Yahoo Finance The Audi A6 and S6 Go Electric with New e-tron Sportback Models
Audi has historically taken a tempered approach to electrifying its lineup, opting to charge up its high-end SUVs and one-off performance models first, but the brand's first all-electric mid-size Sportback is finally here. Audi announced on Wednesday that the incoming A6 and S6 e-tron will be electrified for the 2026 model year, aiming to compete with BMW's battery-powered landmark sedans and Mercedes' affordable-focused electric CLA lineup.
Audi will offer the A6 e-tron family in three trim levels in the U.S., starting with a rear-wheel-drive A6 e-tron Sportback and followed by an A6 e-tron Quattro Sportback model. The real meat of the launch, however, is the presence of a new S6 e-tron Sportback. All three trim levels share the same 100-kWh battery capacity and 270-kW DC fast charging speed, but Audi has strategically set the power figures to create delineation between the levels.
In rear-wheel-drive form, the A6 e-tron Sportback will pack 362 hp while its Quattro-equipped A6 sibling puts 422 hp through all four wheels. The A6 e-tron pair is certainly quick enough, sprinting from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and 4.3 seconds respectively, but the S6 e-tron takes it a step further. The S6 e-tron is rated at 496 hp during regular operation, but can make a maximum of 543 hp when launch control is engaged. Maxing out the A6 pair will get you to 130 mph while the S6 is rated for 149 mph.
The Ingolstadt-manufactured Sportbacks, built on Volkswagen's Premium Platform Electric, boast a battery pack built with twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells that allow Audi to claim a maximum range out of 466 miles from the RWD A6 e-tron variant. With an emphasis on performance and power figures, the S6 e-tron's range is downgraded to 416 miles. Notably, these figures are calculated on the more generous WLTP cycle and Audi says that EPA range estimates are likely to vary. Audi says that under ideal circumstances, all three models are capable of a 10 percent to 80 percent charging session in 21 minutes flat. Plus, Audi has equipped the 800-volt battery with the ability to bank charge, splitting the scaled-up battery pack into two sides and then charging them equally when hooked up to a 400-volt charger.
Audi says that the A6 e-tron's adjustable regenerative braking system is capable of handling 95 percent of everyday braking, and can recuperate up to 220 kW of energy. That said, the daily function of this system is dependent on environmental temperatures and the battery's state of charge. Minor decelerations are handled by the rear axle, thanks to its more powerful electric motor, while the front end steps in during more aggressive braking. Similarly, all versions of the A6 e-tron family are equipped with torque vectoring (applied on each corner by the mechanical brakes and through electric motors).
Underneath the sleek Sportback shell, Audi offers two suspension types. Traditional spring suspension is standard, though an adaptive air suspension is also available. With the air suspension equipped, the e-tron will adapt to the road conditions at hand and offers four tailored ride heights, including an efficiency mode that lowers the body by over half an inch to improve aerodynamics. All A6 and S6 e-tron models come with a staggered tire and electric motor setup, with the rear-biased AWD system kept in check by extra rear-end rubber.
Audi is particularly proud of its aerodynamic design on the A6 e-tron family. With a drag coefficient value of 0.21, Audi says the A6 e-tron family is its sleekest model of all time and the most aerodynamic model in the entire VW group. The key to this achievement is a particularly slim greenhouse and rear-sloping roofline, as well as a well-sealed underbody. An especially wide rear diffuser is also matched to air curtains and specially adapted wheel trim up front. Standard 21-inch wheels are a bit big for aerodynamic purposes, but Audi says it has included aero-improving plastic covers for those looking to maximize range.
Inside the A6 e-tron family, Audi has done a good job balancing modern amenities with reasonable screen sizes, with an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch MMI touch display, and 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display. It's a lot of screens, but their integration appears to compete with BMW's maximalist screen approach. Android Automotive OS is standard fare here. Softwrap materials adorn the entire cabin from the doors to the dashboard, and light is funneled in through a panoramic glass roof.
The A6 e-tron family is the first all-electric Sportback model (Europeans get the choice of an electric wagon, too) offered by Audi, and its marketing is no doubt aimed at BMW's well-done i5 sedan. The Audi models aim a bit more upscale than their Bavarian competitors— European pricing starts at around $81,800 for the A6 e-tron and $107,700 for the S6 e-tron (official U.S. market pricing has yet to be confirmed)—but the smooth city driving, highway bombing function of the luxurious mid-size Sportback units remains. Audi says prospective buyers can expect to see A6 e-tron models on dealership lots by late spring or early summer 2025.
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