Audi A6 Avant e-tron

The Edition One Grey finish enhances the aesthetics of the Audi A6 Avant e-tron and gives it a futuristic look. In addition to its aesthetics, its fluid and dynamic lines play a key role in aerodynamics with a drag coefficient (Cx) of only 0.24 (0.21 for the Sportback version), thus optimising energy consumption.

The absence of conventional rear-view mirrors, replaced by virtual mirrors (cameras), is a striking detail, contributing to improving the aerodynamics and range of the vehicle. Just like the flush door handles, which reinforce the elegance of the lines, subtly interrupted by a black strip located under the doors. Finally, the rear spoiler reinforces the sportiness of the A6 but also aims to reduce air resistance. This is an area that Audi is well versed in, having achieved the feat of a Cd of 0.30 on the Audi 80 in 1982, which was voted ‘aerodynamics world champion’.

This edition features 21’ alloy wheels, accompanied by large red brake calipers. At the front, the closed Singleframe grille, matching the colour of the bodywork, stands out as the signature of Audi electric vehicles. The darkened LED Matrix headlights reinforce the visual identity, while the lower part of the black S line bumper elegantly conceals the LED Matrix long-range headlights, as well as the cameras, radars and active shutters for battery cooling.

At the rear, the digital OLED lights connected by a horizontal light strip add a distinctive touch, reinforced by the iconic illuminated red rings. Finally, the integrated black diffuser completes this modern and functional design.

An interior combining comfort, luxury and technology

The interior of the Audi A6 Avant e-tron in S line trim offers a perfect blend of comfort, luxury and innovation. High-end materials such as leather and Alcantara are combined with matt brushed aluminium inserts, adding a touch of elegance despite the presence of some hard plastics below the door line.
The redesigned dashboard features a horizontal layout with five screens, almost reminiscent of a NASA control station, including a dual Audi MMI Experience Pro screen consisting of a 14.5-inch central screen for vehicle settings and multimedia as well as the fully customisable 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus. Each door is equipped with an OLED screen dedicated to the exterior mirror cameras. Although the images may appear slightly zoomed in at first, a short period of adjustment is all that is needed to master them.

In addition to this, there is a 10.9-inch MMI screen reserved for the front passenger, ideal for managing navigation or the radio without disturbing the driver. It is also possible to access the internet to watch videos on YouTube. The customisable ambient lighting enhances the interior lines, creating a warm and upscale atmosphere.The Bang & Olufsen Premium audio system with 3D sound offers exceptional sound quality thanks to speakers built into the headrests.

The heated electric sports seats, upholstered in a mix of microfibre and leather, memorise the settings. They offer perfect support, guaranteeing remarkable comfort, even on long journeys. When the doors open, they automatically move back to facilitate access.
The three-spoke leather sports steering wheel, with electric adjustments, can be raised to make getting in and out easier. The steering wheel controls are intuitive and allow you to adjust various parameters.

The centre tunnel houses the gear selection controls, as well as the driving mode button and well-designed storage spaces for cups, keys and telephone. In the rear, passengers enjoy a generous and comfortable space, even if the centre seat is slightly more rigid and raised. The panoramic sunroof illuminates the cabin and accentuates the feeling of space. The boot has a capacity of 502 litres, extendable to 1,422 litres, complemented by a 21-litre ‘frunk’ at the front, ideal for accessories.

Under the bonnet

The Audi A6 Avant e-tron is equipped with a heat pump, optimising range compared to conventional resistance systems. During our tests at temperatures close to 2°C, the range decreased by about 50 km due to the activation of the auxiliary heating element. However, as soon as the temperatures became milder, this loss was reduced to 25 km, a perfectly acceptable compromise.

In terms of driving, the A6 Avant e-tron incorporates the latest innovations in assistance, including Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous system capable of managing driving in traffic jams and on motorways. This device combines active lane keeping with adaptive cruise control, while recognising traffic signs to adjust speed in real time.

Range and recharging: designed for long journeys

The Audi A6 Avant e-tron Performance is equipped with a 100 kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery. Approved for a consumption of 16.7 kWh/100 km, it promises an impressive range of up to 713 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle.

During our tests in real conditions, consumption was more like 21 kWh/100 km, allowing a range of between 550 and 600 kilometres on a single charge. These are very reasonable figures considering the imposing dimensions of this estate car, which is 4.93 m long, 1.92 m wide and weighs 2,260 kg.
When it comes to recharging, the Audi A6 e-tron Performance stands out with a charging power of 270 kW. At a fast charging station, it takes just over 20 minutes to go from 10 to 80% charge. And in just 10 minutes, it can recover 310 kilometres of range, thanks to its PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform developed jointly by Audi and Porsche.

It is entirely possible to recharge on a 400V infrastructure thanks to the division of the battery into two 400V modules, capable of recharging simultaneously at a power of up to 135 kW. However, at 800V, the charging time is significantly reduced: an 800V architecture delivers twice as much power as a 400V architecture at equal current. In addition, it improves energy efficiency by limiting Joule effect losses in cables and electronic components.

The Audi A6 e-tron also incorporates a particularly sophisticated route planner. This system anticipates stops at charging stations by preconditioning the battery before arrival. The result is that the battery is ready to charge immediately, thus avoiding waiting times to reach the optimum temperature. This is a valuable feature that further improves the user experience on long journeys.

Great performance despite its weight!

The Audi A6 Avant e-tron Performance impresses with its performance, despite its imposing dimensions. Equipped with a synchronous electric motor positioned on the rear axle, this propulsion system develops a power output of 270 kW (367 hp) and a generous torque of 565 Nm. These characteristics enable it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

This Audi has a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. An adaptive air suspension (optional) coupled with controlled shock absorbers ensures a perfect balance between comfort and dynamism. This suspension, which can be adjusted on four levels, automatically adjusts according to the speed and the driver’s preferences via the Audi drive select system. In Efficiency mode, which is ideal for maximising range, the body is lowered by up to 2 cm, optimising aerodynamics and reducing fuel consumption. In Efficiency+, non-essential features such as heated seats can be deactivated to save even more energy. In Comfort, designed for maximum comfort, the suspension is raised to absorb road bumps. Vibrations are virtually non-existent, and sound insulation is exemplary thanks to the double glazing. In Dynamic, which is the sport mode, the car lowers for better stability and, thanks to its optimised front and rear axles, offers impeccable road holding, even in tight corners. Acceleration is lively, and despite rear-wheel drive and high torque, the vehicle remains perfectly controlled.

The default mode, Balanced, allows you to customise all the parameters, in particular the sensitivity of the steering and the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal, to achieve a balance between comfort and performance.

The Audi A6 e-tron is also equipped with steering wheel paddles to manage energy regeneration on two levels, as well as a freewheel mode and a Brake mode, offering maximum regeneration. This well-calibrated technology reduces the use of conventional brakes, although they lack a little bite during emergency braking.

The new Audi A6 Avant is suitable for all types of drivers, with petrol, diesel and electric engines, offering freedom of choice according to needs and preferences. Among them, the Audi A6 Avant e-tron Performance Edition One Grey stands out with a good balance between performance, comfort and durability. Designed for demanding drivers, it offers a real range of more than 500 kilometres without compromise, while respecting the environment.