Audi's A6 family is about to expand to include an electric member, and a prototype has just been spotted.
The electric variant is the A6 E-Tron, which Audi first previewed in 2021 with a thinly veiled concept version. The automaker followed up the original concept with an A6 Avant E-Tron concept earlier this year, hinting strongly the A6 E-Tron will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles (Avant is Audi's name for wagons).
The production A6 E-Tron is confirmed for launch in 2023, meaning it will likely arrive at dealerships as a 2024 model. It will compete against the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan that arrived for the 2023 model year, as well as high-end versions of the Tesla Model S hatchback.
Audi A6 E-Tron Concept - 2021 Shanghai auto show
As the spy shots and video indicate, the production A6 E-Tron will closely resemble the stunning concept. The concept measured 195.3 inches in length, which is about the size of the internal-combustion-powered A6, and the production version should also be this size.
There will be some differences, of course, like slightly more ground clearance, as well as actual side mirrors instead of the show car's camera stalks. The LED light bar that formed the taillights of the concept is also hidden here beneath camouflage gear.
The headlights of the prototype are formed from twin elements, while the concept only featured thin slits at the top that formed the daytime running lights. A similar design will feature on the related Q6 E-Tron SUV whose launch has been delayed to next year.
Both the Q6 E-Tron and A6 E-Tron will be among the first vehicles based on Volkswagen Group's PPE modular EV platform that was primarily developed by Audi and Porsche. The first Porsche to ride on the platform will be the electric Macan, which has also seen its launch delayed, this time to 2024.
Audi has confirmed the A6 E-Tron will offer single-motor, rear-wheel drive and dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrains. Audi used a dual-motor setup in the concept rated at 469 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Audi also said the concept was fitted with a 100-kwh battery good for more than 300 miles of range and capable of charging from 5-80% in less than 25 minutes thanks to 800-volt technology. Audi Sport may also offer a high-performance RS 6 E-Tron with more than 600 hp.
Even though Audi is about to launch the A6 E-Tron, the current internal-combustion model will stick around for a few years. Audi is planning a mild update to keep the car fresh alongside its new electric sibling. However, Audi will only launch EVs starting in 2026.
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Mercedes-Benz in early June unveiled a redesigned GLC-Class that will hit showrooms shortly as a 2023 model. The handsome crossover will eventually spawn new GLC 43 and GLC 63 performance options developed by AMG, and prototypes for the GLC 63 have been spotted.
The current GLC 63 and spicier GLC 63 S are Motor Authority favorites, thanks to their tough looks, track-honed suspension, and of course the V-8 lump under the hood.
For the redesigned GLC 63, the V-8 will be replaced by a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain relying on a turbo-4 for its internal-combustion component. The new setup, signified by new E Performance branding, made its debut in a redesigned C 63 S, now branded the C 63 S E Performance. The electrified sport sedan goes on sale next summer as a 2024 model. Look for this new GLC 63 S E Performance to also arrive for 2024.
In the C 63 S E Performance, the turbo-4 is an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter engine found in AMG's current crop of compact cars. Thanks to the addition of an electric-aided turbocharger, output from the engine is boosted to 469 hp. It also has an electric motor integrated with the engine in mild-hybrid configuration to power ancillary features, as well as serve as a starter motor.
Mercedes-AMG E Performance
On top of all this, there is a much more powerful motor (up to 201 hp) at the rear axle, which means combined output can be bumped up to 671 hp for brief stints. This rear motor is mated to its own 2-speed transmission. A 6.1-kwh battery ensures a small electric range will be possible. Unfortunately, all the new hardware adds about 780 pounds over the outgoing C 63. Expect a similar weight gain for the GLC 63.
A similar setup, albeit with a more powerful V-8 engine, features in AMG's recently revealed 2023 S 63 E Performance, as well as the 2023 GT 63 S E Performance.
Like the redesigned C-Class, the redesigned GLC-Class will also have a tamer GLC 43 model from AMG, a prototype for which is also shown in the video. It has the round exhaust tips, while the GLC 63 S E Performance has the square-shaped tips. In the C 43, the same 2.0-liter turbo-4 as the C 63 S E Performance delivers 402 hp. It also has a mild-hybrid system, essentially a beefed up starter motor that also acts as a generator and is able to provide a temporary boost of 13 hp during high-load situations. A GLC 63 E Performance (non S) may sit in the middle of the performance lineup to replace the current GLC 63, though AMG hasn't confirmed this. All of the models should also come in coupe-like form.
Another upgrade planned for both the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance should be rear-wheel steering.
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