Audi unveils luxury electric behemoth that can project video games onto walls

Audi is jumping on the emerging electric executive bandwagon with the A6 Avant e-tron, a 4.96-metre long behemoth of a luxury concept car that even will feature high definition LED matrix headlights that can be used to beam video games onto walls.

The A6 Avant electric wagon concept comes almost 12 months since the German carmaker first debuted the electric A6 electric sedan concept with a projected 700km range, which is expected to arrive (in Europe at least) in late 2022.

The A6 Avant E-Tron concept is based on the new PPE platform that the Ingolstadt-based company developed with Porsche to underpin future electric models from the compact to the luxury class.

And although it is for now only a concept, Audi board member for technical development Oliver Hoffmann says the A6 Avant e-tron is “a completely tangible look at future production models on our new PPE technology platform.”

Like the Porsche Taycan and Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, with which it shares the PPE platform, the A6 Avant e-tron will feature an 800-volt architecture, 270 kW of charging capacity, and deliver the same WLTP range of up to 700 kilometres, he says.

It is based on the proportions and appearance of the conventional A6 models, but gives away its electric drive technology by a closed front grille, extra short overhangs and aerodynamically designed body. Huge 22-inch rims spell out the A6 Avant e-tron’s sportscar DNA.

At the rear, there is a continuous light band made of OLED technology that allow individual and dynamic lighting scenarios, and which Audi says will increase vehicle visibility on dark roads. Other lighting units on the flanks are used to project warning signals or indicators onto the asphalt.

But perhaps the most intriguing additions are the LED matrix headlights that, Audi says, can even be used to project a video game onto a wall, “almost” achieving cinematic quality images.

To do this, the vehicle must be charged in, and it does beg the question: will we be seeing games on walls in shopping centre car parks or at fast chargers while occupants wait for the car to top up? Presumably the area will need to be somewhat dark to project brightly enough.

When the A6 e-tron comes onto the market, Audi will initially continue to offer the conventional model and its successor – at least in selected countries: the Volkswagen subsidiary has no plans to go fully electric until 2033.

According to Audi, the design is already very close to series production, and any changes would only be on minor details. What the interior and cockpit will look like however is still under wraps.

However, it is not unreasonable to surmise that thanks to A6 Avant e-tron’s almost 5 metres length and the lack of cardan tunnel usual in a car with traditional combustion drivetrain, there will be oodles of legroom for driver and passengers alike.