Efficiency & Charging
9.5/10
Performance & Driving Dynamics
8.5/10
Interior & Technology
9/10
Practicality & Usability
8/10
Value & Running Costs
7.5/10
Overall
8.5/10
Overview
The Audi A6 e-tron marks a pivotal evolution in Audi's executive lineup, transforming the long-established name into a fully electric series. Available in both the elegant Sportback and the classic Avant estate versions, this model sits on the advanced Premium Platform Electric, developed alongside Porsche. As an executive vehicle, it aims to compete with the BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan, emphasizing comfort and efficiency for long journeys rather than pure speed.
Design
The A6 e-tron boasts an impressively low drag coefficient, making it Audi's most aerodynamically efficient production vehicle yet. Its exterior design includes a distinctive inverted 'Singleframe' grille, slim digital Matrix LED headlights, and sharp lines that convey a sporty feel, especially with the optional 21-inch alloy wheels on higher trims. The rear features a full-width OLED light strip with customizable animations and a warning system for close-following vehicles. Top models offer virtual camera units in place of traditional mirrors to enhance aerodynamics. The Avant estate showcases a sloped windscreen, sleek door handles, and robust rear haunches, maintaining a remarkable 0.24 Cd drag coefficient for an estate car.
Interior
Inside, the cabin features a sweeping OLED display that combines an 11.9-inch driver's cockpit and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen. Higher trims add a 10.9-inch passenger display, while entry models have a black panel in its place. The interior offers high-quality materials with a focus on eco-friendly upholstery, though some lower-grade plastics remain in less visible areas. Notable tech includes an augmented reality head-up display, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and a panoramic roof with adjustable transparency.
Performance & Powertrains
Built on an 800-volt architecture, the A6 e-tron delivers impressive charging speeds and range. It offers three configurations: the Sport with an 83 kWh battery and 326 hp rear motor, achieving 0-62 mph in 6.0 seconds and a range up to 382 miles for the Sportback. The Performance version has a 100 kWh battery and 380 hp, reaching 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and up to 464 miles. And, the quattro variant has dual motors for all-wheel drive, delivering 462 hp and a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds, with a range of 438 miles. Charging the smaller battery reaches 225 kW DC, while the larger one can handle 270 kW, allowing a quick charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes. The drive remains quiet and refined, easily absorbing road bumps, though the steering is less responsive on winding roads compared to the BMW i5.
Practicality
The A6 e-tron's dedicated EV platform allows for a flat rear floor, enhancing legroom for passengers. The Sportback offers a practical liftback opening to a 502-litre boot, expanding to 1,330 litres with seats down. The Avant estate provides even more versatility with up to 1,422 litres of cargo space. In the front, a small 27-litre frunk serves as a storage area for charging cables.
Buying
Starting at £63,365 for the Sportback, and £65,165 for the Avant, the A6 e-tron is offered in several trims: Sport, S line, Black Edition, and the luxurious Vorsprung, which can exceed £80,000. The EV Hub suggests the S line Performance trim as the optimal choice. It combines the best range from the 100 kWh battery with the design benefits of the S line trim, avoiding the higher cost and firmer ride of the Vorsprung's larger wheels.