Audi Unveils Stunning A6 Avant e-tron Wagon Concept

By Edward A. Sanchez – March 18, 2022

I’ll be honest: I love wagons. I own one. It’s nearly 40 years old, but it’s also probably responsible for my love of longroofs. In the world of EVs, my favorite EV wagon has been the stunning Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. With the unveiling of the Audi A6 Avant e-tron concept this week, however, Porsche’s place in my heart might have a competitor. Just take a look at this thing. It’s undeniably a looker.

Consensus seems to be that the U.S. won’t get this low-slung, street-faring version, at least not initially. If this has any chance of coming to the U.S., chances are it will get higher ground clearance, chunky fender flares, and other superficial gingerbread to make it look more like a crossover – a formula that has been used by good effect by Subaru with its Outback.

Either way, this is a handsome machine, and it will ride on the VW group’s new PPE premium EV platform. At 195.3 inches long and 77.2 inches wide, the A6, like its ICE namesake, is solidly in the “D” size class. Despite its substantial size, the A6 Avant e-tron slips through the air with a sleek 0.24 drag coefficient.

From any angle, Audi’s A6 Avant e-tron Wagon concept is a stunner.

A variation of the PPE platform is also expected to underpin the forthcoming Porsche Macan EV, and the next-generation Taycan, among other vehicles.

The top-of-the-line A6 e-tron will reportedly be capable of a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than four seconds, with the power output for the concept being 469 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The PPE platform features an 800V/270 kW fast-charging system, which Audi claims can add up to 300 km (186) miles of range in just 10 minutes, and charge the 100 kWh battery from 5-80% in less than 25 minutes.

There are plenty of EV crossovers and SUVs, and more on the horizon. But there are relatively few proper wagons so far, and those that do exist are somewhat less-than-practical (like the aforementioned Taycan Sport Turismo). Although I would still proudly park a Taycan Sport Turismo in my garage, the added practicality and versatility of something like the A6 Avant e-tron could sway my vote. Even former alleged EV skeptic Markus Duesmann seems plenty proud to stand next to this example of industrial art. I would too.

Audi claims its concept A6 Avant e-tron can run from 0-62 mph in about four seconds. But with looks as good as these, acceleration is secondary.

I’m sure if the A6 Avant e-tron makes it to production, it will be close to – if not more than – $100,000. In other words, definitely out of my current budget. Perhaps an A4 Avant e-tron next? Never say never. Audi said it plans on using the PPE under B, C, and D-segment vehicles.

Here’s hoping.

(Images courtesy Audi)

- Store - Podcast - Facebook - Google News - Twitter -