Audi's early forays into electric vehicles primarily focused on crossovers, but the German luxury brand is now broadening its EV portfolio. Enter the A6 Sportback E-Tron and its more practical Avant sibling, though sadly the latter won't grace American shores. Both models ride on the same PPE platform that underpins the Q6 E-Tron and the new Porsche Macan.

As is the trend, the A6 E-Tron duo sports split headlights, with the main lights positioned below a separate strip of daytime running lights and turn signals. European models get adaptive matrix LEDs and configurable light signatures, but due to regulations, these features won't be available in the United States. The same goes for the sleek side cameras, as the North American version will stick to traditional mirrors.

Unlike the Q6 E-Tron’s conventional door handles, the A6 E-Tron features flush door handles for a sleeker profile. The Sportback, true to its name, is technically a hatchback with a practical tailgate. It bears some resemblance to the new A5 Sportback but with a more refined, one-piece light design.

Audi boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21 for the Sportback, making it the most aerodynamic road-going Audi and the most aero-efficient Volkswagen Group product currently on sale. However, the US-spec model won’t match this figure due to different wheel designs and the use of traditional mirrors. The Avant, while slightly less aerodynamic, still achieves an impressive 0.24 Cd.

Inside, the A6 E-Tron offers a familiar Audi cabin with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the passenger. The base model's dashboard might look odd without this additional display. A 14.5-inch central display dominates the centre console, while the driver gets an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, similar to the new A5.

Audi will offer the A6 Sportback E-Tron in the US in three versions: rear-wheel drive, Quattro, and the high-performance S6. The base model delivers 270kW, propelling it from 0 to 100 km/h in an estimated 5.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 209 km/h. The midrange model adds an e-motor at the front axle, boosting output to 315kW and cutting the sprint to 4.3 seconds while maintaining the same top speed.

The flagship S6 Sportback E-Tron packs 370kW, with launch control temporarily upping the output to 405kW, enough for a 0 to 100 km/h dash in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h.

All models feature a 94.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, supporting DC fast charging up to 270 kW. This allows the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 21 minutes.

Full technical specifications for the US-bound A6 Sportback E-Tron will be disclosed closer to its launch. However, the European RWD version is expected to cover over 750 km on a single charge, while the Avant should manage over 720 km. The more powerful S versions offer a slightly lower range, at 670 km for the Sportback and 640 km for the Avant.

While the WLTP range figures aren't available yet, the EPA estimates for the US-spec model are likely to be lower. In comparison, the most efficient BMW i5 in the US can travel 475 km on a single charge, the Mercedes EQE manages 480 km, and the Tesla Model S is rated up to 647 km.

The Avant features more than just a longer roof, with additional spoilers on the rear diffuser and side to achieve its remarkable drag coefficient. The electric family hauler also gets the sporty S6 treatment, hitting 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

With the electric A6, Audi signals the beginning of the end for the gas-powered A6. The next internal combustion engine (ICE) model will transition to the A7 moniker, aligning with Audi’s updated naming strategy where electric cars carry even numbers and combustion vehicles odd numbers. This revised strategy is already evident with the new A5 Sportback and A5 Avant, paving the way for a future electric A4. Similarly, the next A8 will also be an EV.