In a historic shift for the brand, Audi has introduced the A6 E-Tron, marking the company's first rear-wheel drive sedan in over a century. This new electric vehicle (EV) breaks from Audi's longstanding tradition of front-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive systems, dating back to the days of the Auto Union and beyond.
Audi, established around the turn of the 20th century, became part of the Auto Union in 1932 alongside Horch, Wanderer, and DKW. The iconic four-ring emblem symbolizes this union. Historically, Audi's sedans have predominantly featured front-wheel drive, a layout solidified during the mid-20th century with the introduction of the DKW F9. This design, with a longitudinal engine ahead of a transmission sending power to the front wheels, set the precedent for Audi's larger models, including the A6, often augmented with the Quattro all-wheel drive system.
To find an earlier rear-wheel drive Audi sedan, one must look back to the Audi 920 from the late 1930s. Since then, Audi's sedans have exclusively featured front or all-wheel drive systems, with the only recent exceptions being the rear-wheel drive variants of the R8 supercar and the base Q4 E-Tron crossover.
The A6 E-Tron represents a significant departure from Audi's traditional drivetrain configurations. This move, however, aligns with the broader industry trend towards rear-wheel drive single-motor EVs, as seen in competitors like the Tesla Model S, BMW i5, and Mercedes EQE. Despite this, the introduction of a rear-wheel drive Audi sedan remains a notable milestone given the brand's extensive history with front and all-wheel drive systems.
The A6 E-Tron is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, shared with the Q6 E-Tron models and the new Porsche Macan. This platform supports a range of configurations, including the rear-wheel drive base model, an all-wheel drive variant, and the high-performance S6.
The A6 E-Tron features a sleek design with split headlights—a trend in modern automotive design—comprising main lights positioned below a strip of daytime running lights and turn signals. The European models offer advanced adaptive matrix LEDs and configurable light signatures, although these features won't be available in the U.S. market due to regulations. Similarly, side cameras are replaced with traditional mirrors for North American models, affecting the car's aerodynamic efficiency.
Speaking of aerodynamics, the A6 E-Tron Sportback boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21, making it the most aerodynamic Audi road car to date. The Avant version, while slightly less aerodynamic, still achieves an impressive Cd of 0.24 for a wagon.
Inside, the A6 E-Tron mirrors the design language of its combustion-powered counterparts, with a modern and luxurious cabin. Notable features include a 14.5-inch central display and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The vehicle is equipped with a 94.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, supporting DC fast charging up to 270 kW, allowing a quick charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.
The A6 E-Tron will be available in three variants. The base model offers 362 horsepower, achieving a 0-100 kmh time of approximately 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. The midrange version adds an e-motor at the front axle, increasing output to 422 hp and reducing the 0-100 kmh time to 4.3 seconds. The top-tier S6 Sportback E-Tron delivers 496 hp, with the capability to temporarily boost output to 543 hp using launch control, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds.
In terms of range, the European-spec rear-wheel drive A6 E-Tron is expected to cover over 466 miles on a single charge, with the less aerodynamic Avant achieving over 447 miles. The high-performance S6 versions are slightly less efficient, with estimated ranges of 416 miles for the Sportback and 398 miles for the Avant. However, these numbers are based on the European WLTP cycle, and the U.S. EPA ratings are expected to be lower.
The A6 E-Tron signifies Audi's commitment to electrification and a departure from its traditional drivetrain layouts. By introducing a rear-wheel drive sedan, Audi embraces a new chapter in its storied history, offering a fresh driving experience for its customers. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the A6 E-Tron stands as a testament to Audi's innovative spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and design.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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