The long-anticipated 2025 Audi A6 e-tron has made its global debut ahead of an Australian launch next year.
Audi Australia has told carsales it’s anticipating a local release during the first half of next year for the all-new battery-electric A6 Sportback and Avant e-tron models, but that discussions with global HQ were ongoing.
As anticipated, the highlights of the A6 e-tron are its show car looks and a long driving range on select models of more than 750km, thanks in part to the deployment of the latest Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture already seen on the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV.
Bearing a strong resemblance to the A6 e-tron concept of 2021, the production version will be offered in Sportback (four-door coupe) and Avant (wagon) body styles and will sell alongside the current combustion-engined A6 line-up for the time being.
Audi is currently in the midst of shuffling its naming strategy, designating even numbers to EVs, so internal combustion A6 models are likely to be rebranded A7 when they enter a new generation.
In its slipperiest form, the new A6 Sportback e-tron boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd (0.24Cd for the Avant), which combines with a 100kWh lithium-ion battery pack for a maximum range of more than 750km (WLTP).
The new-generation battery can be charged at up to 270kW when using a compatible DC fast-charger, enabling a 10-80 per cent top-up in just 21 minutes.
Audi says it can also add up to 310km of range in just 10 minutes.
AC charging power is capped at 11kW for now, however faster 22kW capabilities are planned for the future – likely the mid-life update.
There’s no word yet on whether a smaller battery will be made available, while the longest-range version using the 110kW power pack – the entry-level single-motor A6 Sportback e-tron – will follow the launch line-up that comprises single-motor Performance and dual-motor S6 model variants.
The WLTP-verified range for the A6 e-tron Performance models is still to be published, however other key specs include 270kW of power, 0-100km/h completed in 5.4 seconds and top speed limited to 210km.
The dual-motor S6 e-tron has 405kW on tap and, with the aid of launch control, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.9sec.
Top speed is listed at 240km/h, while the driving range is quoted at 640-670km, depending on the body style.
Backing up the S6 models’ superior performance will be adaptive air suspension included as standard.
Matching the sleek and futuristic exterior design is a tech-heavy cabin pulled straight out of next year, with the most domineering element being the ‘MMI panoramic display’ that comprises an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch infotainment unit.
The two screens are housed behind a single piece of glass, while a second 10.9-inch interface for the front passenger will be optionally available.
The climate controls are integrated into the infotainment system, leaving a small cluster of air vents as the only feature of note under the ledge next to the steering column.
In some instances, the lines of the multi-layered dash wrap around into the door trim via the optional virtual exterior mirrors.
Pricing and local specification details of the new A6 e-tron will be announced closer to its Australian launch.
In Europe, Audi executives have pointed to a starting price of about €85,000 ($A141,743) for the Sportback Performance e-tron and €100,000 ($A166,757) for the S6 e-tron, with the Avant versions carrying a circa-€650 ($A1084) price premium.