2025 Audi A6 e-tron : For Range and Comfort

The automotive industry is going through a generalized identity crisis at the moment. Structural reorganization, reassessment or even cancellation of electrification plans: most automakers are having to adjust more quickly than ever to constantly changing realities. Audi has not been spared this game of musical chairs. Remember, for example, the recent imbroglio of repeated nomenclature changes between its electric and combustion models.

In the middle of all this is the A6 midsize sedan, the first model to emerge from the latest nomenclature decision and which gravitates in a quiet segment in Canada, but still very active in the United States and dominated by Mercedes-Benz and its E-Class.

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The A6 attempts to play the cards that the silver-starred manufacturer seems to have misplayed, with electric A6 entry-level and S6 performance models that are true to the brand’s design language and mounted on a dedicated platform, as well as the return of the conventionally powered A6 TFSI, which will be based on a separate platform. The Car Guide recently drove the new all-electric A6 e-tron in California. Here's our full report.

Stylish and Range-Focused Aerodynamics

Achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.23 with its North American exterior mirrors (0.21 in Europe with the cameras that replace them), the electric Audi A6 is a feat of aerodynamic engineering. But it's also a success in terms of Audi's design language, incorporating active elements such as shutters integrated into the bumper that can be opened and closed as required for cooling purposes. This has a major influence on range, which can reach 537 km in the base model and up to 606 km in the Ultra variant, both equipped with twin-motor quattro all-wheel drive setup. That, and the giant 100kWh battery (94.4 kWh usable), of course!

Alas, our short test drive, which took place strictly on impeccable California highways, did not allow us to conclusively validate or invalidate the EPA cycle estimates. They are impressive on paper, but a future test drive on this side of the border should help us confirm that.

To regain its range at the charging station, the A6 e-tron relies on an impressive fast charging capacity of 270 kW, which remains steady until 40% and gradually drops to 100 kW once 80% is reached. All this in ideal weather conditions, with a battery temperature between 22 and 23 degrees Celsius. Expect a less dazzling performance during Canadian winters, especially as the shutters and battery cooling system always remain on during charging.

Accelerations provided by the 422-hp A6 e-tron (456 hp with the launch control function) are more than sufficient to handle the Sportback’s 5,192 lbs promptly.

Once the pedal is released, the A6 e-tron regains its composure and becomes a poised, balanced cruiser capable of covering the distances its range allows with exemplary ride comfort. While it is competent in compensating body roll on winding roads, steering response and feedback are not up to German sedan standards. The S6 e-tron model we also tested felt more competent in this respect, but is still more in keeping with the comfort philosophy despite its sportier attributes.

Aerocoustics, and Screens!

The comfort philosophy carries over to the interior, where the controls are mostly digital. Surprisingly quiet on the freeways where we drove at high speed, the A6 e-tron's cabin uses wind-tunnel-tested, multi-layer acoustic glass designed with the vehicle's aerodynamics in mind to minimize wind noise.

The Sportback silhouette also has a big advantage in terms of cargo space. While the 735-litre volume behind the second row is useful, the convenience of opening the large tailgate amplifies its versatility. You will also find extra cargo space in the frunk, which can be opened with a simple hand gesture when the key fob is nearby.

As seems to be the norm in the segment, the A6 e-tron's dashboard is almost entirely made up of screens. A large instrument cluster is paired with a driver-facing infotainment touchscreen that offers impressive graphic quality. On the other hand, most controls, including ventilation, must be operated via this screen.

A third display (optional) completes the trio, this one on the passenger side. Although potentially entertaining for this occupant, the screen seemed rather useless to us, especially considering the proximity and size of the main screen. One more thing: the many black plastics throughout the cabin are a little excessive for a midsize luxury car.

The Gas-Powered A6 is Coming Soon

As mentioned previously, a new gasoline-powered A6 will join the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron later this year in Canada. It will borrow the PPC platform that serves as the basis for the A5 and Q5, and will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 coupled with quattro all-wheel drive.

For now, the all-electric A6 e-tron offers a healthy dose of power, record-breaking range and plush driving comfort, all packaged with an unprecedented level of technology. However, with a starting price of $87,095 for the base model and $93,095 for the Technik model, we would have liked more feedback from the steering wheel and better interior fit and finish. Prices for the combustion-powered A6 will be announced at a later date.