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After the 2021 Audi A6 e-tron Concept and the 2022 Audi A6 Avant e-tron Concept, we are finally getting acquainted with the production version of the new generation Audi A6.
The new A6 will always be all-electric and will therefore continue to be called A6.
This is in contrast to the Audi A4, where the new model generation is now called Audi A5 due to the retention of fuel engines.

While it may be going a bit too far to say that both concept cars went into production unchanged, the final Audi A6 looks very similar.
Whereas the new A5 looks somewhat busy, the A6 opts for a sleek and uncluttered design.
As standard, the new A6 rolls on hefty 19-inch wheels; optional 20- and 21-inch models are also available.
Thanks to an aerodynamic design of both wheels and body, the air resistance coefficient of the A6 Sportback is just 0.21 (A6 Avant: 0.24).
This makes the Sportback the most aerodynamic Audi ever!

Audi A6 can communicate with its taillights

Somewhat depending on the version, the new Audi A6 is equipped with full LED and/or OLED lighting.
The interesting thing about the latter is that you can switch between different light designs at will.
Also, the taillights have a function for car-to-x communication.
This allows the car to warn following traffic of a dangerous situation with symbols or even animations.
“A warning function for traffic approaching too closely” sounds like you can even rightly point out tailgaters.

Digital stage for occupants

Inside, we find the latest version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, consisting of an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment.
Together these form a slightly curved whole around the driver.
Optionally, the front passenger has its own 10.9-inch touchscreen.
This is what Audi calls the “digital stage” concept, a digital stage for onboard technologies.
In addition to touch controls, voice commands are also among the options.
An integrated ChatGPT function is ready for all your questions.
Optionally, the head-up display is combined with augmented reality, for example, for navigation instructions that are, as it were, on the road itself.

Otherwise, the interior offers what you expect from a new Audi A6: beautiful and soft-touch materials.
The optional four-zone climate system not only ensures a pleasant temperature, but also filters the air and even provides a nice scent.
The optional panoramic roof can be dimmed to four degrees with electrically controlled liquid crystals.
Interior dimensions are not yet known, but some 500 liters of luggage should already fit in the rear of the Sportback.

Engines and drivetrain new Audi A6 and S6

The new Audi A6 will be introduced as an e-tron Performance and as an extra sporty Audi S6.
The Performance has a system output of 270 kW (367 hp), which is fully unleashed on the rear wheels.
The 100 km/h is reached in 5.4 seconds and the top speed is 210 km/h.

If that’s not fast enough, there’s the Audi S6 with Quattro all-wheel drive (emphasizing the rear wheels) and a system output of 370 kW (503 hp).
With Launch Control, there is even temporary peak power of 405 kW (551 hp).
Then the 100 km/h is tapped after just 3.9 seconds and the top speed is 240 km/h.
It can be even faster: there will also be a new Audi RS6.
However, Audi is not yet willing to say more than that.

Range up to 750 km

Both versions feature a 100 kWh battery pack.
In the case of the Audi A6 e-tron Performance, this gets you 750 kilometers (WLTP, 720 km for Avant).
The Audi S6 makes it to a still generous 670 km (WLTP, 640 km for Avant).
The new A6 works with an 800-volt system, and fast charging is possible up to 270 kW.
Then you can drive another 310 km after ten minutes of charging.
Charging from 10 to 80% takes 21 minutes.
Also “bank charging” is possible.
Here the 800-volt battery is ‘split’ into two parts, so that both parts are then quickly charged with a capacity of 135 kW.
In all these cases, of course, the fast-charging station must itself be capable of handling these charging capacities.

Recharging is also possible on the road: the Audi A6’s regenerative braking system can take on up to 95 percent of all braking in normal traffic, allowing you to recharge by braking up to 220 kW, according to Audi.
The degree of regenerative braking can be adjusted with paddles on the steering wheel.

Driving the new Audi A6

In terms of handling, the new Audi A6 is tuned for a balance between dynamics and comfort.
The optional adaptive suspension also brings with it an adjustable ride height.
Then at higher speeds, for example, the ride height is lowered by two centimeters for lower drag.

On the road, of course, you are assisted by a variety of assistance and safety systems.
Of special note is the Adaptive Brake Assist Plus.
When accelerating and braking, it maintains a fixed distance to vehicles in front and keeps the car within the road markings.
The system also uses high-resolution navigation maps as well as data from other vehicles.

New Audi A6 to be ordered from September

In September, Audi will open the order books for the new A6.
The first examples will be delivered to customers around the coming turn of the year.
Audi will not announce final prices until later.
However, it does give the rough estimate that the Audi A6 Sportback Performance will be available in Germany from around 75,000 euros.
The S6 will go toward 140,000 euros.
In both cases you can add another 3,000 to 5,000 euros for the Avant.