New Audi RS6 E-tron spotted in disguise

01.08.2024

New spy images give us a glimpse of Audi's upcoming A6 e-tron, including the high-performance RS 6 model. Audi has been testing the all-electric A6 for over a year, with a possible launch in early 2025. The A6 e-tron was first shown in 2021 as a concept, giving a preview of its design language compared to BMW's i5. Audi also revealed an estate concept, showing their dedication to offering the Avant bodystyle in the electric market, competing with BMW's i5 Touring. The A6 e-tron will be built on the PPE platform shared with models like the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan, featuring dual motors for all-wheel drive and a 100kWh battery for a range of around 400 miles. Variants like the S6 e-tron and RS 6 e-tron are also in development. The production version of the A6 e-tron is expected to combine elements from the 2021 concept with design cues from Audi's traditional combustion engine cars. Our exclusive image merges details from the concept with spy shots of the prototype models currently being tested.

The A6 e-tron's front will showcase a split headlight design similar to the Q6 e-tron, along with a signature trapezoidal grille panel. This design contributes to its impressive drag coefficient of just 0.22Cd. In comparison to the BMW i5's traditional sedan shape, the A6 e-tron will have a more sleek Sportback design with a sloping roofline and fastback rear hatch. A stylish crease along its side adds to its overall appeal.At the rear, the A6 e-tron will feature a full-width light bar, a feature previously only seen on the RS 6 e-tron model. The prototypes also display a large diffuser similar to the concept, albeit with a slightly less aggressive appearance. The S6 model will have a distinctive matrix LED headlight signature and other performance-enhancing features such as a revised grille insert, faux rear diffuser, lip spoiler, and silver wing mirror caps.Overall, the S6 will stand out with red brake calipers, larger alloy wheels, and other subtle design elements typical of high-performance Audis.

The Audi RS 6 has always been known for its performance-focused exterior enhancements as the flagship model of the A6 lineup. The new all-electric version continues this trend with a wider body and aggressive design elements to accommodate larger wheels and tires. The competition for dominance in the executive saloon market between Audi, BMW, and Mercedes is only intensifying. With models like the Mercedes EQE, BMW i5, and upcoming A6 e-tron joining the mix, along with contenders from Volkswagen, Tesla, Volvo, and China, the rivalry is fiercer than ever. The Audi A6 e-tron Avant stands out as a practical choice, with the BMW i5 Touring as its main competitor in the electric estate segment. While Mercedes has yet to announce an all-electric estate model, Audi's A6 e-tron concept showcased a range of over 434 miles, hinting at similar potential for the production model. The Q6 e-tron SUV, related to the A6 e-tron, is expected to offer around 370 miles of range with a 100kWh battery. It is reasonable to anticipate that the A6 e-tron could surpass 400 miles on a single charge with the same battery setup in a more aerodynamic profile.

Audi previously stated that the most powerful versions of the A6 e-tron lineup could accelerate from 0-62mph in less than four seconds, thanks to the instant torque of the electric motor. Even the entry-level models, which prioritize efficiency, could reach 62mph in under seven seconds. The A6 e-tron range is expected to feature a base rear-wheel-drive version, as well as a 382bhp model positioned below the S6 e-tron. There's also talk of a high-performance RS 6 e-tron variant that might surpass the current 621bhp RS 6 Avant. The A6 e-tron, based on the PPE platform developed with Porsche, boasts clever packaging that allows for a lower roofline while maintaining interior space. The platform's design ensures optimal wheel placement for maximum interior roominess and utility. With 800-volt electrical architecture, the A6 e-tron is capable of fast charging speeds similar to the Q6 e-tron. This technology enables quick charging times, with 10 to 80 per cent battery top-up in under 30 minutes. The upcoming successor to the Audi A6, set for a 2025 debut, will be named the Audi A7 as part of Audi's new naming strategy where electric models have even numbers. By focusing on electric mobility, Audi continues to push boundaries in the world of electrified vehicles.