Spy shots of the 2024 Audi A6 E-Tron: Audi's Tesla Model S competitor revealed

An electric car is about to be added to Audi's A6 family, and a prototype has been spotted.

The electric car is the A6 E-Tron, which Audi first previewed in a thinly veiled concept version in 2021. Audi followed up the original concept this week with the A6 Avant E-Tron concept, strongly suggesting that the A6 E-Tron will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles (Avant is Audi's wagon name).

The production model of the A6 E-Tron has been confirmed for 2023 and will likely arrive in dealerships as a 2024 model, competing with the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and the high-end version of the Tesla Model S hatchback that will appear in the 2023 model year. will be competing with the high-end versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and Tesla Model S hatchback.

As the spy shots show, the production A6 E-Tron will closely resemble the stunning concept. The concept measures 195.3 inches in length, which is about the same size as an A6 with an internal combustion engine, and we suspect the production version will be that size as well.

Of course, there will be some differences, such as slightly higher ground clearance and actual side mirrors instead of the show car's camera stalk. The LED light bars that formed the taillights on the concept car are also absent here, but these are expected to appear on the production model.

You will also notice that the headlights, which in the concept featured narrow slits at the top forming the daytime running lights, are now formed by twin elements. A similar design will be used on a related SUV, the Q6 E-Tron, scheduled for launch later this year.

Both the Q6 E-Tron and A6 E-Tron will be among the first vehicles based on Volkswagen Group's PPE (Premium Platform Electric) modular EV platform. The first Porsche to ride this platform will be the electric Macan, scheduled for launch in 2023.

Audi has confirmed that the A6 E-Tron will offer single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive. Audi used dual motors in the concept, with a maximum output of 469 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The concept is powered by a 100-kilowatt-hour battery with a range of more than 300 miles and 800-volt technology that can be charged from 5 to 80% within 25 minutes. Also, Audi Sport may unveil a high-performance RS 6 E-Tron with over 600 hp.

Even though Audi is about to launch the A6 E-Tron, the current internal combustion model will remain around for a few more years. Audi plans a mild update to keep it fresh along with its new electric siblings. After 2026, however, Audi plans to launch only EVs.