Audi touts A6 E-tron EV's long range; launches rival to BMW i5, Mercedes EQE

The Audi A6 E-tron full-electric sedan becomes Volkswagen Group’s most aerodynamic car, helping the EV achieve a range of up to 756 km (470 miles)

The A6 Sportback E-tron sedan and the Avant E-tron wagon variants are the newest models in Audi's lineup to use parent VW Group’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) underpinnings, following the Audi Q6 E-tron crossover.

Audi claims a drag co-efficient of 0.21 for the A6 Sportback E-tron, with the Avant E-tron rated at 0.24.

Aerodynamics have become increasingly important in the electric era as automakers try to optimize range. Air curtains direct the air flow around the front of the car, while the front cool-air intake opens and closes automatically.

The Avant E-tron has a 720-km range from the same 100-kilowatt-hour battery as the Sportback E-tron. Charging speed is rated at a maximum 270 kilowatts.

Versions with a smaller 82-kWh battery will be available later, Audi said.

The A6 E-tron variants rival the BMW i5 sedan and wagon, as well as the Mercedes-Benz EQE, which is only available as a sedan.

The A6 Sportback E-tron differs from its sedan rivals in offering a hatchback in place of a standard trunk lid.

The launch models start at €75,600 for the A6 Sportback E-tron Performance, compared with the €55,500 for the current combustion-powered A6 in Audi’s home market of Germany. The version with the smaller battery will reduce that gap.

A6 models with internal combustion engines will become A7s for their next generation in line with Audi’s new naming system, which gives even numbers to full-electric models and odd numbers to models with ICEs.

The higher-performance S6 Sportback E-tron, which has two electric motors and all-wheel-drive, starts at €99,500 with the S6 Avant E-tron is priced at €101,150.

Power output for the rear-wheel-drive A6 E-tron is 362 hp, with the S6 E-tron increasing that to 496 hp. The S6 E-tron accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds, compared with 5.4 seconds for the standard A6 E-tron, Audi said.

The design of the new A6 E-tron is an evolution of Audi's current look with the single-frame grille extended outward to give it a wider look. Digital light effects include individually selectable signatures and pictograms in the taillights.

The underfloor battery is emphasized in the design by a black insert above the sill along the side. The insert helps disguise the added height from the batteries. Audi said it give the car “a flat, slim, and dynamic appearance from the side.” The insert extends to the rear and integrates the reflectors.

The Avant has a flat roofline with a strongly sloping D-pillar.

The new A6 E-tron range is available with up to three screens, including a 10.9-inch display for the passenger. The 14.5-inch touchscreen in the center curves to aid visibility for the driver.

An optional augmented reality head-up display is also available.

The infotainment system includes ChatGPT integration, although the car only forwards queries to the artificial intelligence platform when it cannot answer general knowledge questions itself.

The infotainment system uses the Android Automotive Operation System, while cloud-based apps available include ones for music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging.

The A6 E-tron is available to order starting in September.