Audi loads up with all-electric A6 Avant e-tron estate. And yes, it’s really coming

Mike Askew

22 Sep 2022

Electric car buyers waiting patiently for a large estate car to appear may have their wishes granted by Audi, which has just unveiled a new A6 e-tron Avant Concept. Revealed during the brand’s 2022 annual press conference, the Avant is expected to go into production late next year or early 2024. 

The e-tron Avant Concept is based on the A6 e-tron Sportback Concept shown last year and is based on the same set of underpinnings. Unlike other models in the Volkswagen Group, which exclusively use what’s known as the MEB platform, larger Audi models will be based on a different platform called PPE (Premium Platform Electric). This has been developed with Porsche specifically for larger, premium cars and will underpin all luxury Audi models and larger Porsches going forward. The platform supports a dual motor set-up which means Audi will offer both rear-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive versions.

A6 e-tron Avant Concept is based on a new electric car platform developed with Porsche

The Avant concept is 4,960mm long, 1,960mm wide, and 1,440mm tall, making it roughly the same size as the current combustion-engined model. However, thanks to its all-electric drivetrain, the Avant is set to offer a much bigger cabin and a significant increase in boot space over the petrol and diesel-powered models. 

Although Audi didn’t confirm any exact battery specifications at the reveal, brand bosses suggested that the e-tron Avant would be capable of delivering a range of up to 435 miles and a 0-62mph time of under four seconds. To achieve those figures, the e-tron Avant is expected to come with a 100kWh battery and feature prismatic cells which are especially energy dense. Like the e-tron GT production car, the e-tron Avant will feature an 800 volt electrical system which has the potential to slash charging times. Audi has confirmed that it can rapid charge at 270kW on a suitable charger, and suggests that a 10 minute charge could add 186 miles. Power output in dual motor versions will be up to 472bhp.

In terms of design, the e-tron Avant is immediately recognisable as an Audi estate and features the same distinctive long roofline that has helped Avant models attract a devoted fanbase since the late 1970s. While Audi has yet to confirm boot capacities, the long rear overhang and substantial D pillar suggest that the e-tron Avant will be the perfect option for buyers who need space but don’t want to drive an SUV. 

Battery will be around 100kWh in capacity. Audi claims some versions will offer more than 400 miles of range

Among the more fanciful features of the concept are the Digital Matrix LED front headlights, which Audi claims can deliver almost cinematic quality. If, for example, the Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept is parked in front of a wall during a break to recharge the battery, the driver and passengers can pass the time playing a video game projected onto it. Instead of on a small screen in the cockpit, they’ll see their current game’s virtual landscapes projected onto the wall in XXL format. 

At the rear, the tailgate features new generation of digital OLED units that act as a display. They can also be used to create almost unlimited customisable variations of digital light signatures and dynamic lighting displays that can be adapted to the customer’s taste. 

Audi is expected to reveal the final production version of both the A6 e-tron and Avant next year ahead of a market launch either late 2023 or early 2024. It will initially sell alongside the existing combustion-engined A6 (launched in 2018) which will not be replaced.

Audi A6 Avant e-tron Concept features a fully customisable LED strip. No, we're not sure why, either

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