High Voltage Alert: Audi A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron Revealed

The imminent electric derivatives of the Audi A6 are here. Set to be introduced in a Sportback avatar, the duo will be radiating enough on the skin and under to fervour Audi purists and motoring enthusiasts alike.  

Warping the same platform as the recently unveiled Q6 e-tron SUV, the A6 e-tron is for those who don’t prefer to get perturbed around cambers but want a grin-lavishing thrust straight from the moment, the pedal is put to the metal. 

EXTERIOR

Certain characteristic design embellishments make their way onto the A6 e-tron’s dermis such as slim and swept-back headlamps and the hexagonal grille. However, as witnessed with the brand’s first electric car, the e-tron GT, the grille is enclosed by certain trapezoidal appliques and mimics a clean look.
However, breaking the monotony is a huge mass of gloss-black pieces adorning the front fascia and enclosing several lighting elements. Helping the A6 e-tron gain aerodynamic advantage is a hunkered frunk which might be able to stow tiny packages. Opting for the juicier S6 e-tron gives access to matte-finishing around the side air intakes. 

The side profile is donned with chunky wheels, slim door handles to have the car appear as slippery as plausible and a piece of plastic to outline the wheelbase. However, the bit that is contemplated to enthuse the most is a camera projection that replaces conventional side-view mirrors. However, this is expected to be region-specific. 

The rear immediately telltales that Audi has departed from the sedan body style and chosen to stick to a coupe-roofline syntax. Following the bandwagon of many automakers, the A6 e-tron flanks an OLED light strip with red inserts. This time around, even the Audi emblem gets highlighted with red light. There’s not much drama happening at the rear but it all combines to extrude understated elegance.

INTERIOR

For those acquainted with the Q6 e-tron’s interior, there’s limited scope for a distinct identity. However, it spouts sophistication with a tautly finished layout, a combination of materials and up to three infotainment screens atop the dash if all options are subscribed. The infotainment system is a 14.5” display that lets the discerning owners get entertained by unfurling a vast menu that provides ample to entertain one’s self. 

Audi was amongst the first luxury automakers to embark on a drive to offer digital instrument clusters. The current resolution for the instrument cluster display stands at 11.9 inches to emanate huge chunks of useful driving intel for the driver. 

However, this doesn’t mean the co-driver’s throne hasn’t been paid attention to. Optionally, a third 14.5” infotainment system will be available to keep them occupied with playing video games and watch videos. Another party trick of the interior is the panoramic sunroof’s ability to tinker between transparent and opaque layouts and even transform into a different hue to match your vibe and mood.

MECHANICS

Under the floor, a 94.4-kWh battery is stacked which can be charged with can be made wholly succulent with multiple battery charging options. Its 800-volt electrical infrastructure is compatible with 270 kW charging velocities via a DC fast charger. This will amp up the battery charge from zilch to 80 per cent in a touted 21 minutes. The standard charging facility consists of an 11 kW power supply through an AC connection.

Like most electric sleeper sedans and sportbacks, the A6 e-tron is also available with a plethora of variants that vary acceleration times. The range beginning single-motor version is contemplated to dart from a standstill to 100 Km/h in 5.2 seconds. A dual-motor all-wheel drive format will shave off 0.9 seconds and if that manic acceleration is still humdrum, the S6 e-tron will fill the gap to complete nought to a ton in 3.7 seconds. 

Summary

The A6 e-tron strikes a sweet spot by offering comfort, practicality, a posh interior, technology and wonderful acceleration numbers. Reportedly, the gasoline A6 is on its valedictory journey which means the A6 e-tron will be the sole stay of the range. Does it have enough substance to fill the void and single-handedly fight its ICE and EV contenders to victory? Let us know in the comments.