- Audi has unveiled the new A6 and S6 e-tron in both Sportback and Avant bodystyles.
- At launch, the A6 e-tron will offer single and dual electric motor powertrain options.
- Audi plans to expand the lineup with more versions, including a flagship RS6 e-tron.
Audi has officially introduced the all-new 2025 A6 e-tron, marking a significant step forward in its electric vehicle lineup. Available in both Sportback and Avant body styles, the A6 e-tron takes direct aim at the Mercedes EQE and BMW i5. Unlike its predecessor, this generation will be exclusively electric, offering customers a pure electric driving experience.
Following the imminent launch of the fully electric A6 e-tron, Audi is poised to revamp its traditional lineup. The current ICE-powered A6 is slated for a facelift and subsequent renaming to A7, aligning with the automaker’s new strategy of designating even numbers for electric models.
More: 2025 Audi Q6 And SQ6 E-Tron Debut With Up To 510 HP And 388 Miles Of Range
The production A6 e-tron closely mirrors its 2021 (Sportback) and 2022 (Avant) concept predecessors. Subtle refinements include slightly adjusted split headlights, a more prominent black grille surround, traditional door handles, and broadened full-width taillights.
Audi states that the high-tech Matrix LEDs at the front and the second-gen OLEDs at the back offer eight different digital lightning signatures, and can be combined with an illuminated emblem on the tailgate.
Unfortunately, due to US regulations, some high-tech features such as the adaptive matrix LED headlights, the active digital light signatures, the car-to-X communication, and the virtual mirrors, won’t make it across the Atlantic.
Audi has prioritized aerodynamics in the development of the A6 e-tron, conducting over 1,300 simulations and extensive wind tunnel testing. The result is the most aerodynamic Audi ever made, and the most aerodynamic vehicle on offer by the VW Group. The Sportback variant boasts a drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd, edging out its direct rivals but falling slightly short of the larger Mercedes-Benz EQS’s 0.20 Cd. Furthermore, the A6 Avant e-tron claims the title of most aerodynamic estate in its class with a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd.
The dashboard and center console are largely carried over from the Audi Q6 e-tron. Dominating the dashboard is a triple-screen setup comprising a 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment display, and a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen. Complementing this digital extravaganza are two additional screens serving as virtual mirrors, and a generous suite of ADAS systems.
Among the optional features there is a panoramic glass roof that turns opaque at the touch of a button, a four-zone automatic AC system with fragrance dispenser and ionizer, plus a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 20 speakers and 830 watts.
Powertrain Options
The Audi A6 e-tron is based on the PPE architecture, just like the Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan EV. At launch, the lineup includes three powertrains, with more RWD and AWD options following at a later date, depending on the market.
The base Audi A6 e-tron Performance is rear-wheel driven, propelled by a single electric motor generating 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS). For those demanding more, Audi offers the A6 e-tron quattro, equipped with a dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive, boosting output to 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS).
Audi has also unveiled the performance-oriented S6 e-tron, set for global release. The rear-biased AWD system produces a combined 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS), which increases to 543 hp (405 kW / 551 PS) when launch control is activated. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration is completed in 3.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited at 240 km/h (149 mph).
Spy shots confirm Audi Sport is already developing an RS6 e-tron flagship. Expect a more aggressive design and significantly boosted performance compared to the S6 e-tron.
Both the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron feature a floor-mounted battery pack with a capacity of 100 kWh (94.4 kWh net), while the 800V architecture supports 270 kW DC charging. Range figures are impressive, with over 720-750 km (447-466 miles) for the A6 e-tron, and over 640-670 km (398-416 miles) for the S6 e-tron depending on the bodystyle. Audi also confirmed that a smaller 83 kWh battery option will be offered in the future, hinting at more affordable variants.
Regarding the chassis setup, the optional adaptive air suspension offers four ride height levels. When efficiency mode is activated from the Audi drive select menu, ground clearance is automatically reduced by 20 mm (0.8 inches) at higher speeds to enhance aerodynamics. The base A6 e-tron comes with 19-inch aero-optimized wheels, while the S line and S6 e-tron feature 20-inch alloys, with an option for 21-inch wheels.
The Audi A6 e-tron will be available to order in Europe starting September 2024. Prices in Germany begin at €75,600 ($81,928) for the A6 Sportback e-tron Performance, and €99,500 ($107,829) for the S6 Sportback e-tron. In both cases, the Avant body style adds a premium of €1,650 ($1,788).
Pricing for the US lineup, including the A6 e-tron (RWD), A6 e-tron quattro (AWD), and S6 e-tron (AWD), will be announced at a later date.