The Audi A6 e-tron: Illuminating insights!
At Audi, light stands for first-class visibility, no matter what time of day – or night.
missing translation: fa.article-intro.reading-time – 03/11/2025
Lighting technology and lighting design may seem to have a lot in common at first glance, but, in fact, a careful balancing act between aesthetics and functionality takes place. A designer and a developer share a glimpse behind the scenes of the lighting development of the all-electric Audi A6 e-tron.
The new Audi A6 e-tron showcases the current state of lighting technology at Audi, both at the front and rear. This is the work of the lighting development and lighting design teams. They collaborate closely to give the Audi A6 e-tron and all other Audi models their own unique character. Stefan Staudacher, head of rear lighting development, and lighting designer Christoph Häußinger share fascinating insights into their work in this interview about the illuminated rings.
“We’re talking about our logo – one of the most important symbols of the Audi brand.”
The new A6 e-tron is the first Audi vehicle to feature illumination of the four rings at the rear. How did this development come to be?
Christoph Häußinger: We thought long and hard about the right way to present the rings. After all, we’re talking about our logo – one of the most important symbols of the Audi brand and a key identifying feature of our vehicles. We wanted to showcase this trademark at night too. Some of our concept cars actually had illuminated rings, and people were really excited about that.
Stefan Staudacher (left), head of rear lighting development, and lighting designer Christoph Häußinger stand together at the back of the new Audi A6 Sportback e-tron.
The next step was to transfer this element from the concept vehicles to series production. What did that collaboration look like? Design had a vision, and Development spoiled the fun?
Stefan Staudacher: I hope we weren’t spoilsports, but illuminating the rings was actually more complicated than we originally thought. The use of illuminated rings was a real innovation. At the time of development, there was still no binding definition for illuminated brand logos in the regulations governing exterior lighting, UN ECE R48 and R148. We therefore always had to react flexibly to developments in the draft legislation. Both regulations came into effect in January 2023, which then enabled the use of the illuminated rings on the rear of the A6 e-tron.
Stefan Staudacher, head of rear lighting development, examines the rear of the new Audi A6 Sportback e-tron.
The headlights and rear lights of the Audi A6 e-tron incorporate digital light signatures, thus combining the physical and digital worlds in the customer experience. With a total of 450 segments across ten digital OLED panels, the Audi A6 e-tron is increasingly becoming a display.
Stefan Staudacher, head of rear lighting development, examines the rear of the new Audi A6 Sportback e-tron.
The headlights and rear lights of the Audi A6 e-tron incorporate digital light signatures, thus combining the physical and digital worlds in the customer experience. With a total of 450 segments across ten digital OLED panels, the Audi A6 e-tron is increasingly becoming a display.
What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Christoph Häußinger: Without question, the design specifications for the illuminated rings*! Our brand logo has to look precise and high-quality when the lights are off. However, when the lights are on, we need the perfect shade of red to ensure a harmonious overall appearance with the other rear lights. To do that, we had to create the ideal shade of red that shines through white paint.
The development of the illuminated rings was not your first joint project – you have been working together for a very long time. What excites you about your job?
Christoph Häußinger: Audi lights are highly technical components. I find it inspiring to bring these components to life in a way that touches people emotionally.
Stefan Staudacher: From a technical point of view, I am fascinated by the complete networking of our vehicles, including of course the headlights and rear lights. The communication light*, which warns other road users in advance of accidents or breakdowns, is only possible thanks to our second-generation digital rear lights.
“Our close collaboration shows that teamwork makes the dream work.”
Communication, safety, digitalization, individualization: How do you manage to juggle all those factors in two such different areas?
Christoph Häußinger: With hard work, good communication, and a clear understanding of the different requirements our colleagues have, anything is possible!
Stefan Staudacher: Our close collaboration shows that teamwork makes the dream work. We strive to achieve the best possible results, and our customers can now look forward to very attractive and, above all, illuminated rings on the rear of the A6 e-tron.
