Audi debuts new A6 e-tron Sportback and Avant

It feels like we’ve been waiting a little while for the Audi A6 e-tron. Partly that’s because the EV world seems to move at a million miles an hour, but also as the suave A6 Avant e-tron concept was shown as long ago as March 2022. It looked ready to roll right then, so it’s been quite the wait for those of us who enjoy big, fast estates. Let’s hope it’s been worth it…

Audi is going all in on this A6 e-tron launch, with Sportback and Avant models, plus S flagships, available from the off. It suggests that lower powered models with a smaller 83kWh gross battery (standard is 100kWh gross, 94.9kWh net) will likely follow, but for now it’s rear-drive Performance and Quattro S models in both bodystyles. The 362hp Performance will rival cars like the 340hp BMW i5 eDrive 40, with the 496hp S6 up against alternatives like the Taycan 4S (between 462hp and 517hp depending on battery). Here will focus on the S6s – there’s quite a lot to cover. 

Like the recently released Porsche Macan, this Audi is built on the Premium Platform Electric architecture. That means 800-volt technology and a charging speed of up to 270kW DC, just like the Porsche, although with only 11kW AC currently offered (22kW will follow). The range is up to 419 miles in an S6 Sportback, or 402 in the Avant. Big numbers alright, and they’re even larger in the less powerful models (aided by drag co-efficients of 0.21 for the hatch and 0.24 for the wagon): 470 miles and 447. Efficiency for the S6 range is rated at 3.57-3.96 miles per kilowatt hour. And while we’re on stats, both top-of-the-range models will reach 62mph in 3.9 seconds, helped by a 551hp overboost. 

Audi is promising precise driving dynamics and high comfort from this e-tron, with rear-biased Quattro on the S6 at all times thanks to a bigger motor out back. A new front axle should make the big Audi ‘particularly agile’ and the optional air suspension can lower the A6 20mm in efficiency mode to help it cut through the air. And probably look better when parked up, too. Audi is especially proud of its integrated Braking System (they can call it iBS; we won’t), which has been overhauled as part of building PPE and now features axle specific blending of regen and friction braking. Given nobody has quite nailed EV brake feel yet, it’ll be interesting to see how the Audi fares. There will be two regen settings, with a coast mode also. 

Understandably, Audi is making a big deal of the e-tron’s interior, employing the Digital Stage philosophy also found in the Q6. So it’s screen city, basically. Or an MMI panoramic display, rather, with an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch central MMI touchscreen and 10.9-inch passenger display to see if there’s really anything but Coldplay in your library. A Privacy Mode for them means they can watch their own thing without distracting the driver, which sounds a lot like the old Jaguar XJ feature. Anyway, the screens are all organic LED, with the driver also receiving the benefit (hopefully) of an augmented reality head-up display.

Interestingly (honest), the infotainment is underpinned by Android Automotive, like the Polestar 2, with a wealth of apps available from launch that will expand and aim to make long journeys (or charge stops) more bearable. Obviously there’s a tonne of voice activated features as well, including ChatGPT – just the thing for an 830-watt Bang and Olufsen Premium Sound System. There’s no mention yet of S6 specific features (the pano roof is on all of them), but expect perhaps some snazzier seats and S logos. 

Audi says the e-tron’s design is ‘elegant and progressive’; certainly elements of that concept can be seen in the real thing, if inevitably toned down a tad for production. Maybe a bit too much. Hopefully it’ll have a bit more impact in person, or on big wheels. Hardly like the i5 is a stunner, either, though following a car like e-tron GT it’s hard not to be just a teeny bit disappointed. Whatever, notable features include the 3D rear light bar, a broad grille and slim lights to emphasise width up front (and hide the sensors) plus low ride height with some subtle Quattro blistered arches. Nine different wheel options will be available from 19-21-inch diameter, along with eight colours (including some that aren’t grey) for the three variants – no name basic, S Line and S6. So there should be a spec for you in among all that. But also you’re not alone in not being completely won over just yet. 

Audi’s ‘powerful, sporty and perfectly proportioned’ new models will be available to order from September. There isn’t UK pricing just yet, though in Europe it’ll be €75,600 (£63,800 at current rates) for an A6 e-tron performance Sportback and €77,250 (£65,200) for the equivalent Avant. The S6 is €99,500 as a hatch and €101,150 as an estate. If directly converted, that makes an S6 £84,000 and a wagon a little bit more than £85k. Not an exact science, of course, but potentially encouraging when it isn’t possible to get a Taycan for less than £86,000 and the i5 range starts at £67,695. More on prices, and hopefully some time behind the wheel, as soon as possible.