Audi adds cheaper A6 e-tron models to the lineup

Audi is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of more affordable versions of its A6 e-tron. These new models come in both rear-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive configurations, giving more choice for those interested in the sleek A6 e-tron.

Previously, the A6 e-tron was available in the performance rear-wheel drive variant and a sporty S6 e-tron with quattro all-wheel drive. Now, Audi is adding a vanilla rear-wheel drive model and a quattro version.

The new rear-wheel drive A6 e-tron boasts an impressive range of up to 390 miles with a slightly smaller 83 kWh battery pack (75.8 kWh net). It delivers respectable 210 kW (282 hp), or 240 kW (322 horsepower) with Launch Control. This allows the A6 e-tron to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in six seconds flat.

One of the standout features of the A6 e-tron is its 800V architecture, which enables fast charging at up to 225 kW. At a compatible high-power DC charging station, you can add up to 162 miles of range in just ten minutes. A charge from 10% to 80% takes around 21 minutes.

If you’re looking for more performance, the new quattro variant of the A6 e-tron delivers. With a larger 100 kWh battery (94.9 kWh net) and dual electric motors, it produces 315 kW (422 horsepower), or 340 kW (456 horsepower) with Launch Control. This translates to a 0 to 62 mph time of just 4.5 seconds.

The quattro model also supports charging at up to 270 kW, allowing you to gain 180 miles of range in ten minutes. Like the rear-wheel drive model, a 10% to 80% charge takes 21 minutes. The quattro version offers a range of up to 445 miles.

The rear-wheel drive A6 Sportback e-tron starts at $73,600, while the A6 Avant e-tron starts at $75,500. The quattro versions are priced at $93,500 for the A6 Sportback e-tron quattro and $95,420 for the A6 Avant e-tron quattro.

Although this is great news - seeing a cheaper electric Audi is always a good thing - the new additions can hardly be called affordable. Audi, in its press release, makes it sound as if that the new models will attract swathes of buyers looking for cheap electric cars. Last time we checked, $72,600 wasn’t anywhere near affordable levels, let alone $94,000. These are undoubtedly nice cars, but they aren’t mass-market by any stretch of imagination.

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