Audi has been snapped testing its new rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQE, complete with a set of split headlights.

    Along with the sedan version pictured here, the A6 e-tron range will grow to include a wagon… hopefully.

    Like the 2021 concept preceding it, the production of the A6 e-tron seems to feature a soft, flowing shape punctuated by some sharp creases, primarily along the flanks and at the rear.

    Gone are the slim, one-piece headlights from the concept though, replaced by a set of very on-trend split headlights. The upper section appears to house LED daytime running lights, the lower houses the low- and high-beam units.

    The same treatment has been applied to the A6 Avant e-tron concept, which followed the A6 e-tron sedan.

    Casting our eyes along the side, we can see the doors are flatter than on the concept. Additionally, there are traditional wing mirrors instead of camera pods, and lift-up door handles.

    At the rear the concept’s short rear deck has been carried over, but the scalloping has been toned down and the tail lights are thicker than before.

    Under the skin the A6 e-tron will use the PPE (Platform Premium Electric) architecture being jointly developed by Audi and Porsche. The first PPE-based vehicles to be released with the next-generation Porsche Macan and the Q6 e-tron.

    The 2021 concept featured a 100kWh battery pack, and was said to have support for fast charging at up to 270kW plus 700km of range under the WLTP test cycle.

    At the time of the concept’s launch, Audi said the production A6 e-tron will be available in both rear- and all-wheel drive formats, with one variant said to have 350kW and 800Nm at its disposal.

    Given the concept looked almost production-ready, and measured 4.96m long, 1.96m wide and 1.44m tall, we expect this prototype and the showroom-ready car to be around the same size.

    Audi has committed to becoming an all-electric brand by 2033 in every market except China, while rules proposed by the European Commission will make it impossible for automakers to sell new cars with internal combustion engines within the EU by 2035.

    MORE: Everything Audi A6

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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