Audi offers two distinct driving experiences with its latest electric vehicles: the Q6 e-tron SUV and the A6 e-tron Sportback. While both share the same electric platform, they cater to different preferences—whether you prefer sitting high or low in your vehicle.
The A6 e-tron isn’t Audi’s debut into electric sedans (that title goes to the Porsche Taycan-based e-tron GT), but it is the first in its lineup to come in under six figures. Although exact pricing details are yet to be released, it’s anticipated that the rear-wheel-drive version with 362 horsepower will start around $70,000. The mid-range model, offering 422 horsepower, is expected to be priced closer to $80,000, while the high-performance 543-hp S6 e-tron is likely to cross the $90,000 mark when it launches next spring.
The A6 e-tron’s sleek new design features a Sportback profile with a convenient hatch at the rear, complemented by a striking taillight made from OLED elements. These lights can be customized through the car’s settings to alter the look of the rear. While the Sportback will be the standard offering in many markets, Audi has confirmed that the more stylish Avant (Audi’s term for wagon) variant will also be available internationally. However, when asked about a possible Allroad version of the Avant, Audi representatives remained tight-lipped.
The interior of the A6 e-tron shares much of its design language with the Q6 e-tron, featuring a large, curved display panel that seamlessly integrates a 14.5-inch infotainment screen and an 11.9-inch driver’s display. While these screens offer modern functionality, we found ourselves wishing for more customization options in the gauge cluster—current Audi models provide a better experience in this regard.
For those long drives, an optional 14.5-inch display is available for the front passenger, allowing them to watch videos or play games, adding a touch of entertainment to the journey. The panoramic glass roof is another highlight, which can transition from transparent to opaque at the push of a button. It can even display a checkerboard pattern, mimicking the effect of a traditional shade.
When it comes to practicality, the A6 e-tron offers 26 cubic feet of cargo space under its rear hatch, with a small front trunk providing just under one cubic foot of additional storage—more symbolic than functional.
Powering the A6 e-tron is a 94.4-kWh battery pack, cleverly integrated into the vehicle’s floor, which is expected to deliver a range of around 350 miles, although official EPA figures are still pending. The European Union’s optimistic estimate of over 450 miles is likely unachievable in real-world conditions. Thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture, the A6 e-tron supports rapid charging at speeds of up to 270 kW on a DC fast charger, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes, according to Audi. Even with a 400-kW connection, the A6 e-tron charges efficiently, utilizing two separate banks at up to 135 kW each. For home charging, the onboard charger supports 11 kW on an AC connection.
Audi has impressive performance figures to back up the sleek design of the new A6 e-tron. The entry-level single-motor variant is expected to reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the dual-motor A6 e-tron Quattro shaves that down to 4.3 seconds. For those craving even more speed, the S6 e-tron is projected to hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The car’s aerodynamics are equally noteworthy, with a drag coefficient as low as 0.21 on European models equipped with camera sideview mirrors—though the U.S. versions might be slightly less aerodynamic.
This new electric A6, with its distinctive lozenge-shaped design, will join the gasoline-powered A6 in Audi’s lineup next year. However, this duality won’t last forever, as the internal combustion engine will eventually phase out, leaving the electric A6 to carry the torch. The question now is, how do you prefer your ride? High floor with the Q6 e-tron SUV, or low floor with the A6 e-tron Sportback?
