Audi has revealed its A6 e-tron four-door saloon concept at the Shanghai Motor Show, previewing an all-electric version of the A6 that will launch in 2023.

Audi A6 e-tron Concept

Arriving in saloon form, and possibly Avant estate, the concept provides the first glimpse of Audi and Porsche’s new ‘Premium Platform Electric’, although the first model to be based on it will be the Q6 e-tron SUV.

The new platform makes it possible to achieve a relatively flat layout for the battery; this enables the use of the PPE platform as both a base for vehicles with a high ground clearance such as SUVs and what Audi terms as those with a decidedly dynamic, flat architecture – such as the Audi A6 e-tron concept – without any changes to the basic architecture.

The A6 e-tron Sportback concept’s sleek design brings a very low drag coefficient of just 0.22Cd, said to be unprecedented in the segment.

The concept’s powertrain uses two electric motors, giving 476hp of power and 800Nm of torque, and a 100kW battery.

It’s expected to have a range of more than 700km (435 miles) and be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds in its top-performing guise. But even entry-level models focused on efficiency are expected to be able to accelerate to 100km/h (62mph) in less than seven seconds. There will be rear-wheel drive and quattro versions.

The concept also features 800V charging technology, which will be used in all future PPE vehicles and enables charging up to 270kW.