Since we have to choose a luxury C-class car, we have filtered out the Audi A6L, which was once known as the "official car", and the NIO ET7, which can achieve L3 level of assisted driving, based on the principle of "buy the right one, not the best one". We can't say that these two cars are the "best" in German luxury and high-end smart electric, but they are the best choices in their class. As for how to choose between these two cars, we bring you the similarly priced Audi A6L 2023 55 TFSI qauttro Premium Dynamic (hereinafter "Audi A6L") at 558,900 yuan and the NIO ET7 2022 100kWh First Edition (hereinafter "NIO ET7") at 536,000 yuan. "This is a hard-hitting way to help you make your decision.
NIO ET7 exterior is more sporty than Audi A6L
Visually, although the Audi A6L was once an "official car", the standardized S-line has not affected the degree of individuality on it. After the facelift, the segmented dot matrix center grille highlights the new recognition in the hexagonal grille, and the matrix LED headlights and C-shaped deflector look valiant without losing the sense of stability. So do the lines of the whole car. The length, width and height dimensions of 5050/1886/1475mm and the wheelbase of 3024mm make it slender enough, but it is evident that the class on it is still a bit more important than the personality, whether it is the complete metal-clad windows or the chrome strips running through the ends of the rear.
The NIO ET7 continues the recognizability of the family SUV, with split headlights that look quirky and sci-fi, but the mostly closed grille is still somewhat converged, with the main layers presented through a central recess, and a trapezoidal lower grille structure retained in the lower area. Meanwhile, the 5101/1987/1509mm body dimensions and 3060mm wheelbase are a comprehensive win over the Audi A6L, but it looks thicker than the latter, perhaps due to the visual center of gravity shifting back from the sport side skirts and C-pillar slider. Of course, the rear of the full smoked through the light band, will be with the canopy roof and chassis full surround, release a stronger sports signal.
Audi A6L interior will be more advantageous than ET7 as an SUV?
In the cockpit, Audi A6L is a classic three-screen separation, in addition to the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 10.1 + 8.6-inch dual-touch in the center position down to operate more smoothly, while the air vents are top-mounted and decorated throughout, while it along with the electronic gearshift mechanism a piece with solid wood trim, steering wheel for the flat-bottom sports design, door panels will be stacked with the gearshift mechanism for decoration, sports The sport seats get a portion of Alcantara suede.
The NIO ET7 pursues the same sci-fi feel as the cabin exterior style, but of course, is also very simple. 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is suspended, while the 12.8-inch touchscreen OLED is a longitudinal layout with NOMI interactive voice assistant on top. The gearshift mechanism is also electronically designed, the steering wheel is a flat-bottomed double-spoke splicing style, it also comes with a small amount of wood grain trim on the wrap-around center and door panels, and the seats are covered in full leather for a more visually fresh and modern look.
On the vehicle side, both models have the Smart Connect system and support a range of functions including real-time navigation, intelligent voice, remote control, and have the car network for support. Audi A6L side is equipped with Audi Connect that supports 4G + 5G, UI interface design and operation logic is more flat, or practicality-oriented, remote control and built-in applications are more limited. For entertainment, it will have 16-speaker B&O audio support, and retains a single-disc DVD, and the extra CarPlay connectivity will be its advantage.
The NIO ET7 is equipped with 5G supported NOMI with V2X vehicle-road cooperation and high precision map module, which makes real-time navigation more accurate and can work with assisted driving system, and supports OTA online upgrade, with richer voice and remote control functions. For entertainment, it realizes Dolby Atmos through 23 speakers and can be controlled through the independent multimedia panel in the rear. 256-color interactive ambient lighting and full soundproof glass will bring a better entertainment atmosphere.
Intelligent driving: NIO ET7's assisted driving configuration is richer than Audi A6L
In terms of intelligent driving, both cars support different degrees of assisted driving, but the L2 level of Audi A6L with the corresponding full-speed adaptive cruise is required as an option, and the standard equipment is only 360-degree panoramic image + fixed-speed cruise and a set of active braking system; while this side of NIO ET7 achieves standardized L2 level and optional L3 level through NAD, with standard 540-degree panoramic image + full-speed adaptive cruise + automatic With the parking + automatic lane change function, NAD autopilot, multi-scene piloting and parking can also be achieved, and remote parking + intelligent summoning is also available.
In terms of other features, both models come standard with leather steering wheel, front power seats, segmented sunroof, sensor-operated power tailgate, full keyless entry and in-car ambient lighting. In terms of comfort features, the Audi A6L will have steering wheel shift paddles with rear sunshade, while the NIO ET7 adds leg rests in the front and covers both rows with heating/ventilation/massage, and offers a full independent heat pump air conditioning system with fragrance and air purification, both for luxury and comprehensive comfort.
In terms of power, Audi A6L has a 3.0T V6 engine with maximum power of 250kW and maximum torque of 500N-m + 48V light hybrid, with 7-speed wet dual clutch transmission and quattro 4WD system, the vehicle can break 100 in 5.6 seconds; NIO ET7 is composed of electric 4WD through dual motors with maximum power of 480kW and maximum torque of 850N-m, which can achieve The NIO ET7 has a maximum power of 480kW and a maximum torque of 850N-m with electric four-wheel drive, and is capable of achieving zero-hundred acceleration in 3.8 seconds and a NEDC electric range of 675km with a 100kWh battery pack.
Will the NIO ET7 be a more advanced luxury option than the Audi A6L? ?
The chassis, Audi A6L has a high specification mechanical hardware base of front and rear five-link, and is equipped with variable steering ratio to enhance the sense of control, only the air suspension is required as an option; while the NIO ET7 side has a front five-link + rear multi-link, hardware specifications are also not low, and the standard air suspension will further optimize the axle and wheel feedback, really to compare, Audi A6L chassis will be more solid and more stable and comfortable, while the NIO ET7 has a mid-ground handling fun. And the NIO ET7 is a fun car to handle on the ground.
In the end
Although the vehicle is built to the highest level of comfort, Audi is still Audi, and the level of refinement in its cabin is hard to fault. Of course, due to its electrical and electronic architecture and positioning, the Audi A6L is far less intelligent than the NIO ET7 from NT2.0, whose NIO NAD is one of the few intelligent driving systems that can compete with Tesla, and perhaps not as long as the "gas tank" until it is fitted with a solid-state battery. But combined with its suspension and power hardware specifications, the NIO ET7 should be a more interesting luxury option than the Audi A6L at this price point.
