Audi previews 469 HP A6 Avant e-tron concept

Last year, we reported the Audi A6 e-tron as a possible Tesla Model S rival. But as it turns out, Audi is also looking at carving its own space in the niche market for electric estate cars with the A6 Avant e-tron concept.

Basically, the A6 Avant e-tron is the wagon version of the electric A6 mid-size sedan which is due for release in 2024. The only main difference is the long low-slung roof that further accentuates the electric A6's eye-catching looks, and more pronounced diffuser tunnels to boost downforce.

The A6 Avant e-tron will utilize the Volkswagen Group's new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. This also underpins the electric Porsche Macan and the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV. It gets an 800-volt system and up to 270 kilowatts of charging capacity.

Furthermore, the new architecture gives the A6 Avant e-tron up to 700 km of range on a single charge and is capable of adding around 300 km of range in 10 minutes when connected to a fast charger.

Like the sedan, the A6 Avant e-tron has two electric motors placed on each axle. When combined to form the quattro all-wheel-drive system, the A6 produces 469 HP and 800 Nm of torque. Audi says the quickest A6 Avant e-tron models are capable of reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in under 4 seconds, while entry-level models could sprint to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds.

Audi says the concept already represents 95% of the production design, and come 2024, the A6 Avant e-tron will be sold alongside the gasoline-powered A6.

Estate cars are a big hit in Europe. The A6 Avant e-tron is a clear indication from Audi that regardless of the segment, they are making a strong push towards electrification.