Audi & SHARP
Regular readers of SHARP know that we’re big fans of Audi’s e-tron range of electric vehicles, and this new A6 e-tron family provides yet another avenue through which to enjoy an electrified Audi experience right here in Canada. The new nameplate — the second to appear on the brand’s ground-up built Premium Platform Electric, and the first sedan on this architecture — made an impeccable first impression on the launch program we attended back in December, and their arrival for purchase in Canada prompted us to take another look at Audi’s latest luxury EV.
Performance and Comfort: No Compromises
Of the many strong cases to be made for the new A6 e-tron family , a conversation needs to be had about the idea of getting everything you need in a car. It’s not something many automakers do well, but Audi’s obsessive focus on perfected design leads the brand to build cars that can tick all of the required boxes, plus the few that you hadn’t even thought of. We’ve all been there — those moments in the vehicle buying process where you feel like you’re constantly compromising. Cars that are beautifully designed but functionally impractical, or cars that are technologically innovative but don’t have the dealer support or reliability track record you want in order to feel secure in the purchase. Audi’s entry into electrification, combined with its meticulous attention to detail helps push the idea of compromise out the window.
Starting with the performance conversation, we begin with a powertrain capable of delivering 456 horsepower in base trim, that can in turn deliver up to over 600 kilometres of range (in Ultra spec, as estimated by NRCan) and recharge on HPC/DC Fast Charging. Power and range isn’t everything, but when packaged with a finely tuned Audi chassis in a sleek and aerodynamic body, the driving dynamics will keep its pilot entertained without a sacrifice of space and comfort.
More to the point of space, Audi’s designers sculpted the A6 e-tron in a sweeping sportback form, providing both aerodynamic improvements as well as improved rearward storage, yet its driving position and centre of gravity are akin to its sedan siblings found elsewhere in the Audi portfolio. Despite being an A6 e-tron, this is not merely an extrapolation of the internal combustion-powered variant in Audi’s lineup, but rather an exciting new design language both inside and out that delivers all the refinement and elegance that’s expected of the German marque.
The Added Perks
Once the core requirements are covered, there remain several impressive additional features (some standard and some optional) that further enhance the appeal of Audi’s new A6 e-tron. Its expansive panoramic glass roof creates an open and airy in-cabin experience, with 9-segment electrochromic shading technology that allows the glass to be lightened and darkened as desired. There’s no big moving sunshade to fuss with here. The A6 e-tron is also fitted with an immersive wraparound 11.9-inch virtual cockpit that seamlessly integrates with its 14.5-inch MMI display, creating a crisp digital presentation of both driver instrumentation and multimedia interface. An additional passenger screen is also available, allowing an immersive experience for both drivers and passengers alike.
Of course, we can’t forget about the audio upgrade — one of our favourite option boxes to tick is a worthwhile one here. The A6 e-tron can be fitted with an optional 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, with 830 watts of output, 3D sound, and bespoke headrest speakers to create a fantastically immersive audio experience.
With compromise forgotten, the Audi A6 e-tron family stands to make a statement — a statement that says you value quality, performance, refined design, and advanced technology. This is the car that will make other stop and appreciate its form, and put a smile on the family’s face every time you head into the garage or driveway.
Learn more about the Audi A6 e-tron here.
