Designed for progress – D(r)ive in with us

This month, we launched the Audi A6 e-tron – the second model based on our Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and the first ever all electric Audi Avant. So, of course, the July edition of our newsletter features insights on the new model’s design and technology. In addition, we look at how our production sites are becoming even more sustainable and what makes Audi charging hubs a community institution.

Designing the brand-new Audi A6 e-tron

1. Sascha Heyde , what makes great contemporary car design?

We live in a unique age for automotive design. Sustainability, suitability for everyday use, personal freedom – design can take many approaches to help shape the automotive transition. We first defined our vision for the Sportback and Avant with two preceding concept cars. 

2. Which aspects of the design are you most proud of?

For us designers, proportions are everything. We really wanted to give the A6 e-tron the attractive proportions of the concept car. And, like it, we wanted the production model to appear very monolithic, almost sculpture-like. At the same time, we are transporting the familiar elements such as our quattro muscles, the Singleframe, and the language of light into the all-electric, digital world.

3. Audi is well known for its station wagons. How would you describe the A6 Avant e-tron*?

“The most beautiful wagons are called Avant.” This is a slogan that we’re well known for. To make sure that the new A6 e-tron is no exception, we gave it a lot of dynamism. We also wanted to further reduce the visual height and emphasize the sporty character of the car while giving it something very special, something never seen before. To achieve this, we for instance completely redesigned the roof: The chrome trim now connects with the roof spoiler as a distinct design element.

Audi employees enjoy an exclusive first look at our new Audi A5 family

This year, we launched the biggest model offensive in our history, and our German site in Neckarsulm started the largest start-up phase in the plant’s history. That’s not possible without the great effort of our employees.

One of this month's key moments was the launch of the new Audi A5 family. When the time arrived for the world debut of the new vehicle range in mid-July, it was important to us to show it to the people who worked so hard for its success first: around 2,000 employees attended the world premiere to watch Plant Manager Fred Schulze and Works Council Chairman Rainer Schirmer unveil the new Audi A5 family.

For an even better impression, take a look at the picture of the month!

Who are the users of our Audi charging hubs and what are their stories?

To find out, the Audi editorial team spent a full day at our first location in Nuremberg, Germany. There, they met many unique characters – on two legs, on four legs, and, of course, on four wheels too.

The Audi charging hub has become a real community for its users, most of whom are recurring visitors. One of its key people is Dominik Buhr , head of the concierge team. His task is to ensure that everything runs smoothly and the community is happy.  

Click here to meet Dominik and the Audi charging hub community in Nuremberg:

Outstanding aerodynamics for long range

Superior aerodynamics is a core component of the long history of successes for Audi. Today, the Audi A6 e-tron is writing a new chapter in this success story. Its sporty design and set-up contribute to its excellent aerodynamics and ensure an exceptionally low cw value of 0.21 for the Sportback, making it the best Audi of all time in terms of aerodynamics and the most aerodynamic vehicle in the VW Group. The Avant also achieves a very good cw value of 0.24, making it one of the best in its segment.

The result? An electric range of up to 756 kilometers for the A6 Sportback e-tron** and up to 720 kilometers for the A6 Avant e-tron*.

Sustainable production of the new Audi A5 family

Audi marks the start of production of the new A5 family in Neckarsulm, Germany. The portfolio is based on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which includes partially electrified drives and new electronics architecture. We consistently focus on sustainability: from 2025, we will manufacture all models at the site in a net carbon-neutral*** way. Our “360factory” strategy provides for more efficient production lines, greater automation, and innovative technologies.

From 2025, the new paint shop in Neckarsulm will be among the most modern in the industry. Most importantly, it will reduce energy consumption per vehicle by up to 140 kWh. A closed water circuit will save 70% in fresh water. Fully automated processes and modern technologies such as augmented reality ensure maximum quality and efficiency.

Here you can get more insights into the production of the Audi A5 family:

What’s next?

There is a sporty summer ahead! In August, the FC Bayern München Summer Tour sponsored by Audi is set to kick off in Korea.

Furthermore, the Formula Student Germany competition at Hockenheim racecourse will take place during August too. Fingers crossed for the two teams we sponsor from Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt and Technical University of Munich . As a special guest AI expert Cedric Mössner is hosting a coding challenge at the Audi booth on August 14-15.

Two great events – follow us to make sure you don't miss anything.

* Audi A6 Avant e-tron: Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 17.0-14.8; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; CO₂-class: A.

** Audi A6 Sportback e-tron: Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km: 15.9-14.0; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; CO₂-class: A.

*** Audi understands net-zero CO₂ emissions to mean a situation in which, after other possible reduction measures have been exhausted, the company offsets the carbon emitted by Audi’s products or activities and/or the carbon emissions that currently cannot be avoided in the supply chain, manufacturing, and recycling of Audi vehicles through voluntary offsetting projects carried out worldwide. In this context, carbon emissions generated during a vehicle’s utilization stage, i.e. from the moment it is delivered to the customer, are not taken into account.