Audi’s electric revolution continues as spy photographers have snapped the A6 e-tron undergoing testing on the Nürburgring.
Previewed by a concept last year, the production model is a notable departure as it features split lighting units that are recessed. They reside on either side of a fully enclosed grille, which is flanked by a sizable intake and triangular air curtains.
The rest of the design more closely echoes the concept as we can see a rakish windscreen that flows into a sloping roof. They’re joined by a high beltline and a relatively small greenhouse. While this design recalls the concept, the production model has been outfitted with traditional side mirrors and flush-mounted door handles.
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There isn’t much to see out back, but the prototype features a prominent diffuser and a more traditional trunk. They’re joined by temporary taillights that appear to be connected by a thin illuminated strip.
Audi hasn’t said much about the model, but it will ride on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that will be used to underpin B-, C- and D-segment vehicles starting in 2023. The platform was developed with Porsche and is “generally similar” to the MEB architecture, but is more advanced as it features 800V technology and a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. Audi has also hinted PPE-based vehicles could have an air suspension, all-wheel steering, and torque vectoring.
Performance specifications remain unconfirmed, but the A6 e-tron concept was equipped with a dual motor all-wheel drive system that produced a combined output of 469 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. The concept also had a roughly 100 kWh battery pack, which delivered a WLTP range of more than 435 miles (700 km).
It remains unclear if that powertrain will be offered in the production model, but Audi has confirmed there will be multiple variants including “basic versions optimized for minimum consumption and maximum range.” They’ll use a rear-mounted electric motor and will be able to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than seven seconds. There will also be high-performance variants, which can run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in less than four seconds.
