In a candid interview, Audi’s exterior designers, Sascha Heyde and Wolf Seebers, unveil the journey from concept to production for the groundbreaking Audi A6 e-tron series.
Design Visionaries: The Minds Behind the Masterpiece
Sascha Heyde and Wolf Seebers, who have been friends and neighbors for over two decades, share a deep passion for automotive design. As Audi exterior designers, they have played a pivotal role in shaping the A6 e-tron family. Their journey began with the awe-inspiring A6 e-tron concept and A6 Avant e-tron concept, eventually bringing these visionary designs to life in production models.
Concept Cars: The Birth of Innovation
When asked about the relevance of concept cars today, Heyde emphasized their role in breaking traditional barriers and exploring new design frontiers. “Concepts represent unbridled visions, allowing us to quickly and systematically create new worlds,” he said. Seebers added that premium cars are no longer just about transportation; they are expressions of personality and design objects. Concept cars help define and create these new spaces without limitations.
From Show Car to Road Car: The Design Evolution
The Audi A6 e-tron concept, introduced in 2021, laid the foundation for an innovative family with an all-electric drive. Heyde explained that in the early stages of a production-oriented concept, designers prioritize proportions over technical requirements. This approach allows for a more exaggerated, striking design.
Seebers recalled the success of past concepts, like the Audi TT, which transitioned almost unchanged from concept to production. “We achieved a similar feat with the A6 e-tron,” he noted, highlighting the importance of maintaining the concept’s core design elements in the final model.
Design Challenges and Triumphs
The new technology architecture, Premium Platform Electric (PPE), significantly influenced the A6 e-tron’s design. Seebers described the challenge of integrating the battery, the car’s “heart,” without compromising the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal. They introduced a horizontal inlay in the rocker panel to visually compensate for the additional height, a feature now shared across Audi’s electric models.
Heyde and Seebers also focused on preserving the concept’s progressive front end, featuring an inverted Singleframe and accentuated daytime running lights. This design choice maintains the A6 e-tron’s futuristic appearance while incorporating essential technological elements.
The Avant: Tradition Meets Innovation
In 2022, Audi unveiled the A6 Avant e-tron concept, set to hit the roads in 2024. Seebers emphasized the importance of maintaining the Avant’s legacy while introducing innovative electric elements. The lean of the C-pillar was crucial to achieving the Avant’s dynamic, sporty silhouette. Heyde explained that they spent countless hours perfecting this design aspect to ensure it embodied the essence of an Audi Avant while offering something uniquely new.
Aerodynamics: Form Meets Function
Achieving top marks for aerodynamics was a critical aspect of the A6 e-tron’s design. Seebers highlighted the collaborative efforts with the Aerodynamics team, resulting in a harmonious blend of form and function. The A6 e-tron’s exceptional Cd value of 0.21 is a testament to this meticulous design process.
A Friendship Forged in Design
Heyde and Seebers’ close friendship and collaborative spirit were instrumental in the A6 e-tron’s creation. Their complementary roles—Heyde as the creative force and Seebers as the technological liaison—ensured every detail was executed with precision and passion.
Their collaboration extended to Gerhard Lawall from the Surfaces team, who brought decades of experience to the project. His expertise in finalizing the visible surfaces played a crucial role in transitioning the A6 e-tron from concept to reality.
A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation
The Audi A6 e-tron stands as a testament to Audi’s ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge innovation. For Heyde and Seebers, the A6 e-tron is not just another model but a once-in-a-lifetime sculpture that embodies their design philosophy and dedication.
As the A6 e-tron rolls off production lines and into the hands of customers, it carries with it the passion, creativity, and collaborative spirit of the designers who brought it to life.
