The novelty of EVs is beginning to wear off for those of us who have been following the subject for the past few years. But Audi has presented us with something to look forward to in a future without loud engines, an electric Avant, i.e., the electric wagon. Say hello to the Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept.
While Audi has a rich lineup of iconic models, none are on par with its sporty estates. From the RS2 to the current-gen RS6, each has endeared us with a blend of performance and practicality. While EVs won’t give us the thrum of a turbocharged V8, they won’t deprive us of the iconic body type that is the Avant.+
Audi has already previewed the sedan version of the all-electric A6 e-tron with a pre-production concept in 2021. The Avant is clearly based on the same with very similar front ends and side profiles until we get to the rear profile. The back is where the magic is for any estate car and the A6 Avant e-tron concept meets expectations. Its roofline is low and aerodynamic with an integrated roof spoiler.
The rake of the D-pillar seems not much steeper than that of the Sportback’s C-pillar, with a bootedge spoiler as well. Its taillights span the car’s width, interrupted only by illuminated Audi rings. Further below, the A6 Avant e-tron concept sports an aggressive-looking diffuser with two large outlets integrated into the bumper design. All these design elements at the rear are the result of Audi’s wind-tunnel testing to help make the electric wagon aerodynamically efficient which is important to help increase its range.
At the front, the A6 Avant e-tron concept has a large single frame, a closed grille that makes up most of the bumper. This section is flanked by deep, vertical air intakes for cooling purposes and the contrasting silver elements add to the sporty look. Its headlights are sleek and surprisingly angular given how much area they cover along the front and stretch to the sides as well. This aspect of the Avant e-tron looks a lot like the sedan A6 e-tron concept but is sportier.
Audi is of course quite proud of its lighting technologies and the A6 Avant e-tron concept is fitted with some cool stuff. Its Digital Matrix LED headlights can project cinematic-quality visuals onto surfaces in front of it. The taillights feature a new 3D architecture for the digital OLED elements to better integrate their design into the overall look of the car. Expectedly, these lights will be capable of many cool and entertaining animations as well, like most modern Audis.
The presence of the A6 Avant e-tron concept is quite imposing thanks to its wide stance, on 22-inch wheels housed inside the sculpted arches, and the short overhangs. The A6 e-tron concepts preview Audi’s future lineup that will be based on a new EV-only platform: the Premium Platform Electric, or PPE for short. It allows for a spacious vehicle design and finding a balance between ride height and ground clearance. This scalable platform will underpin a host of EVs across segments with the first production-spec model to debut in 2023.
Audi has shared that the A6 Avant e-tron concept features a dual-motor AWD Quattro drivetrain. It promises a total output of 350kW (469PS) and 800Nm, capable of achieving 0-100kph in under 4 seconds. Powering the motors will be a battery pack of around 100kWh for a range of up to 700km. The A6 e-tron’s 800v electric infrastructure will support a charging capacity of up to 270kW.
For now, only the exterior and the powertrain of the Audi A6 Avant e-tron have been discussed and detailed. It seems the interior of these new electric models, built on the PPE, will be revealed at a later date.
The A6 Avant e-tron concept is not the first wagon-style EV we’ve seen. It is quite different from the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo which is more performance-oriented and sleeker than the Avant. Given that Mercedes announced that it won’t be making wagons beyond 2030 and BMW doesn’t make them often anyway, Audi has given hope to the fans of the estate. It may only be a concept, but the overall design is still promising. Since Audi nailed it with the RS e-tron GT, we expect the electric RS6 Avant in the future to deliver on our expectations.
What do you make of the A6 Avant e-tron concept? In the inevitable future of no V8s, would you like to have one? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Auto Loons for more cool updates from the car world.
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