With the introduction of the 2025 Audi A6 e-tron, the automaker is getting serious about electrification.
Until now, Audi’s electric vehicle (EV) program has focused on SUVs. Yes, the Audi E-Tron GT sedan has been around for a few years, but that pricey high-performance halo is hardly a mainstream offering. That all changes with the A6 E-Tron set to arrive late this year that marks Audi’s first electric car in the C-segment set to compete with the likes of the BMW i5.
Class-Leading Drag Coefficient
While the more conventional version offers impressive space – 502 L expandable to 1,330 L with the seats folded – the wagon version earmarked for Europe won’t make it to this part of the world. Even so, the sportback shape of the one we’re getting is slippery.
With a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.21, the A6 E-Tron Sportback is the slipperiest vehicle in the Volkswagen Group portfolio. As with all the brand’s EVs, this one sports an inverted single-frame grille, here low in profile and flanked by squinting OLED daytime running lights that give the car its eyes. The main headlights are integrated into a dark mask below, rendering them largely invisible.
Premium Platform
The A6 E-Tron casts about the same shadow as its gas-powered counterpart, yet the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) it rides on allows the wheels to be pushed farther toward the corners, giving this rakish fastback a striking profile. That platform runs an 800-volt architecture with a 100-kWh (net 94.9-kWh) lithium-ion battery.
It uses an asynchronous motor up front and a permanent-magnet synchronous motor in the back, which Audi claims with direct oil cooling require 30 per cent less installation space and reduce weight by around 20 per cent. Similarly, the new-generation battery – with 12 modules packed with 180 prismatic-type lithium-ion cells – is more energy dense and uses fewer rare earth metals. With maximum charging speeds of 270 kW, the A6 E-Tron can go from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes in ideal conditions and at a proper DC fast-charger.
While the A6 E-Tron will launch in other markets with a long-range rear-wheel-drive model, Canadian models will be all-wheel drive-only. As such, the regular version should make 375 hp, while the S6 will kick out around 500. No official North American figures were available at the time of writing.
Special Lighting Signatures
Audi’s full matrix headlights will be available in Canada now that the technology is legal here. That means no more having to dip your high beams as the myriad LEDs in each headlight, working with forward facing sensors, follow the oncoming vehicle (or vehicle ahead) eliminating any blinding light that usually goes with it. It also means expensive replacement costs.
Unique to Canada will be an illuminated Audi logo in the centre of the grille. No other market in the world gets this. Lead exterior designer Sasche Heyde was particularly thrilled to tell this to the small collection of Canadian journalists at this preview event. However, we don’t get the virtual rear view side mirrors as seen in the photos here.
Out back, Audi’s new 3D light bar features five OLED groupings per side with each containing 45 elements. The visual possibilities are staggering, and Audi is capitalizing on this with eight selectable lighting signatures. (There’s also a cool animated program that, you guessed it, is not legal in Canada.)
A Winning Interior
Audi has a completely new interior architecture and, in the interest of streamlining, it will find its way into all products going forward. And it’s a good one. Yes, the dash is dominated by a sweeping OLED digital screen (11.9-inch instrument display and 14.5-inch touchscreen) with all the latest technology Audi could throw at it; but there’s also a flowing aesthetic to the cabin, embraced by “soft wrap” fabric surfaces, fine metalwork, artistic ambient lighting, and top-shelf build quality. How it all works in the real world remains to be experienced, but it all points to Audi being back on its game when it comes to interiors.
Leather-Free Cabin
The A6 E-tron comes standard with a leather-free cabin with surfaces made from recycled materials. Rear-seat head- and legroom are more than generous for this six-foot correspondent. I got to experience the available 20-speaker stereo, which includes two in each front headrest and sounds truly spectacular. Another cool option is a new panoramic sunroof with switchable electronic opacity that, for one, acts like a sunshade.
The A6 E-Tron runs with a steel-sprung suspension (air suspension optional), while the S6 E-Tron gets adaptive air suspension that works in conjunction with its rear-biased all-wheel drive.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Audi A6 E-Tron will enter the market with the Mercedes-Benz EQE, BMW i5, and Genesis G80 Electrified as its chief rivals. More Canadian details and pricing will be available closer to its launch date in late 2024.
You may also like
