After a bit of a tease, Audi revealed a new all-electric Sportback concept it’s dubbed the A6 e-tron concept at Auto Shanghai 2021.
The concept features an entirely new architecture the German premium brand called the “Premium Platform Electric.” Naturally, it’s been shortened to PPE, and it’s expected to be the base for a slew of new battery-electric Sportback models in the future.
Fortunately, the future is almost now because the first vehicle using the new architecture is expected to arrive in late 2022, officials noted. The plan calls for it be used with C- and B-segment vehicles in the beginning.
Those are typically vehicles that aren’t very much alike: a crossover or an SUV that typically sits higher on the road and a sportier model lower to the ground, well, like the A6 e-tron concept.
Same but different
The badge on the concept may say A6 and the exterior dimensions are the same, but the similarities really stop there, Audi officials insist. They note that the concept isn’t just a styling exercise, but “a foretaste of Audi’s future production models and provides clear indications of just how dynamic and elegant the electric-powered luxury class from the brand with the four rings will look.”
For now, they future looks long, lean and mean.
The concept’s coefficient of drag is just 0.22, which is could be described as slippery or almost nonexistent when it comes to aerodynamic drag. This is contributes mightily to the expected range of 435 miles on a single charge. Mind you, its on the European WLTP standard so it’s closer to the high 300-mile range, but impressive regardless.
Taking it from the front of the car, it’s clear this isn’t your average Audi. It’s an electric vehicle and it looks the part. The grille, including its four rings, are essentially encased, giving it a futuristic, but functional appearance.
The air intakes, which cool the drivetrain battery and brakes, contribute to the aggressive look at the bottom of the front end. Scanning back up the flat headlights sweep back along the sides of the vehicle almost making it look the car’s already in motion.
More and more e-trons
For Audi fans who want to see an electrified model from the German brand now, the company provided two offerings in addition to the A6 e-tron concept: the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. Both models are ready for “today’s progressive luxury consumer” later this year.
In fact, officials boldly proclaim “Audi plans to have more fully electric models on sale in the U.S. than any other luxury brand by the end of 2021.” The two new models seemingly support that assertion while offering Audi’s usual mix of simple, elegant muscular style and performance.
“The Q4 e-tron models bring design characteristics that impress thanks to the striking proportions — enclosed singleframe grille, short front overhangs, large wheels with staggered tires, and powerfully sculpted, muscular panels,” the company noted in a statement.
