We had an opportunity to check drive the Audi A6 e-tron, the German automaker’s second next-gen electrical automobile primarily based on its new PPE platform, in Tenerife, Spain, just a few weeks in the past.
It delivers energy, luxurious, and a powerful vary in a smooth design.
Disclaimer: Audi paid for my flights and lodging to go take a look at out the A6 in Spain.
Outdoors of the e-tron GT, Audi has centered on SUVs in terms of releasing new electrical automobiles: the unique e-tron, This autumn, and Q8.
Nevertheless, the German automaker has ambitions to affect its whole lineup, and issues are actually transferring sooner with the introduction of the PPE platform, a brand new and long-awaited all-electric efficiency platform co-developed with Porsche.
Earlier this yr, the automaker launched the Q6 e-tron, its first automobile primarily based on the PPE, and we had been fairly impressed. The automobile is far more environment friendly than Audi’s earlier EVs, and it feels just like the automaker is beginning to settle into the function of manufacturing electrical autos.
The Q6 is an Audi, with all its efficiency and luxurious, and a stable electrical automobile with a greater than respectable vary and spectacular charging capability.
Audi A6 e-tron
Unsurprisingly, since it’s primarily based on the identical platform, the Audi A6 has impressed me as a lot because the Q6 for a similar causes, however the kind issue is extra environment friendly. And you understand I like my autos environment friendly.
The A6 is probably the most aerodynamic Audi ever, with a 0.21 drag coefficient in its most aerodynamic configuration. Sadly, we won’t get it in North America as a result of it entails changing the aspect mirrors with cameras.
The North American model nonetheless will get a powerful 0.23 drag coefficient. The wheels also can make an enormous distinction, and Audi gives many choices.
Audi has already confirmed an EPA vary of 370 miles (595 km) on the NA model of the A6 with 20″ wheels, however the automaker instructed us on the drive occasion that the upcoming 19″ wheels ought to allow 390 miles (628 km) of vary.
That’s achieved on the identical 100 kWh (94.4 kWh usable) battery pack.
One more reason the A6, just like the Q6, achieves spectacular vary and effectivity is its sturdy regenerative braking.
Audi is taking the strategy of providing a variety of various regen braking strengths and modes, together with making use of the regen when utilizing the brake pedal, however I personally solely use it in one-pedal driving mode (B). When you get used to it, it’s onerous to return.
It makes the automobile extra environment friendly and enjoyable to drive.
At one level, we drove as much as Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano on the island, at about 2 km of altitude. We had been at about 250 km of vary after I began driving again right down to the lodge, which was on the coast about 68 km away.
We arrived on the lodge with about 300 km of vary. That’s simply superior, and it’s not like I used to be attempting to hypermile the A6. I used to be really driving comparatively aggressively, passing individuals, and we did a few dozen kilometers on the freeway.
When it comes to the precise driving expertise, it was extraordinarily paying homage to the Q6 with a decrease driving place. The cabin is useless quiet, which is the principle characteristic of a luxurious automobile in my e book. In dynamic mode, the steering is basically responsive and you may at all times for extra relaxed consolation modes.
The heads-up show clear and helpful with out being obnoxious.
The seats are extremely snug, particularly within the S6, the efficiency model of the A6, however you even have nice choices within the common A6 or the S line A6, which provides S6 options with out the efficiency.
I didn’t get to attempt these, however I believed they appeared gorgeous:
Talking of the efficiency, the fundamental rear-wheel drive with an output of 270 kW (280 kW with Launch Management) is lots highly effective. It offers you the peppiness that’s so enjoyable about EVs with out being some loopy energy.
In order for you loopy energy, the S6 can provide you that. Regardless that we’re extra speaking a few luxurious household sedan, the twin motor all-wheel-drive powertrain can ship 370 kW (405 kW with Launch Management) for a 0 to 60 mph in simply 3.7 seconds.
It’s essential to notice that the upper efficiency stage additionally comes with decrease effectivity with the S6 getting 324 miles (521 km) of vary.
That’s nonetheless greater than a good vary, particularly when mixed with Audi’s spectacular charging functionality.
The A6 has a peak cost fee of 270 kW, however the charging curve is extra spectacular than the height cost fee:
It makes the Audi A6 a fantastic highway journey automobile with the principle draw back being that it doesn’t have NACS in North America. Audi has locked the design somewhat too early for NACS integration.
Because of this A6 homeowners should use an adapter to make use of the Supercharger community in North America.
Talking of highway journeys, I used to be impressed by each the trunk opening and the general area within the again with out even having to put down the again seat:
Audi had the Avant (wagon) model of the A6 on the drive occasion, however sadly, it was off-limits for us North American reporters because the automaker doesn’t plan to launch it within the US or Canada.
I believe wagons look cool; it’s a bummer that they don’t promote effectively in North America. Nevertheless, I’ve to say that I checked the Avant’s trunk in comparison with the sedan Sportback model and there wasn’t an enormous distinction.
Audi A6 Pricing and Availability
We don’t have US pricing but. That’s anticipated to reach early subsequent yr earlier than the A6 hits US dealerships just a few months later.
Audi has launched EU pricing for the “higher mid-range fashions”, which begin at at 75,600 euros for the A6 Sportback e-tron efficiency and 77,250 euros for the A6 Avant e-tron efficiency. The S6 Sportback e-tron prices 99,500 euros and the worth for the S6 Avant e-tron is 101,150 euros.
Electrek’s Take
Very like the Q6, I really feel the A6’s predominant draw back in North America is that it doesn’t come normal with a NACS connector.
If that’s your predominant draw back, you might be doing effectively because it simply signifies that the few occasions a month you need/want to make use of a Supercharger station, you need to use an adapter. No large deal.
Talking of charging, the A6 additionally has an fascinating benefit on that entrance: an non-obligatory twin charger port.
You may have a CCS DC fast-charging succesful port on the driving force’s aspect and a stage 2 J1772 on the opposite aspect. This may be tremendous sensible for individuals who usually have the cost on metropolis streets.
We nonetheless have to see the official pricing within the US on this, however I believe with the vary, effectivity, quiet cabin, and general luxurious, the 390-mile RWD A6 may show to be a really fascinating new entry within the EV market.
What do you assume? Tell us within the remark part under.
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