Andreas Huber
Editorial staff
July 22, 2025
Now Audi has also electrified the brand's core with the A6 e-tron: Editor Andreas Huber was on tour with it © Audi
With the A6 e-tron, Audi has brought its upper mid-size car into the electric age, aiming for long-distance comfort.
The electric car is expected to cover more than 750 kilometers on a single charge. The ADAC (German Automobile Club)
tested the Avant and came to a different conclusion.
- Sedan and Avant fully electric
- 580 km range in the ADAC test
- Available from around 62,800 euro
has been discontinued) and the e-tron GT sports car , the A6 e-tron is now also available. It is based on the new PPE ( Premium
Platform Electric) platform , which also underpins the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan E. For the new A6, this means
super-fast charging thanks to 800-volt technology, a long range, and thus increased practicality.
Table of contents
Avant with worse drag coefficient
Interior: Much familiar from Q6 e-tron
Photo gallery: Audi A6/S6 e-tron in detail
A chassis of the finest quality
Electric sports version: S6 e-tron
Charging with 270 kW, over 700 km range
Conclusion of the A6 e-tron test
Audi A6 e-tron: Data & Prices
Avant with worse drag coefficient
The slim daytime running lights give the A6 e-tron a snappy appearance © Audi
As usual, the A6 is available as a station wagon and a sedan. A new feature of the all-electric A6 e-tron is that the roof of the
sedan slopes all the way back, and the trunk lid opens up along with the rear window. Audi calls this body style the Sportback .
The slim daytime running lights give the A6 e-tron a snappy appearance © Audi
With a drag coefficient of 0.21, the Sportback sets new standards for the VW Group in terms of aerodynamics; the Avant is
considerably worse at 0.24. For aerodynamic reasons , the front remains completely closed, except for small air intakes and air
curtains in the apron. The obligatory single-frame grille gives the A6 its typical Audi appearance.
The digital daytime running lights with their various light signatures are striking . Below them are the LED headlights. On the side,
the recessed door handles and wide wheel arches are eye-catching. All A6 e-tron models also share a black trim element in the
sill area, intended to emphasize their membership in the electric family. In the Avant, the tailgate is part of the window trim
(photo at the top), which appears less elegant compared to the Sportback.
The Avant has the typical Audi station wagon elements such as a flat rear window and a sporty finish © Audi
The new A6's highlight is the rear. The view is dominated by an optional OLED taillight , which can display various lighting
scenarios and warn surrounding traffic in the event of danger. Those opting for the OLED taillight will receive an illuminated
brand logo for the first time in an Audi .
Interior: Much familiar from Q6 e-tron
The interior of the A6 e-tron bears no resemblance to the previous model, but it does bear a strong resemblance to its platform
sibling, the Q6 e-tron. The Sportback and Avant models inherit the impressive display landscape from the latter . It consists of
up to three screens, although the 10.9-inch passenger display is available only at an additional cost. The 11.9-inch instrument
cluster and the 14.5-inch infotainment screen are always included.
The first row with its display landscape is reminiscent of the platform brother Q6 e-tron © Audi
The material quality is somewhat weaker compared to previous Audi generations. The dashboard and door panels are only
covered in foamed plastic in the upper section, but the material no longer feels as high-quality as in previous Audi models.
Further down, scratch-prone hard plastic is used exclusively, which is particularly noticeable on the center console, the glove
compartment, and the backs of the front seats.
Additionally, there's hardly any chrome trim, instead, extensive scratch- and dust-prone piano lacquer has been used.
Front passenger space is decent, catering for up to 1.95 meters tall, and the sports seats in the test car are comfortable and
equipped with pleasant lateral support.
Passengers are also well looked after in the second row; only those over 1.95 meters tall feel the headroom in the tested Avant
becomes more cramped. The Sportback has a disadvantage compared to the Avant due to its coupé-like roofline. And in both
vehicles, you have to bend your legs slightly in the back, which is the case with almost all electric cars.
Features: ChatGPT voice control
For an additional charge , the Audi A6 e-tron comes with a new augmented reality head-up display . It features a higher level
of animation than its predecessor, effectively projecting new speed limits onto the road ahead of the vehicle.
The infotainment system is based on a Google operating system. There's also an interface to ChatGPT, which should enable
better answers to questions.
Audi installs a steel spring suspension as standard . Air suspension is also available as an option for the Sportback and Avant.
The provisional top-of-the-line S6 and S6 Avant models will always feature this in a sporty setup.
A highlight for all occupants is the optional panoramic glass roof . While it can't be opened, it can be electrically darkened using
liquid crystals. Audi has already introduced this party trick in the new A5 , and the RS e-tron GT and its technological sibling,
the Porsche Taycan, also already utilize this technology.
The 27-liter frunk under the hood provides space for the charging cable . It can be opened with a hand gesture over the Audi
rings when the car key is in your pocket.
A chassis of the finest quality
The A6 e-tron was available to the ADAC for its test as the A6 performance with maximum range , and during the driving event
for a short drive as the S6 with maximum power.
ADAC editor Andreas Huber on his first drive in the Audi A6 e-tron © Audi
Even within the first few meters of the range king, it becomes clear: Audi relies on a harmoniously tuned chassis for its electric
models as well . Equipped with the optional air suspension, the test car offers a wide range of comfort and sportiness. Especially
in Balanced driving mode, the A6 becomes a wonderfully unfussy companion for all situations. In Dynamic mode, winding
mountain passes become a pleasure.
Equipped with these features, the Ingolstadt-based car offers excellent suspension comfort, among the best in the upper
mid-size segment . Especially in urban areas, the suspension responds remarkably sensitively and skillfully absorbs road bumps.
On country roads and highways, the body rides remarkably quietly, reaching luxury-class standards. Even speed bumps and
cobblestones are largely ironed out by the suspension, leaving no room for error.
The progressive steering conveys a similar impression. It's pleasantly light in Comfort mode and becomes noticeably firmer in
Sport mode. It's very nice: it doesn't become particularly indirect in any of the driving modes. Nevertheless, the ADAC engineers
would have preferred more feedback and a less synthetic steering feel.
The wide A - pillar is noticeable in tight corners . Depending on your seating position, it can obstruct your view to the side, which
is a real disadvantage on winding roads. The optional digital exterior mirrors are unusual. While they are easy to drive with, they
lack the depth information of an optical mirror when maneuvering. Here, the only way to maneuver the Audi safely is to check the
image from the rearview camera. Anyone interested in the digital mirrors should take a test drive at the dealer before ordering.
Since Audi has repositioned the screens for the camera-equipped exterior mirrors, they are now positioned more clearly in the field
of view, but this obstructs the view diagonally forward out of the side window. Anyone who thinks this is different with conventional
exterior mirrors is mistaken. In this case, the view is obscured by a dummy part that serves no function and merely preserves the
appearance of the dashboard.
Electric sports version: S6 e-tron
Those who enjoy a sporty drive should opt for the S6 e-tron. The sport version also features air suspension, but it was developed
and tuned specifically for the S model. This results in, among other things, a firmer suspension setup, which is hardly noticeable
during normal everyday driving.
The S6 e-tron is the sportiest version of the electric Audi to date. Upon first encounter, the Bavarian is particularly fun on winding roads. © Audi
Despite all its sporting ambitions, the S6 is by no means uncomfortable—quite the opposite. This only changes when you engage
the Drive Select switch in the center console. Then, with Launch Control, the car sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
While we weren't able to measure this during the test drive, the figure seemed entirely plausible given the tremendous acceleration.
The suspension stiffens, preventing the Audi from rolling around corners.
In addition, the Ingolstadt-based company has configured the all-wheel drive system to be rear-biased in Sport mode , which
allows the Audi to corner well. Passing roads thus bring a lot of excitement to the cockpit.
Charging with 270 kW, over 700 km range
The PPE platform features 800-volt technology and allows DC fast charging with up to 270 kW . Audi promises charging times
from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes. This is particularly interesting for the A6 e-tron performance, the range-topping
model tested by the ADAC (German Automobile Club), which is said to have a range of more than 750 kilometers according to the
WLTP standard.
The Avant, with the same engine and battery size, does not travel quite as far as the Sportback © Audi
The ADAC test paints a different picture. The test range, at 580 kilometers, is noticeably below the factory specification.
Nevertheless, the figure is still more than respectable.
The A6 Avant e-tron scores highly in the ADAC Ecotest with remarkably low fuel consumption for its class . Including charging
losses, it achieves 17.9 kWh/100 km , which even outperforms many electric subcompacts. It benefits not only from efficient
system components (heat pump as standard), but also from the outstanding aerodynamics, especially above mid-speed, into
which the Audi development department has invested considerable effort. Considering the current German electricity mix,
the e-tron's CO₂ emissions are an outstanding 90 g/km.
The competitors of the Audi A6 e-tron
Market overview
Electric station wagons 2025: More choice of electric station wagons
The large lithium-ion battery consists of 180 prismatic cells, providing a combined capacity of 100 kWh gross, of which 94.9 kWh
net is usable. The base model of the A6 e-tron uses a smaller battery with 83 kWh (gross).
At public charging stations, all A6s currently draw a meager 11 kW —a full charge would then take around nine hours. Later, there
will be an option for 22 kW charging at AC charging stations.
Conclusion of the A6 e-tron test
With the new A6 e-tron, Audi has created an electric car that's suitable for everyday use, comfortable, and harmonious, just what
many have been hoping for. The car rolls quietly, powerfully, and comfortably, but, as an S6, also shows its claws.
Furthermore, the achievable range should be sufficient even for those skeptical of electric vehicles. The biggest hurdle is the
purchase price.
Read the detailed test of the Audi A6 Avant e-tron performance as a PDF here (in German)
Audi A6 e-tron: Data & Prices
| Technical data (manufacturer information) | Audi A6 Avant e-tron performance (from 09/24) |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Electrical |
| Maximum power in kW (system power) | 280 |
| Maximum power in HP (system power) | 381 |
| Torque (system power) | 565 Nm |
| Drive type | rear wheel |
| Acceleration 0-100km/h | 5.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 210 km/h |
| Range WLTP (electric) | 716 km |
| Combined CO2 value (WLTP) | 0 g/km |
| Combined consumption (WLTP) | 14.9 kWh/100 km |
| Battery capacity (gross) in kWh | 100.0 |
| Battery capacity (net) in kWh | 94.9 |
| Charging power (kW) | AC: 11.0 DC: 270.0 |
| Normal trunk volume | 502 liters |
| Trunk volume roof-high with rear seat folded down | 1,422 l |
| Unladen weight (EU) | 2,260 kg |
| Payload | 500 kg |
| Unbraked towing capacity | 750 kg |
| Braked trailer load 12% | 2,100 kg |
| Warranty (vehicle) | 2 years |
| Length x Width x Height | 4,928mm x 1,923mm x 1,527mm |
| Base price | 77,250 euros |
Note: The performance figures in the table refer to the short-term maximum power with launch control. The Avant is €1,650 more expensive than the Sportback. You can find all the data for the A6 e-tron in the ADAC car catalog .
ADAC measured values
| ADAC measured values (excerpt) | Audi A6 Avant e-tron performance |
|---|---|
| Overtaking maneuver 60 – 100 km/h | 2.6 seconds |
| Braking distance from 100 km/h | 32.8 m |
| turning circle | 12.5 m |
| Consumption/CO₂ emissions ADAC Ecotest | 17.9 kWh/100km, 90 g CO₂/km (well-to-wheel) |
| ADAC Ecotest rating (max. 5 stars) | * |
| reach | 580 km |
| Interior noise at 130 km/h | 65.4 dB(A) |
| Empty weight / payload | 2274 / 486 kg |
| Trunk volume normal / folded / roof-high | 490 / 915 / 1460 l |
ADAC test scores
| ADAC test result | Audi A6 Avant e-tron performance (from 09/24) |
|---|---|
| Body/trunk | 2.3 |
| Interior | 2.6 |
| comfort | 1.6 |
| Engine/drive | 0.8 |
| Driving characteristics | 1.8 |
| Security | 1.4 |
| Environment/EcoTest | 1.2 |
| Overall grade | 1.6 |
Safety and the environment are given double weight
Very good | 0.6 - 1.5
Good | 1.6 - 2.5
Satisfactory | 2.6 - 3.5
Sufficient | 3.6 - 4.5
Inadequate | 4.6 - 5.5
