Times are changing at Audi as the company embarks on a significant evolution of its product lineup. Audi is shifting its gas-powered vehicles to an odd-numbered naming scheme while reserving even numbers for its all-electric models. This transition sees some of the brand’s most iconic nameplates adopting new forms.
Traditionally, the A6 has been known as a midsize luxury sedan powered by gasoline or diesel engines. However, it is now transformed into a battery-powered vehicle with a sleek fastback design. Boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.21, the 2025 A6 Sportback E-Tron is the most aerodynamic model Audi has ever produced. Despite the radical changes in its powertrain offerings, Audi remains committed to integrating cutting-edge technology, luxury, and performance into its midsize cars.
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The A6 E-Tron shares Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture with the Q6 E-Tron SUV, featuring a long wheelbase and short overhangs. Unlike its gas-powered predecessors, the A6 E-Tron’s body color grille signifies its electric nature. Aerodynamics are enhanced with functional air curtains on the front fascia and an active cool-air intake beneath the grille.
The design of the A6 E-Tron includes slim daytime running lights (DRLs) and a black mask that conceals the main headlights. Audi offers eight different signature lighting patterns for the front and rear, configurable from the infotainment display. For the first time, the A6 E-Tron can be equipped with an illuminated four-ring logo on the front and rear.
The sides of the A6 E-Tron feature softened “Quattro muscles,” with the wheel arches less pronounced than on the smaller A5. Hidden door handles contribute to its streamlined profile, and a black trim piece emphasizes its battery-centric design. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches, with nine available designs.
At the rear, a sporty yet functional diffuser adds flair to the A6 E-Tron, which is offered exclusively as a Sportback in the U.S. market. While the A6 Avant E-Tron with its sloping roof and rooftop spoiler will not be available in the U.S., all A6 E-Tron models feature tail lights that extend away from the bodywork, connected by a lightbar.
Globally, the A6 E-Tron’s tail lights use 450 OLED segments to create dynamic lighting signatures and display warnings to following vehicles based on road data. However, this technology will not be available in the U.S. due to regulatory restrictions on exterior lighting.
For a sportier appearance, buyers can opt for an S Line package or a more powerful S6 Sportback E-Tron variant with exclusive paint colors and Audi’s signature Alu-Optic accents. Although the S6 Avant E-Tron won’t be coming to the U.S., there’s hope that Audi might introduce an RS6 successor in the future.
The new A6 Sportback E-Tron comes with a standard rear-wheel drive configuration, a departure from Audi’s traditional front-wheel and all-wheel drive offerings. The single-motor model delivers 362 hp and can reach 130 mph, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. While EPA figures are pending, Audi estimates a driving range of 466 miles on the European WLTP cycle, likely translating to 350-400 miles under U.S. standards.
A 100-kWh battery, with 94.4 kWh usable, powers all A6 and S6 E-Tron variants. The battery supports Level 2 AC charging at 9.6 kW and DC fast charging at 270 kW, enabling a 21-minute charge from 10 to 80 percent.
For all-wheel drive, the A6 Sportback E-Tron Quattro adds a second motor for a total of 422 hp, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.3 seconds. The dual-motor versions are expected to have a slightly lower range, below 350 miles. The S6 Sportback E-Tron, with 496 hp, can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds using launch control and reach a top speed of 149 mph.
The A6 E-Tron promises excellent driving dynamics with a low ride height, staggered tires, and available adaptive air suspension. Its regenerative braking system can recuperate up to 220 kW, offering two stages of recuperation controlled via steering wheel paddles, and a “B” driving mode for a one-pedal driving experience, though it doesn’t allow for complete stops.
Inside, the A6 E-Tron features a curved panel of digital displays, including an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen. The passenger side has a 10.9-inch touch display with similar functionality, featuring an Active Privacy Mode to direct light solely to the passenger. The sound system is a 20-speaker setup from Bang & Olufsen.
The driver benefits from a head-up display with augmented reality projection, providing information like speed, traffic signs, and navigation directions. Audi’s Android Automotive OS powers the infotainment system, supporting over-the-air updates and a variety of third-party apps. Voice controls are enhanced by ChatGPT technology from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, offering predictive functionalities.
An electronically shading glass roof, soft-close doors, and a hands-free frunk opening system add convenience. The A6 E-Tron offers 26 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 40 cubic feet with the rear seats down.
Audi equips the A6 E-Tron with extensive active safety features, including Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, Park Assist Plus, reversing camera, speed limit assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and drowsiness warning.
The 2025 Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron is expected to start at over $80,000, with the S6 Sportback E-Tron priced just below $110,000. Orders will begin in fall 2024, with deliveries starting in spring or summer 2025. While the traditional engine options will be missed, these new EVs promise to deliver the comfort and performance Audi is known for.
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