Audi A6 e-tron quattro
PPE-platform dual-motor in the A6 e-tron quattro. 270 kW peak power (approx. 138 kW continuous). Two PSM motors for all-wheel drive. 800V technology enables up to 270 kW charging speed.
Sporting character — driving fun guaranteed
367 hp dual electric motor with noticeable temperament.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The A6 e-tron quattro (270 kW) shares the PPE software problems: door lock unresponsive, collision warning without cause, CarPlay failure, app reporting faults that the MMI does not show. Software level at delivery often incomplete.
Symptoms: Doors cannot be opened via app, warning messages for no apparent reason, CarPlay does not connect, audio non-functional. Workshop update or control unit replacement needed.
Like the Q6 e-tron quattro, owners of the A6 e-tron quattro report harmonic resonance noises from the front. Audi plans balance weights for the electric motors. Dealers initially classify the noise as normal.
Symptoms: Harmonic humming or droning from the front at 50–60 km/h, independent of tyre brand. Gets louder at higher speeds.
PPE platform vehicles occasionally report 12V issues after several weeks without a charge connection. The system requires regular use or a permanent charge connection.
Symptoms: Vehicle not ready to start after several days of standing. All systems unresponsive. Jump start or workshop visit needed.
Despite the PPE platform's advertised OTA capability, most updates must be installed at the workshop. Vehicles from 2025 can be software-outdated within 8 months compared to new MY2026 models.
Symptoms: Software level outdated despite promised OTA function. New features only available via workshop visit. Update takes up to 3 hours at the workshop.
The A6 e-tron quattro is also delivered as standard with only 11 kW AC charging. The 22 kW option was not available at market launch. A significant limitation for a premium vehicle priced over 90,000 €.
Symptoms: Wallbox charging takes noticeably longer than expected. Charge power display shows max. 11 kW despite a 22 kW-capable wallbox.
Vehicle Weaknesses 3
On 2021 Audi models (predecessor platform to the C9), the digital instrument cluster can suddenly go dark due to increased connection resistance in the cable. Audi resolves this via a software update reducing sensitivity to voltage fluctuations.
KBA action 93AD affects plug-in hybrid A6, A7, Q5 from production period 08/2019–08/2024. Cell modules in the high-voltage battery can overheat during charging and cause a vehicle fire. Software update as solution (approx. 60 min workshop visit).
New model generation with complex electronics architecture. Experience from the C8 shows ACC failures ('unavailable'), MMI crashes and an overly sensitive emergency braking assistant as typical early software issues. Similar teething problems are expected for the C9.