2012 Audi A6 L e-Tron Concept

Audi is further expanding its e-Tron line-up with a new A6 L e-Tron concept at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. This decision really shouldn’t surprise anyone considering people in the Chinese market love their large cars, but want efficiency in their models as well. The new A6 L e-Tron Concept serves up the perfect combination the luxury and the practicality of an A6, and a range of 49.71 miles on pure electric power.

Like all the other e-Tron models, the new A6 L e-Tron concept combines a 211 HP 2.0 TFSI engine with a 95 HP electric motor. The electric motor takes its power from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery located in a collision-protected space at the rear of the vehicle.

The concept was built on an ultra lightweight principle that combines 10% aluminum with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The interior is almost similar to a standard A6, except that the power-meter replaces the tachometer that offers the driver the info he needs.

Exterior and Interior

In building the new A6 L e-Tron concept, Audi applied the same ultra lightweight principle used for the standard A6 L. This means that the concept uses about 10% aluminum to make it about 15% lighter than a comparable all-steel design. In combination with the aluminum, Audi also used carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in order to obtain the best performance with the least material usage at the best places.

For the interior, Audi has replaced the standard tachometer with a new power-meter that indicates total drive system power on a scale of 0 to 100%. Colored segments indicate the current operating state of the A6 L e-tron concept; an auxiliary instrument visualizes the charge state of the lithium-ion battery. Meanwhile, the energy flow indicator tells the driver the current operating mode and which hybrid drive components are currently active. It can be called up from the driver information system or MMI monitor.

The concept also features new seats with ventilation and massage functions, a Bose surround system that delivers good sound, and the deluxe automatic air conditioning system with air ionizer.

Engine

The Audi A6L e-Tron Concept combines a 211 HP 2.0 TFSI engine with an 95 HP electric motor. The electric motor takes its power from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery located in a collision-protected space at the rear of the vehicle. In pure electric mode and at constant speed of 37.28 mph the concept offers a range of 49.71 miles.

When Can I Buy One?

Audi hasn’t said anything about a production version of the A6L e-Tron Concept, but we’re guessing if it dopes get produced, we’ll see it in the next two or three years.