Audi's quest to become an all-electric brand will continue next year when it launches a production version of the gorgeous A6 e-tron concept. This doesn't come as much of a surprise given that the concept looked relatively close to being production-ready. Roadshow confirmed with the automaker that the EV will go on sale as a 2023 model.

Revealed in April at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Audi A6 e-tron is expected to be a direct rival to the also upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan. While it's wise for Audi to retain the A6 badge for general name recognition it'll share absolutely nothing else in common with the current A6. It rides on a completely different platform, the scalable Premium Platform Electric which, as its name clearly indicates, is for electric models only.

The concept features a pair of electric motors - one at each axle - that produce a combined 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. A 100-kWh battery pack is planted between the axles and it can be recharged from just five to 80 percent in less than 25 minutes. All-wheel drive, adaptive dampers, and an air suspension should come standard, too.

No interior images have been released but expect it to be the typical outstanding build quality the brand is known for. A large touchscreen featuring Audi's MMI system and all-digital driver's cluster should be standard.

The PPE setup has been jointly developed by Audi and Porsche; it'll underpin the all-electric Macan next year as well as additional Porsche EVs in the coming years.

Audi will further make use of it for the Q6 e-tron, also due in 2022 as a 2023 model. The PPE shouldn't be mistaken with the VW Group's other current EV platforms, MEB and J1, which underpin the Audi Q4 e-tron and Porsche Taycan, respectively.

Interestingly, the PPE platform may have a relatively short life cycle because the VW Group is working on another scalable platform that'll arrive mid-decade to serve as the basis for a majority of its future EVs across all of its brands. An official launch date and venue haven't been announced for either of the new e-tron models, but this information should become available shortly.