► New spy photos of 2023 Audi A6 e-Tron
► An executive EV to rival Tesla saloons
► Based on new PPE platform, Avant too
The electric onslaught continues, nowhere more so than the Volkswagen empire, which is methodically electrifying nearly its entire range. Our spy photographers have captured the new 2023 Audi A6 e-Tron EV on chilly winter test, revealing a few choice details of the plug-in newcomer.
It’s a rival to the upcoming BMW i5 and the Tesla Model 3 and Model S brigade and we expect to see the new Apartment 6 e-Tron family launched later in 2023.
Tellingly, this is less of a traditional notchback saloon and more of a fastback shape (below). Expect a high-lifting hatchback opening to make it easier to load the boot.
It’s not dissimilar to the A7 Sportback – or even the rear end of the original Audi 100 Avant, our paparazzo commented. Note how conventional door mirrors are fitted to this prototype, although digital cameras may be offered as an option.
Audi A6 e-Tron: coming in 2023
This new electric Audi is based around the group’s latest PPE EV platform, due to be shared with inhouse cousins the next Porsche Macan EV and Audi Q6 e-tron. That’s PPE standing for Premium Platform Electric, or the next generation of hardware for more upmarket group EVs.
It will offer the very latest quick charging and longer range thanks to battery sizes around the 100kWh capacity. Helping it achieve this is a new 800-volt electronic foundation and our sources point to a theoretical battery range approaching 400 miles.
Electric cars are easily tuned and insiders have already confirmed to CAR that a go-faster RS6 e-Tron is in the works, boasting a muscular 600bhp+ although higher-selling volume models will be offered in a more modest configuration aimed at extending daily range, rather than dusting off a troublesome GTI at the lights.
And we already know there will be an Audi A6 e-Tron Avant, as trailed by this stunning concept car (above). Electric estate cars have been few and far between, but it seems that the product planners are finally broadening their oeuvre.
The fully electric Audi A6 models have been a long time coming; Ingolstadt first trailed the idea back in 2021 with the A6 e-Tron concept at the Shanghai motor show.