Audi A6 e-tron Sportback review, performance, features, interior, range and specs. – Introduction

First issues first. The Audi A6 e-tron Sportback you see right here shouldn’t be an all-electric alternative for the ICE A6 we’re all acquainted with. Actually, the 2 fashions have little in frequent. You see, below Audi’s new naming system, electrical automobiles may have even numbers within the title with ‘e-tron’ as a suffix (This fall e-tron, Q6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron) whereas ICE fashions will run odd numbers. The following-gen A6 will develop into the ‘A7’, the A4 has already given option to a brand new ‘A5’, and so forth.

This A6 e-tron is the second Audi mannequin after the Q6 e-tron to be constructed on the PPE or Premium Platform Electrical co-developed with Porsche. Developments within the motors, battery and structure promise enhanced effectivity, sooner charging and superior efficiency. The A6 e-tron has been unveiled in Avant or property type – that’s sadly not headed right here – and this Sportback physique fashion coming to India in 2025.

Audi A6 e-tron Sportback design

The A6 e-tron appears substantial as a result of it’s. It’s about the identical dimension because the A6 petrol we’re acquainted with, however there’s extra mass to the design, one thing most noticeable on the sides.

A black applique low down on the doorways, there to additionally point out the place of the battery, helps break the majority. The fastback tail provides the A6 e-tron Sportback its eye-catching form and to me, it appears finest from the rear three-quarter angle. There’s a stunning movement from roof to high-deck boot and the full-width lighting is basically slick.

A glowing rear emblem is a primary for an Audi and the digital OLED tail-lamps nearly have a language of their very own – eight selectable patterns and the power to show warning graphics to speak hazards to automobiles behind.

With break up headlamps, a semi-concealed grille, and a black ‘masks’ on the bumper to cover the air dams and ADAS {hardware}, frontal styling is a dramatic departure from the Audi template. The LED DRLs positioned up prime get eight selectable patterns and this can be a cool contact. A truth of notice is that the A6 e-tron Sportback is probably the most aerodynamic Audi ever, and this bodes nicely for vary. However, and that is simply me, I’m not a fan of this newfangled natural styling. I like my Audis angular.

Audi A6 e-tron Sportback inside and options

Inside, you’ll see the newest from Audi and that’s a superb factor. The essential structure is just like what we’ve seen on the Q6 e-tron, which implies it’s a cutting-edge inside and in addition a screen-rich one. There’s a curved show that includes 11.9-inch digital dials and a 14.5-inch centre touchscreen, other than which is an non-compulsory 10.9-inch passenger display. And that’s not all. Variations with Digital Mirrors (digicam pods that substitute the wing mirrors) additionally add screens close to the A-pillars. And lest I overlook, there’s additionally a head-up show with augmented actuality!

The most recent-gen digital dials are an enormous improve from Audi’s Digital Cockpit devices we’ve seen for practically a decade. It’s received crisp graphics, good colors, and loads of data, although what’s missed is the choice to go in-depth into EV stats. I did discover myself relying extra on the head-up show whereas driving, although. There’s very good element and the augmented actuality indications for ADAS and navigation that overlay warnings and symbols onto the driving atmosphere are improbable.

Inside is premium and trio of screens give it a techy look.

The centre touchscreen is, once more, slick and responsive however the menus can really feel intimidating at first look. Shortcuts and widgets do assist personalise the display for ease of use, however packing in local weather management settings on the display shouldn’t be preferrred. The passenger display is an effective option to preserve your entrance passenger entertained when you’re doing the onerous work of driving a really good and really soothing electrical automotive. What’s good is that the display shouldn’t be seen from the driving force’s standpoint on the go.

Together with the carefully associated Q6 e-tron, the A6 e-tron marks a return to type for Audi when it comes to high quality. The whole lot you see and contact feels actually high-end. The gloss look to the screens appears wealthy and goes nicely with the piano black on the centre console. Additionally actually properly performed are the touch-sensitive controls on the steering which can be higher executed than what we’ve seen on the newest lot of Mercedes automobiles. There’s a capacitive contact panel on the door, too, for the lights.

Augmented actuality overlay on HUD is sensible.

Entrance seat consolation is nice, helped partially by the choice for air flow, heating and therapeutic massage. A leather-free inside is non-compulsory and I’ve to say the material upholstery on the seats and dashboard is tastefully performed.

Of the opposite parts, there’s ambient lighting that subtly provides some color to the cabin and flashes warnings corresponding to for secure exits. The A6 can be accessible with the choice of a full-glass roof that may go from clear to opaque on the contact of a button. There’s additionally the choice of an 830-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system. 4 of the 20 audio system are built-in into the entrance headrest for a extra personalised sound correct close to your ears. Delicate-close doorways are a part of the package deal, too.

Audi A6 e-tron Sportback rear seat and baggage capability

The rear seat expertise isn’t fairly as good because the one up entrance. Kneeroom is respectable however not distinctive for what’s a big automotive with an extended wheelbase, and headroom is simply enough for tall passengers. The backrest recline could possibly be extra relaxed, too, however the largest spoiler is the knees-up seating place which is a recurring criticism on electrical automobiles that place their battery pack below the ground. Oddly sufficient, Audi mitigated the issue on the e-tron GT with intelligent ‘foot garages’ or cutouts within the battery. The A6 e-tron makes use of a completely flat battery pack.

Kneeroom is nice however knees-up seating place is a spoiler.

Baggage capability appears lots bigger than the 502 litres talked about on the spec web page. And will the necessity come up, you’ll be able to fold down the rear seats to release as much as 1,330 litres of room. There’s no provision for a spare tyre, at the very least on this European-spec mannequin. The tailgate is powered, and handily, Audi has added a lightweight information for the gesture management so exactly the place to ‘kick’ to activate the opening or closing operate. There’s a small 27-litre frunk, and uniquely, it can be opened with a swipe on the bonnet.

Audi A6 e-tron Sportback battery, motor and vary

On to the center of the matter. The Audi A6 e-tron Sportback makes use of a lithium-ion battery pack with a nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry. Battery choices embody 83kWh and 100kWh capacities. The bigger of the 2 is offered with rear motor in addition to dual-motor, all-wheel-drive layouts. The model most probably headed to India is the Audi A6 e-tron Sportback Efficiency that makes use of a 100kWh battery that powers a single rear everlasting magnet synchronous motor.

Energy is rated at 367hp with as much as 380hp on name with launch management. Peak torque is 565Nm. The headline quantity for this model, nonetheless, is vary – 756 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. What’s extra, the 800V structure permits DC charging at as much as 270kW, which implies a 10-80 % cost in simply 21 minutes. We’re nonetheless a while away earlier than 270KW chargers develop into commonplace in India, so the usual 11kW AC charging and non-compulsory 22kW AC charging capabilities are of larger relevance.

Audi A6 e-tron Sportback efficiency and dealing with

A drive across the breathtakingly beautiful island of Tenerife within the Canary Islands gave a sign of what to anticipate. The Efficiency model could be the long-range variant of the A6 e-tron, nicely, vary, but it surely’s no sluggish coach. 0-100kph takes 5.4 seconds and the highest velocity is capped at 210kph. In fact, this being an EV, it’s quick, it’s responsive, and overtaking doesn’t require a lot pondering. However what’s totally different concerning the A6 is that it’s not a kind of EVs that slams you again onto your seat. Its construct of energy is sweet and gradual and the overall feeling is of an easygoing and chilled-out automotive that desires to do luxurious higher than all different issues.

The final feeling is of an easy-going and chilled-out automotive that desires to do luxurious nicely.

You are feeling as a lot when toggling between the drive modes, too. There are Consolation, Effectivity, Dynamic and Balanced modes, and every impacts the throttle responses, steering and damping. Even within the sportiest of the driving modes, the A6 nonetheless feels very relaxed and delicate across the curves. Positive, there’s nicer weight across the steering and the suspension does agency up, however if you would like an agile sporty automotive, it is best to most likely be trying on the RS e-tron GT in Audi’s line-up. Don’t get me improper, as a result of the A6 drives with confidence and is enjoyable to drive whenever you’re within the temper. It’s simply that it masks its velocity eerily nicely. Refinement is spectacular and there’s solely a little bit of wind noise from the wing mirrors at speeds upwards of 100kph.

Audi A6 e-tron Sportback journey consolation and braking

Fast because the A6 is, it’s simply as joyful to decelerate. The A6 e-tron packs in regen braking and you may management the degrees of regen utilizing the paddle shifters. There’s additionally a ‘B’ mode which brings in one-pedal driving. It feels very pure and was my go-to setting for the drive on the hills of Tenerife. The attention-grabbing factor is that Audi’s system marries the motor braking with the precise friction brakes, in order that they work collectively to provide a stronger impact of regen braking. What’s very nice is you can’t sense that handover from regen braking to friction braking or once they’re working collectively. The regen braking dietary supplements the slippery form, energy-dense battery and high-efficiency motor to ship improbable vary.

Refinement is spectacular and permits the A6 e-tron to masks excessive speeds eerily nicely.

The A6 e-tron Sportback is basically good on journey consolation, too. Metal springs are normal however higher-spec variations like our check automotive get air suspension. Sadly (or happily) there weren’t any India-spec potholes to check on our drive route in Tenerife. Even so, the 21-inch tyres dismissed any uneven surfaces with the air suspension doing an incredible job of holding physique actions in verify. Experience top lowers by 20mm in effectivity mode for finest aero however homeowners in India will most likely use the carry mode greater than another suspension operate.

Audi A6 e-tron Sportback worth and verdict

The Audi A6 e-tron will comply with the Q6 e-tron electrical SUV and can doubtless launch in India within the second half of 2025. The A6 e-tron Sportback has an eye catching form and is high-tech inside, although it’s a automobile to purchase for the entrance seat expertise reasonably than the one on the again.

Refinement and vary are highlights and even the middle-rung Efficiency model will get you all the facility you can actually use. We anticipate costs to be within the area of Rs 1 crore, ex-showroom, which can be aggressive for this dimension and sophistication of electrical automotive. The A6 e-tron Sportback represents the form of issues to return from Audi, and it certain does impress.

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