Audi says the A6 Sportback e-tron and A6 Avant e-tron have set new benchmarks in vehicle aerodynamics.
The A6 Sportback e-tron boasts an exceptional drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.21, making it Audi’s most aerodynamic model ever and the leading vehicle in its segment within the Volkswagen Group.
The A6 Avant e-tron follows closely with a Cd of 0.24, securing the top position in its body segment.
Aerodynamic engineers Andreas Lauterbach and Matteo Ghelfi, along with wheel designer Andreas Valencia Pollex, achieved these records through meticulous design and extensive testing.
The development process involved 2,800 simulations and countless hours in wind tunnels, ensuring optimal airflow and minimal drag.
Collaboration between the aerodynamics and design teams was crucial, allowing for iterative improvements using both virtual models and physical prototypes.
Key features contributing to the low Cd values include a slim greenhouse, sloping roofline, air curtains, optimised rear track width, and aero bezels.
Additionally, the underfloor design with enhanced rear diffusers and specially designed wheels significantly improved aerodynamic performance. The wheels, available in 19-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch sizes, were engineered to reduce turbulence and enhance airflow around the vehicle.
Audi’s focus on aerodynamics builds on its longstanding tradition, dating back to the NSU Ro 80 in 1967 and continuing with models like the Audi 100 and Audi 80.
The A6 e-tron models exemplify Audi’s commitment to integrating form and function, achieving both aesthetic appeal and superior performance.
Both versions of the A6 e-tron are powered by an advanced 100 kWh battery, offering impressive ranges of up to 756km for the Sportback and 720km for the Avant.
The rear-wheel-drive A6 Sportback e-tron produces 270 kW (375 hp) and accelerates from 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds.
Meanwhile, the more powerful S6 e-tron, equipped with quattro all-wheel drive, achieves up to 370 kW (405 kW with launch control) and can sprint from 0-100kph in just 3.9 seconds
Charging efficiency is a key feature, with Audi’s 800-volt architecture enabling rapid DC charging of up to 270 kW. This allows the vehicle to gain 310 km of range in just 10 minutes, while charging from 10% to 80% in around 21 minutes.
AC charging with up to 11kW is possible at standard home chargers. A 22kW AC charging option will be offered later.
The A6 e-tron models also focus on integrating cutting-edge technology, featuring an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and over-the-air updates.
The A6 e-tron and the S6 e-tron, both as Sportback and Avant, will be available to order from this month.
As the second model on the PPE platform after the Q6 e-tron, the upper mid-size vehicle picks up on the familiar product strengths of performance, range, efficiency, and charging. It is also the platform’s first model with a flat floor concept.
Prices at market launch are 75,600 euros (RM355,000) for the A6 Sportback e-tron performance and 77,250 euros (RM363,000) for the A6 Avant e-tron performance.
The S6 Sportback e-tron costs 99,500 euros (RM467,000) and the price for the S6 Avant e-tron4 is 101,150 euros (RM475,000).
Further models with rear-wheel or quattro drive will follow at a later date, depending on the market. A model with a smaller battery will represent an entry version into the A6 e-tron family.
