression that it was carved from a single mold.
Featuring Signature E-Tron Elements
The concept's front end clearly signifies it as an electric-powered Audi, thanks to features like the large enclosed singleframe grille bordered at the bottom by deep air intakes. The grille is flanked by flat headlights using Matrix LED and digital OLED technology (same with taillights).
Wrapped in “Heliosilver” technoid-looking finish, the concept features a black inlay above the rocker panel—a new design element that's now the signature of Audi's EVs. It also comes with sleek, camera-based virtual exterior mirrors located at the base of the A-pillar.
Fast-Charging With Range Of Over 435 Miles
The A6 e-tron concept previews Audi new 800-volt charging technology that will be employed by all future PPE models. This allows the battery to be charged for 10 minutes at a public DC fast charger for a range of over 186 miles (300 km). Depending on the selected drive system and power output, range may exceed 435 miles.
Source: Audi