The Audi A6 e-tron Sportback leaks ahead of schedule

While the German brand has not yet officially confirmed its lineup for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March, one of its novelties for Frankfurt, in September, has come out well ahead of schedule. It is the A6 e-tron Sportback prototype, whose leak comes from the German publication Autobild. The publication has broken yet another record for embargo breaches by revealing its details.

According to the magazine, this concept model previews the new design language that Audi will adopt in the future. The front keeps the traditional hexagonal grille, except that it will only occupy the upper part without encroaching on the bumper. The headlights of the A6 e-tron Sportback are sharper than those of current models, although they do not give up the usual LED spectacle that Audi is known for.

The prototype measures between 4.80 and 5 metres in length, has practically invisible overhangs, and belongs to a vehicle class that is back in fashion: the shooting brake. Audi does not intend to let Mercedes-Benz have the segment to itself with the CLS, and the Ingolstadt company rarely shies away from any segment. Autobild states that its height will even be greater than that of the A6 saloon and Avant, so it will be more spacious.

The e-tron Sportback, as its name suggests, runs on electricity, but not only on electricity. It has a hybrid system that combines the 300 CV 2.0 TFSI engine from the S3 with an electric motor. Together they produce up to 400 horsepower. The German publication estimates the electric range at a maximum of 100 kilometres. If it reaches production, it would be an asset that Mercedes-Benz had not counted on for its CLS, which would leave it at a disadvantage.

Via | Autobild