Ingolstadt’s electric long-roof still makes sense in an era of crossovers, but will we get it here?
- Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept follows the 2021 A6 e-tron sedan concept, previewing a model expected to reach production in 2024.
- The production version is slated to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, with a dual-motor layout serving up 469 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
- Audi is playing down the chances of this model making it stateside, as it works to introduce electric crossovers in North America.
EV makers have generally avoided the station wagon body style, with one or two exceptions. But fans of long-roof models received an unexpected present this week when Audi took the wraps off the A6 Avant e-tron concept, following up on the A6 e-tron sedan concept from 2021.
Just like its name suggests, the A6 Avant e-tron is Ingolstadt’s electric midsize station wagon. It sits on the PPE platform that will underpin a number of larger offerings from Audi and other VW Group brands. With a length of 16.3 feet, the concept features a generous rear cargo section paired with the sedan design that we saw last year, one that does not try to appear excessively rakish in profile, thus preserving usable space inside.
Meant to preview a luxury model, the concept is described as “production-oriented,” which is evident from the very complete appearance of the design itself. Audi says that this “is not just a simple design exercise,” spelling out an intent to put this model into production once the electric A6 arrives in 2024.
The concept has been designed to preserve the versatility of the station wagon body style, instead of adopting a more trendy, rakish profile.
Audi
“With the Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept, we are offering a completely tangible look at future production models on our new PPE technology platform,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Audi board member for technical development. “We’re not just electrifying the Avant’s successful 45-year history. What we want most of all is to use technical skills to add an exclamation point.”
Offering a dual-motor layout, the sleek concept serves up a combined output of 469 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, drawing juice from a 100.0-kWh battery that, for comparison, is slightly smaller than that of the Mercedes-Benz EQS flagship. So this isn’t intended to preview a medium-ranged EV by any means—Audi says that this version of the PPE powertrain gives it a range of 435 miles in the WLTP cycle, which is the 700-kilometer target that Ingolstadt is aiming for in Europe. Not carrying the hefty body of an SUV certainly has its benefits.
Speaking of range, Audi says that the concept’s 800-Volt system will be able to handle 270 kW charging, which will allow it to get enough juice in 10 minutes to cover 186 miles or 300 kilometers.
Audi intends to produce the station wagon model, perhaps as early as 2024, but is unlikely to offer it stateside.
Audi
How close is this concept to something we might see somewhere in 2024, if not in the US?
The 22-inch wheels and the rubber wrapped around them are perhaps a little ambitious for the kind of pavement we’re used to seeing, as are the digital matrix LED and digital OLED lighting that, among other things, can project a video game on a surface ahead of the car that the passengers can play (while the car is stationary), in addition to projecting warning symbols on the ground to warn cyclists. The A6 Avant e-tron, if offered here, might also not be allowed to keep the camera-based mirror wingtips.
Aside from those items, there aren’t too many reasons Audi can’t offer the production version of this model stateside in some form if it wanted to, even if an Allroad model would make more market sense. Here’s hoping.
Keyword: Audi A6 Avant e-tron Concept Previews 2024 EV