The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron, and its S6 Sport Version, Will Convince You To Give Up Your Tesla S
Hurry and get the Audi A6 e-tron, or the S6 Sportback e-tron before the tax credits expire. You wont regret it.
What if I told you that Audi has a stylish new mid-size fastback sedan that is as good or better than the Tesla S? What if I told you that it has an estimated EPA range of up to 392 miles, that it’s available in the US, starting at $65,900, and there is a sportier version that is powerful and fun? Then, what if I told you they are really good? Would you be excited? And would you jump ship and finally trade in your Tesla?
These are the questions I asked myself while driving the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron and the sportier Audi S6 Sportback e-tron in Montecito, CA last week. Sedans are a tough sell these days, and EVs are experiencing a rough patch here in the US, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit ending at the end of September. If you’re an EV fan, if you love fun, sporty sedans and you want to zig when everyone else is zagging in their SUVs, keep reading. I got you.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Audi’s guest for this experience but all opinions are my own.
These Sedans Are Uniquely Audi: Sporty, Stylish and Fun
Think of Audi’s A6 and S6 Sportback e-tron as the “low-floor” version of the Audi’s Q6 and SQ6 “high-floor” all-electric SUVs. All of them share the same 800-volt Volkswagen Group Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture—along with the Porsche Macan EV. These Audi sedans and SUVs have a lot in common, with similar split headlights, almost identical interior designs and layouts, and the same infotainment systems.
As you’d expect from Audi, the A6 and S6 deliver great design, comfort, performance, and build quality. These fastback sedans are quite sleek and attractive, with lovely proportions, and excellent aerodynamics. The new EV platform results in plenty of interior space, with 41.4 and 35.2 inches of legroom front and back, and 26 cubic feet of cargo space (40 cubic feet with the 40/20/40 split rear seats folded).
Read: 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron First Drive: This Porsche-Inflected SUV is Audi’s Best EV Yet
Audi A6 and S6 Carry Amenities Aplenty, Including a Frunk
There’s a nice front trunk, or frunk, under the hood, though it’s small at just under one cubic foot of space but perfect for holding a charge cord or emergency kit. While overall storage is adequate, there’s no space to store a handbag between the front seats. In terms of amenities, these EVs offer heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats (depending on trim), plus a standard panoramic glass roof made up of nine electrochromic segments which can be individually switched between opaque and transparent.
Audi also offers an adaptive air suspension system as an option on the A6 but standard on S6; this further improves ride comfort and aerodynamics. Like other Audis, these fastback sedans boast luxurious interiors with supportive seats and refined materials. I particularly enjoyed the Arras Red quilted seats in the S6 I drove. These EVs also include tri-zone climate control, laminated front window glass, and optional soft-close doors.
Read: Chevy Blazer EV Super Sport: This Midsize EV Is Also a Muscle Car, So We Went For a Spin
The Real Reason You’re Here: These Sedans are Fun To Drive
Driving these EVs was a treat. I drove the A6 quattro (AWD) first, followed by the S6, and I was very impressed with both – unlike the Q6 and SQ6 SUVs, which left me wanting more. There’s also a rear wheel drive A6 model, but Audi didn’t have it on hand. In terms of performance, the RWD A6 delivers 375 HP and has a 0-60mph time of 5.2-seconds; the A6 quattro produces 456 HP and has a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds. The S6 is the most powerful, delivering 543 HP and a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds.
With a curb weight of between 4,949 and 5,225lbs, these EVs are about the same weight as other all-electric sedans. Despite being heavier than Audi’s gas-powered sedans, the A6 and S6 handle extremely well. I also found the steering more engaging and the brake-pedal feel more natural than on most sporty EVs. As a bonus, Audi includes a one-pedal driving mode, plus four regenerative braking modes—just pull the paddle behind the steering wheel to set it.
Audi’s level 2 advanced driver assistance system, which offers ‘hands-off’ but not hands-free highway driving, is available as an option on the A6 and S6. It’s good, but not as advanced as other hands-free systems and does not yet support automatic lane changes. These all-electric sedans also come with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, too.
Read: I Avoided EV Ownership Heartache With This Portable Charger For Cheap and Easy Home Charging
Android Automotive and Programmable Headlights Add a Modern Tech Feel
On the tech front, the A6 and S6 deliver the usual features, like 360-degree cameras, self-parking, a WiFi hotspot, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the “Hey Audi” voice assistant—to name a few. Audi’s latest MultiMedia Interface, or MMI, system consists of a 14.5-inch center touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital driver display. Both use high-contrast OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays.
And then, there’s a 10.9-inch touchscreen is available as an option for the front passenger to assist with navigation, manage music or sit back and stream a TV show. The screen has an active privacy filter that hides content from the driver to avoid distracted driving. The multimedia system runs Google’s Android Automotive multimedia software for navigation and entertainment, alongside Harman’s Ignite app store for content and apps, so you can sign in to your Google account, use Google Maps and more. The 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system sounds fantastic and features optional front headrest speakers.
Some good news in the center console is the 15W Qi wireless phone charger that is intended to do the job more quickly, and there are four USB Type-C ports with up to 100W of power for super fast charging. The A6 and S6 also come with ambient cabin lighting and programmable headlights that allow you to pick your pattern and signature for both the headlights and daytime running lights, as well as optional programmable OLED tail lights in the S6 only (sorry A6 fans).
Read: Polestar 3 First Drive: Luxury Means Never Having to Apologize for Power
Audi A6’s Long Range Battery Also Charges Really Fast
Like other EVs built on the Volkswagen Group 800-volt PPE architecture, the A6 and S6 pack a 100 kWh (gross) / 94.4 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery that charges at up to 270kW, which is quick. How quick? In most cases, it should only take about 21 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a 350kW/800V DC fast charger; check the output of the charger to know for sure. Using a level 2 charger, the type commonly found in home garages and also, public charge stations, a full charge will take about 14 hours on a 9.6kW charger. The A6 andS6 can also be charged at a wall outlet (level 1), but it’ll take days to go from 0-80%.
The Audi A6 and S6 e-tron come with the current standard charge ports, though future models will feature an updated Tesla-style NACS charge port. Still, both can charge at a Tesla Super Charger using an adapter. For convenience, Audi included dual charge ports: on one side there’s a level 2 charge port (above), and on the other side is a larger dual-receptacle level 3 fast charge port.
Range numbers are very good with the A6 quattro delivering about 92% of the range of the Tesla S Dual Motor. Here’s how it breaks down: The RWD A6 can travel up to 392 miles on a charge, while the A6 quattro manages 377 miles of range on a charge, and the S6 is rated at 324 miles of range. Obviously, your mileage will vary depending on temperature, speed, terrain, acceleration, etc… But still, these EPA range estimates are better than what the Q6 and SQ6 have to offer, and highlight how much more efficient the fastback sedan body style is.
Read: How the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq Defines Cadillac’s Future-And What Makes This SUV So Luxe
What Do The A6 And S6 Cost?
There are two Audi A6 and one Audi S6 models:
- A6 Sportback e-tron (RWD): $65,900 (392 mile range)
- A6 Sportback e-tron quattro (AWD): $67,900 (377 mile range)
- S6 Sportback e-tron quattro (AWD): $78,700 (324 mile range)
Each model is available in three trims:
- Premium (+$0)
- Premium Plus (A6: +$3,900 / S6 +$3,500)
- Prestige (A6 +$6,300 / S6 +$5,900)
This All-Electric Sedan Is A Slam Dunk
After spending a day with Audi’s A6 and S6, I came away quite impressed. If driving pleasure and range matter to you, these fastback sedans are great options. Who are these vehicles for, then? The A6 and S6 compete directly with the Lucid Air Touring and base Tesla Model S, and are compelling enough to attract first-time and repeat EV buyers alike, including Tesla defectors. And that’s no small feat.
Overall, this all-electric sedan is a slam dunk. The only thing missing from the US lineup are the A6 Avant and S6 Avant—the wagon version that’s available in Europe. The desire for these is strong. So, Audi, what do you say?
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