On Wednesday, Audi announced the A6 Avant E-Tron electric concept car. It previews a production model that isn’t likely to reach North America, but its platform will underpin upcoming Audi EVs for global markets.
That platform is Premium Platform Electricity (PPE), which is also the foundation for A6 E-Tron Concept unveiled at the 2021 Shanghai Motor Show. Future PPE models previewed by the concept pair will form the fourth electric front for Audi, following the E-Tron range and the MLB-based platform, E-Tron GT and its J1 platform (shared with Porsche Taycan), and later Q4 E-Tron and its MEB platform.
Audi A6 Avant E-Tron concept
In this case, the platform is wrapped in a wagon body with the same dimensions as the current Audi A6 sedan and A7 fastback. But Audi claims a rather low drag coefficient of 0.24 for the A6 Avant E-Tron concept (the 0.22 A6 E-Tron sedan was announced).
An electric motor powers each axle, maintaining Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system while producing a combined 476 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Audi also mentioned a single-engine rear-wheel drive version.
Audi A6 Avant E-Tron concept
With a single engine, Audi claims the concept’s 100 kWh battery pack can deliver 435 miles of range during the European WLTP test cycle, which is generally more optimistic than the EPA test cycle. The PPE platform’s 800-volt charging system also allows for a 5%-80% charge in less than 25 minutes and a maximum charge rate of 270 kW, according to Audi.
While the PPE platform is expected to serve as an electric alternative to Audi’s current lineup — with improved styling similar to the A6 Avant E-Tron concept — the automaker is also testing it. with more advanced designs. A range of recent Audi concepts — including Grandsphere and Sky—Showed how it is possible to unleash a dedicated EV platform.
