The A6 Sportback e-tron offers us a very different kind of Audi A6. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

With this A6 e-tron, Audi reinvents its A6 model line as a full-EV. Offered in Sportback and Avant forms, it's one of the world's sleekest electric vehicles. And also looks to set fresh standards in terms of range, charging speed and cabin quality. BMW and Mercedes will be worried.

Background

Is this really the sixth generation Audi A6? Or actually a completely new kind of 'A6'-badged Audi altogether? We'd suggest the latter. The real successor to the outgoing fifth generation model will be badged 'A7', to meet Ingolstadt's new mantra that its combustion model lines must be designated by odd numbers. The A6 e-tron we look at here, in contrast, is quite a different thing, only offered as an EV and with a Sportback hatch body shape selling alongside the usual Avant estate in the model line-up. It shares nearly all of its engineering with the brand's Q6 e-tron SUV; which means use of the 800V electrical architecture and Premium Platform Electric chassis the Q6 shares with the Porsche Macan Electric. With the Sportback and Avant body shapes and the range of powertrains Audi plans to offer, the market reach here is wide; rivals could be anything from a Mercedes EQE to a BMW i5 Touring to a Porsche Taycan. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

As you'd expect from such an aerodynamic car, all versions of this EV only design look very competitive on range. Even the smallest entry-level 83kWh battery (75.8kWh usable) which is borrowed from the VW ID.7 takes a car up to 384 miles; that standard version uses a 286PS rear-mounted motor (boosted to 326PS with launch control activated) and makes 62mph in 6 seconds. Most A6 e-tron customers though, are expected to choose the 'performance' version's larger 100kWh battery (94.9kWh of it usable), which is the most frugal variant in the range, able to take the car up to 464 miles between charges or (437 miles in Avant guise). Here, the rear motor develops 367PS (380PS with launch control) and gets the car to 62mph in 5.4s. Top speed is 130mph. There's also a dual motor AWD quattro version of this 100kWh model, which adds an extra front-mounted motor that pushes power up to 428PS (462PS with launch control) and drops the 62mph sprint time to 4.5s, though the extra weight means that range falls to a best of 440 miles. Much the same 100kWh / AWD format is also used by the sportier S6 variant, though here the motor tune is turned up to 503PS, so range drops to 407 miles. Using launch control in an S6 boosts that output for 551PS and gives a 0-62mph time of just 3.9s. Top speed is 149mph. An even faster full-EV RS 6 model will appear later in the production run. You'll need to make full use of the paddleshift two-stage energy recuperation system to get near those range figures, which when set at its fiercest is capable of sending up to 220kW of energy to the batteries as the car slows. Many customers will want to specify the optional adaptive air suspension system, which can change according to road conditions and will set the car's ride height at four different levels, the most economical one lowering the A6 by 20mm to improve aerodynamics.

Design and Build

The A6 e-tron clearly ushers in a new era of Audi design. Ingolstadt claims it 'establishes a new milestone in aerodynamics' for the brand, harking back to last-century models from the marque like the Auto Union Type C, the NSU Ro80, the Audi A2 and, most notably, one of this e-tron model's predecessors, the MK3 Audi 100, which was the sleekest car of its time. The A6 e-tron isn't quite that, but its 0.21Cd figure puts it close to the industry-leading Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model S. Visually, the cues are shared more with this car's Q6 sibling than with any previous A6 and the saloon body shape that characterised that model line since the Seventies is absent, replaced by a Sportback five-door hatch with a rear roof line that drops away sooner than that of the alternative Avant estate. Slim daytime running lights flank an inverted body-coloured grille and sit above LED headlights hidden within an intricate grille that emphasises the wide stance. Big wheels (19 to 21-inches) are pushed right to each corner, plus there are flush door handles and optional digital door mirrors. Large e-tron-branded lower door panels complete the effect. The rear has a full-width three-dimensional light bar with an illuminated four-ring Audi logo. Which is where you'll best appreciate the OLED lighting on top models which can shimmer like a rare jewel by the system gently igniting and extinguishing the unit's OLED crystals. Inside up-front, there's the expected screen fest, a curved fascia panel joining the two main monitors; an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, to the left of which a further optional 10.9-inch display can be added for the benefit of the front passenger. There'll be a further little screen at each corner of the dash if the digital door mirrors have been specified. As with the A5, there's what Audi calls a 'softwrap' fabric panel flowing uninterrupted across the entire width of the dash that's supposed to give 'an enveloping feeling of space'. As you'd expect, the overall effect is very high end indeed. Helped by the lengthy wheelbase of the PPE platform, the rear is very spacious and the back seats are staggered like theatre chairs so those at the rear sit a little higher than those at the front. Headroom is better in the Avant version thanks to that variant's extra 40mm of rear roof height. Boot space is unexceptional - and it's disappointing that the Avant offers the same relatively modest 502-litre capacity as the Sportback (up to parcel shelf level). That bespoke platform also frees up further 27-litre under-bonnet 'frunk' space for the charging leads.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £62,000 for the smaller battery 83kWh version. For the 100kWh 'performance' rear-driven A6 e-tron model most will want, you'll need to budget from around £70,000 - with a premium of around £1,800 if you want the Avant body style. There will be the usual 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Edition 1' trim levels. Expect to need from around £97,500 for the top S6. All variants are generously equipped - and cutting cutting-edge media tech via the fitted Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system. The can be embellished with a range of apps from the built-in online store. These include Music, Video, Gaming, Navigation, Parking and Charging, Productivity, Weather, and News Services. You will want to keep some budget back for some essential extras. Maybe the augmented reality head-up display that projects navigation instructions, road sign information and speed onto the windscreen ahead of the driver. Or the electrochromic sunroof that can be switched from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch. Maybe also the 20-speaker 830-watt Bang & Olufsen premium 3D sound system with its headrest speakers and highly efficient amplifier. Also tempting is the OLED light tech, which provides a range of customisable lighting signatures, including a setting that'll warn drivers behind to back off if they're following you too closely. As you'd expect, there's plenty of driver assistance technology too. All models get a reversing camera, a traffic sign-based intelligent speed limiter, adaptive cruise control and a driver attention monitor. And there's the usual semi-autonomous driving system that combines all of these functions to take control of the car on the highway under driver supervision.

Cost of Ownership

Audi reckons its electric motors are among the most efficient in the industry. In this car, the brand uses asynchronous motors in the front axle and permanent synchronous motors on the rear, these units featuring dry sump oil cooling for better efficiency and management of heat. The company reckons these motors offer 62% more power density and 33% greater performance than the earlier generation units fitted to the Q8 e-tron. This A6 e-tron's standard inclusion of a heat pump will preserve driving range in very cold conditions. Audi says in this case it adds around 19 miles of extra range in really cold temperatures. On to charging, for which, helpfully, the car provides ports on both sides, though only one port can accept the fastest DC charging rate. The main news here (as we told you elsewhere in this review) is the switch to an 800V architecture with the sophisticated PPE platform. This means that your A6 e-tron can be charged at up to 270kW if you can find the right ultra rapid charger. At a fast enough charger, a 10-80% charge can be completed in just 21 minutes; apparently, 197 miles of range can be added in as little as 10 minutes. The sophisticated electric infrastructure also means this A6 can benefit from so-called 'bank charging': that means that at feebler public chargers (of up to 135kW) that can't handle the PPE platform's 800V power, this Audi will split the battery in two and run each half at 400V, optimising battery replenishment speed and efficiency, so charging will still be super-quick.

Summary

As we said earlier, don't think of this A6 e-tron as a replacement for the long-running A6 model line; it's really something else entirely, as much a signpost for Audi's future direction as the EQS was for Mercedes at the beginning of this decade. That super luxury EV set new aerodynamic standards that this Ingolstadt all but matches. In fact, there's very little you get on a six-figure EV limo like the EQS that you can't all-but-replicate with this Audi. It's hardly inexpensive of course. And the digital door mirrors are to be avoided, so it's just as well that they're mainly optional. But this car looks arresting, has a high-end cabin, goes satisfyingly far between spells of battery replenishment and has the ultra-fast 800V charging system its BMW and Mercedes rivals lack. A pretty impressive CV? You might well think so.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Acoustic glazing for front door windows

Windscreen with heat insulating and acoustic glazing

Brakes

Hill hold assist

Red brake callipers

Front emergency brake assist

Standard steel disc brakes front and rear

Carpets/Rugs

Black carpets

Black front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic suspension

Communication

Audi smartphone interface

Audi connect emergency call and service

Audi application store

Audi connect remote and controls

USB ports with charging function in the first and second seat row - 15W output

Driver Aids

Front cross traffic assist

Progressive steering

Driver attention alert system

Rear cross traffic assist

Lane departure warning including emergency assist

Proactive occupant protection

Side assist

Exit warning function

Fatigue monitor

Audi assistant

Audi drive select (Balanced/Individual, effeciency, comfort and dynamic)

Rear turn assist

Swerve assist and front turn assist

Driver Convenience

Luggage compartment lid with Electric opening / closing

Driver Information

MMI navigation plus with high resolution 14.5" OLED touchscreen colour display

Audi virtual cockpit plus with 11.9" OLED colour display

MMI 10.9" front passenger touch display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Black exterior door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Black dashboard

Accent surfaces and control buttons in gloss black

Accents in the interior in vanadium look

Carbon square structure inlays

Upper and lower interior elements in dinamica microfibre

Engine

E-tron sport sound

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Smartphone compartment with wireless charging

Audi sound system - 10 loudspeakers including centre loudspeaker and subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Black door handle inserts

Black diffuser

Rear side wing doors

Electric charging cover

Electrically operated frunk

Door sill trims with aluminium inlays in front with illuminated

Window trim strips and attachments, dark with audi rings, front and rear in anthracite grey

Black single frame ornaments and black air intakes

Exterior Lights

High beam assist

LED third brake light

Headlight cleaning system

Matrix LED headlights

Digital light signature with eight combination of daytime running light

White rhombus logo projection light in exterior mirrors

Illuminated audi rings in rear

LED rear lights pro

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

3-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning

Convenience auxiliary air conditioning

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Black cloth headlining

Stainless steel pedals and foot rest

3 spoke flat bottomed multi-function leather sport steering wheel with gear shift paddles

Steering wheel with trim in chrome look, S emblem, steering wheel grips in perforated leather and contrast stitching

Manual steering wheel adjustment

Front centre armrest adjustable angle with four settings

Trim elements in the instrument panel and doors in black with contrast stitch in steel grey

Centre armrest, centre console and door armrests in dinamica microfibre black

Packs

Ambient lighting pack - A6 E-TRON

Assist package drive and park plus - A6 E-TRON

Safety

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Airbags - Front side, front and rear including head

Manual child proof rear door locks

Rear seat alert

ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger seat and ISOFIX child seat mounting with Top Tether for outer rear seats

Convenience key with safelock

First aid kit with warning triangle and high visibility vests

Side airbags in front and rear with head airbag system and front interaction airbag

Occupant detection in rear seat area

Seats

Rear headrests

Front head restraints

Electrically adjustable front seats

40/20/40 split folding 3 rear seat bench in 3 parts with rear centre armrest

Front and rear outer heated seats

4 way electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Memory function for driver seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

Anti theft alarm

Anti theft wheel bolts

Digital key

Towing

Towbar preparation

Vehicle Charging

Compact e-tron charging system

Wall mounted bracket for compact e-tron charging system

11 kW AC onboard charger

Industrial connector CEE 32A, 230V, long and straight for the e-tron charging system

On-board charger up to 270 KW (DC)

Mode 3 charging cable for public charging, 22 KW (AC)

2 charging ports - Charging port via charging (mode 2 and mode 3) + Charging port via DC charging (mode 4) driver side

Household plug tyre G for the e-tron charging system

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 3060

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 600

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 21

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 270

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 100

NEDC Electricity Consumption kWh/100 km: N

NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 660

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 668

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 649

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 16.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 410

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 403

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 415

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 75

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 94.9

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 270

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: GHAAD8

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Edition 1

Coin Description: Quattro

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: 106872

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 999999

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 75

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 428

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.5

Top Speed: 130

Engine Power - BHP: 428

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 315

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 428

Engine Torque - NM: 580

Engine Torque - MKG: 59.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 275/35 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: MULTI SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4928

Wheelbase: 2950

Width (including mirrors): 2137

Height: 1455

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2285

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2860

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2100

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 575

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 502

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1330

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.3

Driving Mirrors

Virtual exterior mirrors

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Cascade cloth upholstery

Additional Dinamica/leather upholstery with front sports seats S embossed logo

Packs

Storage and luggage compartment pack - A6 E-TRON

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Plasma blue

Metallic - Siam beige

Metallic - Malpelo blue

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Magnet grey

Towing

Mechanically swivelling trailer towing hitch

Trim - Cloth

Cascade cloth - Black with cardamom beige stitch + front sport seats with waterfall pattern

Trim - Part Leather

Dinamica/leather - Black with steel grey stitching + Front sports seats with embossed 'S' with waterfall pattern

Dinamica/leather - Black with express red stitching + Front sports seats with embossed 'S' with waterfall pattern

Wheels - Alloy

21" 5 arm dynamic black metallic gloss turned finish sport alloy wheels

21" 5 arm dynamic black metallic sport alloy wheels