Audi is arguably the most active car manufacturer to electrify its product line. Just a few days after launching the Q4 e-tron SUV and Sportback, the German automaker showed us the A6 e-tron, an electric version of the luxury sedan of the same name. The A6 e-tron concept teased at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2021 showed expectations for the production version of EVs and continued to show that Audi will not get rid of the sedan anytime soon.
Although this may be a concept, Audi said that it is 95% of the appearance of the production version. As cars are gradually forgotten, Audi seems to have instilled confidence in them by adding them to its electrified lineup, albeit differently. The sporty style coupled with the large 22-inch wheels and the surrounding aerodynamic drills make the Audi A6 e-tron look more sporty than the standard A6.
The A6 e-tron is completely different from the standard A6 and only has similar dimensions. This EV sports car is 195.3 inches long, 77.2 inches wide and 56.7 inches high. There are some interesting elements here, such as the camera lens instead of a traditional rearview mirror, the overall appearance when viewed from the side, and the flush door handles, all of which contribute to the aerodynamics of the car.
The reason behind the Sportback styling is also to control aerodynamic efficiency.
For cars in the C-class (pun intended) segment, this is impressive. Things like Matrix LED headlights and single-frame grilles are now becoming the main products of e-tron models and may soon become synonymous with Audi electric cars.
The car manufacturer has also developed a video game specifically for the A6 e-tron, which you can play while the car is plugged in and charged. The digital matrix LED headlights project smartphone-controlled games onto the front wall, and you can see it in XXL format. The projection is several meters wide, and you can stand next to or directly in front of the vehicle to get a good view of the game.
Finally, the painting scheme you see in the picture is called "Heliosilver", it may be a new color in the E-tron palette, or it may be an exclusive color for the A6 e-tron. It is said to provide tangible technological advantages that can help reduce energy consumption. What automakers have done to deal with mileage anxiety!
Audi did not reveal any interior pictures, but it is expected to be more spacious than the current A6 and A7. The high-tech cabin is also a matter of course. The automaker recently introduced 11.6-inch touch screens on the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. We can also see similar trends on A6 e-tron or larger screens. There will also be many things made of sustainable materials. When the car manufacturer reveals more pictures and details about the interior, we will know the exact details.
The A6 e-tron is a newly built new car. It will be supported by the automaker's new Premium Platform Electric architecture. So far, we have seen electric vehicles based on MEB and J1 platforms, so it is good to know that Audi has an arsenal of various architectures. The PPE platform is versatile because it allows multiple powertrain configurations and body sizes based on it.
Mercedes and AMG should learn from Audi in this regard. Obviously, the A6 e-tron will also be equipped with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.
A single motor setup will also be provided on the base trim, where the motor is mounted on the rear axle. If Audi plans to equip it with a high-capacity battery pack, it is expected to become the most efficient model in the lineup. The A6 e-tron concept car has a five-link axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear, and is equipped with an Audi air suspension with adaptive dampers. You can expect Audi to also provide this setting on the production version.
All vehicles based on the PPE architecture will be equipped with 800 volt charging technology as standard. Audi also mentioned that the key element of the PPE architecture will be to accommodate approximately 100 kWh of battery modules between the axles. According to the WLTP cycle, the A6 e-tron is expected to have a cruising range of more than 435 miles. EPA estimates that the cruising range may be slightly less than 400 miles on the same battery pack.
The A6 e-tron concept supports DC fast charging up to 270 kW. This means that the battery can add up to 186 miles of range in 10 minutes. At fast-charging public charging stations, it can also recover 5% to 80% of the power in less than 25 minutes.
Pricing details are few, but a starting price of approximately $70,000 would not be a bad guess. This makes it slightly more expensive than the A6's starting price, but will overlap with the top trim of internal combustion engine cars.
Audi has pointed out that the A6 has played an important role in the company's history and will not change as it moves forward. The A6 nickname has been used in cars, station wagons, and is now also used in this EV. If the automaker puts the A6 badge on this e-tron, it will be a well-built product. Production of the Audi A6 e-tron is expected to begin sometime in 2022.
Currently, it does not seem to have a direct competitor, but may initially compete with Mercedes EQS and BMW i4. We need to see whether Mercedes and BMW will launch electric alternatives similar to the C-Class and 5 Series respectively.
Audi A6 e-tron concept car-the next evolution Audi launches a new technology platform for the all-electric luxury Sportback concept car: Premium Platform Electric (PPE) is expected to start 270 kW fast charging in 2022-the estimated cruising range exceeds 700 kilometers Shanghai /Ingolstadt, April 19, 2021-Audi is unswervingly advancing the "evolution" of electric vehicles, and will launch the pioneer of the innovative series of all-electric production vehicles-the four-door Audi A6 e-tron Concept-at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show. A new technical architecture, "Premium Platform Electric" (PPE for short), will become the future technology platform for these vehicles. It is expected that from the end of 2022, the first production cars of the C-class and later B-class will relaunch products using PPE technology, including the first SUV with high ground clearance and dynamic style models in the electric vehicle market It has a low ride height, such as the upcoming Audi A6 e-tron.
This concept car bears the Audi A6 logo, demonstrating its position in the brand's luxury model series. Since 1968, this model has represented one of the brand's largest sales segments in the world-initially, until 1994, as the Audi 100. First, the sedan, Avant and allroad, and then the Sportback — introduced as the A7 — perfected the model family. The electric drive system has a long tradition in the Audi A6. After the full hybrid version released in 2011, the current Audi A6 TFSI e debuted in 2019, equipped with a plug-in hybrid drive and an electric range of up to 91 Kilometers (WLTP).
However, unlike the latter, the Audi A6 e-tron concept car exhibited at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show relies entirely on electricity and is based on the future PPE platform developed under the leadership of Audi. At the same time, it also represents a new design concept-the only thing in common with the current A6 is the size. The 4.96-meter-long, 1.96-meter-wide, and 1.44-meter-high body design is Sportback, and its lines clearly reflect the systematic advancement of Audi’s current design language.
The appearance design of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car that debuted in Shanghai is not just a simple design-its body is a preview of Audi's future mass-produced models, and clearly shows the dynamic and elegant electric luxury car. Look at the brands with four rings.
For its part, PPE technology will ensure that what is implied by the car's lines is actually translated into dynamic driving performance and daily applicability suitable for use as a main vehicle. Specifically, this means that depending on the selected drive system and model version, the Audi A6 e-tron is expected to have a cruising range of more than 700 kilometers (based on the WLTP standard) — and is the most powerful member. The family is expected to sprint from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.
E stands for e-tron, E stands for elegance-the design of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car From the perspective of size, the Audi A6 e-tron concept car is clearly a representative of the luxury class-4.96 meters long, 1.96 meters wide, and 1.44 meters The height is the same as the current members of the Audi A6/A7 series. With its dynamic proportions and elegant lines, including the brand's typical fastback design, at first glance, this car was conceived in a wind tunnel.
Aerodynamics has always played a key role in Audi's long history of success in the luxury class. The Cd value of the Audi 100/C3 is still legendary-at the time it was the world champion of aerodynamics at all levels, with a Cd value of 0.30. As early as 1982, Audi had far surpassed its competitors and has maintained this This state will be many years to come. With its smooth lines, the third-generation Audi 100 has also completely changed and profoundly changed the luxury-class car design that has been highly conservative before.
Today, the Audi A6 e-tron concept car is writing a new chapter for this success story, proving once again that the brand has always perfectly combined form and function. The Cd value of only 0.22 is unprecedented in the electrified C section. In layman's terms, this means that the car has the least air resistance-which initially translates to lower energy consumption, thereby extending the range. At the same time, the fine-tuning in the wind tunnel once again created an organic design with extraordinary elegance and harmony in every detail.
The large 22-inch wheels and short front overhang, flat cab and wide coupe roof arch make the vehicle's proportions clearly reminiscent of sports cars. The absence of hard edges will result in a smooth transition between the convex and concave surfaces of the entire body, as well as soft shadows. The Audi A6 e-tron concept car looks monolithic, as if it came from a mold—especially when viewed from the side.
The rear window tilt is a typical feature of Audi Sportback window design; therefore, the D-pillar rises from the stable base at the rear of the vehicle in a particularly streamlined manner. The eye-catching quattro wheel arches effectively highlight the width of the car body while organically blending into the sides.
The wheel arches are connected by a specially sculpted battery area above the door sill plate, highlighted by black inlays-this design element is now the logo of the Audi brand electric car fleet. Another typical feature of Audi e-tron models is the stylish, camera-based virtual exterior mirror at the bottom of the A-pillar.
From the front, it is obvious that the Audi A6 e-tron concept car is the electric representative of the brand's four rings. One feature is the large enclosed Singleframe grille with deep air intakes at the bottom to cool the powertrain, battery and brakes. The flat headlight frame extends to the side of the front end swept horizontally, highlighting the horizontal alignment structure of the car body.
The impact of the wind tunnel on the back end is obvious. The shape of the upper and rear end forms a separation edge that conforms to the aerodynamic function. In the lower part, the large air outlet of the rear diffuser is integrated in the spoiler area. This element guides the air flowing under the vehicle in a way that reduces turbulence-a perfect combination of reduced aerodynamic drag (ie Cd value) and minimum lift.
"Heliosilver" is the name of this color that looks like high-tech, which in turn adds beauty and functionality to the appearance of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car. The paint accentuates the shape of the car body through a three-dimensional depth effect, which is particularly noticeable in the area around the quattro wheel arches. At the front end, Heliosilver's Singleframe grille is also in sharp contrast with the deep matte black of the frame. This sharp contrast also highlights the horizontal proportions of the side sill panels of the vehicle.
In addition to the stunning appearance, the coating also provides tangible technical advantages that help reduce energy consumption. This is because it can reflect a large part of the heat radiation in the sun, thereby reducing the energy entering the car body, especially the interior of the car. As a result, in many cases, passengers may not need to use air conditioning to maintain a constant comfort level-this is one of the main factors affecting energy consumption in addition to the drive system. This may benefit the vehicle's mileage-per mile, even when stopping at traffic lights.
Visible and tangible-the lighting technology of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car's flat headlights and slim taillights are flush with the overall composition of the lines. Digital matrix LED and digital OLED technology can achieve maximum brightness and a wide range of functions even with the smallest surface area, while providing customizable light characteristics. The Audi lighting designer and developer team has once again done an amazing job-this concept car incorporates many new features and personalization options in its lighting unit.
Three small high-resolution LED projectors are built into each side of the car body. When the doors are opened, the ground below them will become a stage-small extended dynamic lighting effects greet the occupants in their own words. At the Shanghai premiere, this of course refers to Chinese characters.
The combination of safety features and aesthetic design has always been a special focus of Audi. This is why small high-resolution projectors also display warning symbols on the ground—for example, to warn cyclists that the door is about to open.
Four other high-resolution LED projectors-unobtrusively integrated into the corners of the vehicle-generate turn signal projections. The design of these forecasts can be modified as needed to suit different markets and approved regions.
The digital matrix LED headlights can achieve almost movie-like quality. For example, if an Audi A6 e-tron concept car is parked in front of a wall to charge the battery during a break, the driver and passengers can play video games projected on the wall to pass the time. They will not see the virtual scenery of their games on the small screen in the cockpit, but project them on the wall in XXL format-and all this is achieved through digital matrix LED headlights. Players can stand next to or directly in front of the vehicle to get a particularly good view of the game, which is a few meters wide game. Players control the game through their smartphones. Even the game itself is an Audi product-Audi designers conceived and developed specifically for the Audi A6 e-tron concept!
The rear of the concept car uses a new generation of digital OLED components as a continuous light strip, just like a display. They can also be used to create almost unlimited customizable changes of digital light signatures and dynamic lighting displays to suit the personal taste of the customer.
A new feature of the taillight is the 3D structure of the digital OLED components, which can be adjusted according to the shape of the body to perfectly integrate the night design into the overall appearance. This makes it possible not only to experience the two-dimensional dynamic light show as before, but also to experience the impressive 3D space effect.
Undoubtedly, the combined taillights, like the headlights, meet the developers’ requirements for traditional vehicle lighting functions, namely to see and be seen-the clear and bright road ahead, and the headlights intelligently adapt to traffic conditions, weather and environment. And communicate with other road users. At the rear, the ultra-bright, uniform and high-contrast digital OLED combined taillights can particularly significantly improve the safety level of future roads.
In addition, the protrusions around the vehicle extended its communication range beyond the vehicle for the first time. With the help of smart connections in the car, the A6 e-tron concept car provides information to other road users through visual signals.
The high ground clearance and low ride height PPE are specially designed for battery electric drive systems, so all the advantages of this technology can be fully utilized. The key element of the future PPE fleet is the battery module between the axles. In the A6 e-tron concept, this module can hold approximately 100 kWh of energy. The use of the vehicle base allows the battery to achieve a relatively flat layout. This means that for the first time this single platform can be used for vehicles with high ground clearance and vehicles with an absolutely dynamic, flat architecture (such as the Audi A6 e-tron concept) without any changes to the vehicle. Infrastructure.
The battery size and wheelbase of PPE vehicles are scalable, making them suitable for different market segments. However, the rather long wheelbase and the very short overhang ratio are what they have in common. However, this together with the large wheels produces a perfect basic ratio-not just in terms of design. This is because the occupants of PPE models in the future will also benefit from the long wheelbase, which means that the interior space of the two rows of seats is longer and the leg room is larger-this is a key advantage for all market segments. In addition, because there is no transmission tunnel, electric vehicles are usually more spacious, and there is no need for transmission tunnels at all for technical reasons.
But even if there is no transmission channel, Audi customers will not give up the brand's trademark quattro all-wheel drive system. The future PPE model series will include an electric motor version, each electric motor mounted on the front and rear axles, using electronic coordination to provide all-wheel drive on demand, and achieve a perfect balance between driving dynamics and energy efficiency. In addition, the e-tron series will also include a basic version optimized for minimum fuel consumption and maximum range-in this case, the propulsion will come from a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle.
The two electric motors of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car can provide a total output of 350 kW and a torque of 800 Newton meters.
The front wheels of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car are connected by a five-link shaft optimized for electric vehicles, and there is a multi-link shaft at the rear. This concept car uses Audi air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers.
Fast charging and 800-volt range charging technology is the core of the driving technology of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car and all future PPE models. Like the previous Audi e-tron GT, this ensures that the battery of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car can be charged to 270 kW in a short time at a public DC fast charging station. This revolutionary technology will enter the high-volume mid-range and luxury goods sector through PPE for the first time.
This technology brings the charging time close to a stop and refuels cars powered by traditional engines. Only 10 minutes on a public DC fast charger is enough to charge the battery to a level sufficient to power the car for more than 300 kilometers. In less than 25 minutes using a public DC fast charger, you can charge 5% to 80% of the 100 kWh battery of the Audi A6 e-tron concept car.
Coupled with an expected cruising range of more than 700 kilometers (depending on the selected drive system and power output), the Audi A6 e-tron concept is absolutely suitable for use as a main vehicle. In addition, its range and charging speed keep pace with the internal combustion engine, making it the perfect GM car for daily needs, from short trips to shops to long vacations.
In terms of dynamic quality, the Audi A6 e-tron concept car-as a typical representative of electric vehicles-truly surpasses its competitors with internal combustion engines. Because it provides high torque from the first rotation, even entry-level models designed for efficiency are expected to accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds. In the top high-performance models, this sprint can even be shortened to much less than 4 seconds.
PPE-Multifunctional, Variable, Electric In 2018, Audi's first all-electric mass-produced car, the Audi e-tron, made its debut. Since then, in less than three years, the brand has systematically and rapidly promoted the widespread introduction of electric vehicles in its entire product line. Follow Audi
The e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback, a highly dynamic e-tron GT based on a new technology platform jointly developed with Porsche AG, will debut in February 2021. Only two months later, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron made their debut-two extremely unique A-class SUVs, using the Volkswagen Group's MEB general technology platform. The Audi Q2 L e-tron, which is also all-electric, will also be sold exclusively in the Chinese market starting in 2019.
The Audi A6 e-tron concept is now based on another innovative technology platform: Premium Platform Electric, or PPE for short. The modular system is being developed with Porsche under the leadership of Audi. The first batch of Audi production cars built on the PPE platform are expected to be unveiled in the second half of 2022.
PPE vehicles are specifically designed to be available globally and will be launched in all major markets of the brand. Audi plans to produce these vehicles at its European plants and in China, the company's largest single market. To this end, Changchun is building a new production facility, and Audi's electric vehicles using PPE technology will begin rolling off the assembly line in the middle of this century. The facility is jointly operated by Audi and its joint venture partner FAW-Volkswagen.
PPE is the first Audi platform designed to adapt to an unprecedented high-capacity car series-including SUVs and CUVs with high ground clearance, and low ride height cars that are part of Audi's core product series, such as the Audi A6 series. But there are also plans to expand the PPE product line to the B-level segment, which has been Audi's largest sales segment for decades. Even when it comes to the top D segment, PPE is an excellent technology platform.
With PPE, electric vehicles will now also attract customers who prefer car concepts outside the SUV segment-such as Sportback, which is a characteristic of the brand, and the Audi A6 e-tron concept will transform it into a cutting-edge model.
Therefore, Audi can effectively expand the range of electric vehicles in its product portfolio through the B and C segments of mass production. In addition, economies of scale will allow luxury technology and a variety of different model versions to be integrated into the broad lineup of models that is unparalleled in the high-end market.
In addition, fleet consumption and the company's global goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions also benefit. In short, PPE will ensure that the company's rapid transformation to electric vehicles through quantity and diversity will be another success story for Audi.
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