Slinky, stylish Audi A6 Avant e-tron previews future EV station wagon

Right now, Audi answered a query that many lovers have been asking for years—when will they be releasing an electrical station wagon? The corporate has a protracted historical past producing lusty “Avant” fashions, and the model’s new electrical endeavors made such a automobile appear inevitable. However Audi has been mum on the subject—till now.

Right now, Audi unveiled the A6 Avant e-tron. Whereas this automobile could also be known as an idea, it strongly hints on the manufacturing model due in 2024. Audi designers stated the ultimate wagon gained’t deviate a lot from what you see right here. And from our perspective, that’s not a foul factor.

“I can promise you that plenty of what you see now can be out there on the street,” stated Wolf Seebers, who led the automobile’s exterior design.

Smooth, sensible EV

Like different EVs, the A6 Avant e-tron guarantees to be fast, reaching 60 mph in below 4 seconds due to twin motors that produce a mixed 350 kW (470 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. A large battery of “round 100 kWh” will present 435 miles (700 km) of vary below optimistic WLTP testing in a extra environment friendly single-motor configuration. In real-world use, anticipate someplace simply north of 300 miles.

So whereas the automobile might not break the 400-mile barrier, Audi guarantees that recharging gained’t gradual issues down. The A6 Avant e-tron rides on the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE platform, which incorporates 800 volt electrical structure. Audi is promising 270 kW charging that may replenish about 40 p.c of the battery’s cost in about 10 minutes, whereas a fuller cost—from 5–80 p.c—ought to take below 25 minutes. Primarily based on the spectacular cost curve Audi achieved with the present e-tron SUV, a design that’s now practically 4 years previous, we’re inclined to consider these figures.

The A6 Avant e-tron’s design attracts closely from the A6 e-tron idea that Audi debuted final yr, with the same black brushstroke alongside the edges which helps masks the peak of the doorways whereas hinting on the huge battery slung beneath the passenger compartment.

The variations between the Sportback and Avant are extra obvious up prime, after all. There, the designers stretched the roof over a pair of bulging rear haunches that echo the unique e-tron SUV. The roofline is accented with skinny band of satin aluminum that arcs from the bottom of the A-pillar to a delicate spoiler on the prime of the rear window. The Avant’s lengthy roof isn’t fairly as slippery because the Sportback model, however the brand new idea’s barely larger 0.24 Cd continues to be fairly good. Under, a rear diffuser accented in the identical aluminum echoes the detailing on the hot-rod RS 6 Avant.

Up entrance, the designers closed off the trademark Audi grill however traced its define in black trim. Within the manufacturing model, that is most likely the place the assorted sensors that may energy its superior driver-assistances techniques can be hidden. When requested by Ars whether or not they’re planning any autonomous options for the manufacturing A6 Avant e-tron, Audi representatives wouldn’t commit, saying solely that they’ll have the “present cutting-edge.”

The automobile’s skinny headlights are matrix LEDs that may possible enable for adaptive beams that may brightly illuminate the street with out blinding oncoming site visitors. Audi says that homeowners can customise the daytime working lights to show a design of their alternative. Out again, the 3D-effect OLED taillights may also be custom-made. As for different tech, Audi sadly didn’t give us a peek on the inside.

Future wagons

For wagon lovers, current pickings have been slim. And for electrical wagon lovers, the alternatives are even slimmer. Just one is out there in the present day—the beautiful however costly Taycan Sport Turismo/Cross Turismo. The brand new Audi guarantees to double the sector, and that discipline will stretch additional with Volkswagen’s forthcoming ID. Area Vizzion and two Volvos that the automaker just lately talked about in passing.

SUVs and crossovers have largely relegated wagons to a distinct segment market, however product marketer Nikolai Martens stated that “electrical mobility may help us reverse the SUV development, which wouldn’t be unhealthy if you have a look at the local weather.”

The Avant’s low profile and slippery form helps enhance the automobile’s vary, he added. “If I’ve a range-minded buyer, and if vary is basically essential for me as a premium, then the Avant might be probably the most smart automobile in contrast with an SUV.”

The A6 Avant e-tron is sort of sure to hit European roads first, the place wagons are in larger demand. Audi wouldn’t decide to bringing it to the US, however “by no means say by no means,” Martens stated. “The Avant in its primary kind is one which we don’t contemplate to be a automobile with a lot quantity in america. However the higher-position vehicles, just like the RS Avant or the Allroad, they’re definitely vehicles that may work nicely in United States.”

Itemizing picture by Audi