Audi A6 e-tron Sportback / Avant (PPE, Model-Year 2025)
Audi’s first “A-range” EV rides on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) shared with the Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric. Multi-link suspension front and rear, an 800-V system, adaptive air springs and all-wheel steering are standard on quattro models. Two body styles are offered: a coupé-like Sportback (≈ 4.96 m) and a roomier Avant (+ 7 cm of tail). Drag coefficient is 0.22 for the Sportback; boot space is 490 L (Sportback) or 570 L (Avant, 1 660 L seats-down).
| Model | Motors | Output / Torque | Drive | 0-100 km/h | Net battery | WLTP range |
|---|
| A6 e-tron 40 | 1 PMS | 240 kW • 550 Nm | RWD | 6.5 s | 83 kWh | 627 km |
| A6 e-tron 45 performance | 1 PMS | 270 kW (280 kW launch ctrl) • 600 Nm | RWD | 5.6 s | 100 kWh | 716 km |
| A6 e-tron 55 quattro | 2 PMS | 340 kW • 820 Nm | AWD | 4.9 s | 100 kWh | 656 km |
| S6 e-tron | PMS + IM | 370 kW (405 kW LC) • 950 Nm | AWD | 4.2 s | 100 kWh | 640 km |
DC charging: up to 270 kW → 10-80 % in 21 min; about 300 km added in 10 min. AC: 11 kW standard (22 kW optional).
PRO
| Strength | Why it convinces |
|---|
| Benchmark real-world range | Up to ~650 km motorway (Avant ~610 km) from the 100 kWh pack and Cd 0.22. |
| Ultra-fast 800-V charging | 270 kW peaks: +166 km in 10 min—perfect for high-mileage users. |
| Premium “black-panel” interior | Dual OLED 11.9″ displays, sustainable Dinamica/wood trim, 30-colour ambient light—fit and finish rival the A8. |
| Exceptionally quiet and cushy | Acoustic glazing and air suspension yield 65–66 dB at 130 km/h. |
| Surprising agility | Rear-axle steering (±5°) and e-torque vectoring give sharper turn-in than a diesel A6. |
| Full Level-2+ ADAS | Lane-centring, stop-and-go ACC, lane-change assist and app-based remote parking. |
| Battery warranty & low upkeep | 8 yr / 160 000 km HV cover; routine service limited to cabin filters and software checks. |
CON
| Weakness | Typical remark |
|---|
| Considerable mass | Kerb 2 150–2 300 kg; consumption at 130 km/h ≈ 22-23 kWh/100 km—less frugal than a Tesla Model S. |
| Steep pricing | Starts at €62 800 (RWD); quattro tops €80 000; S/RS versions exceed €100 k. |
| HPC network gaps in Italy | Full 270 kW only at Ionity / FreeToX sites—not yet ubiquitous on motorways. |
| High load-floor in the boot | Battery raises the floor; bulky luggage is harder to load than in a diesel A6. |
| Residual-value question mark | Premium-EV resale is volatile; 3-4 yr depreciation still unknown. |
| Strong one-pedal feel | Some testers find low-speed regen too abrupt until acclimatised. |
| Young software stack | Early OTA updates triggered occasional MMI reboots; patches have since stabilised it. |
Running-cost snapshot
| Item | Parts | Labour | Interval |
|---|
| Cabin filter + HV check | €60 | €70 | 30 000 km / 24 mo |
| Brake fluid | €25 | €80 | 3 yr |
| HEPA filters | €120 | €60 | 60 000 km |
| 255/45-20 EV tyres | €1 100 / set | – | 35–40 000 km |
| Insurance (RC + casco) | – | ~€1 300 / yr | – |
Home charge (11 kW) 0-100 %: ~9 h (100 kWh) → ~€22 at €0.22/kWh ≈ 650 km.
Italian price guide (OTR)
| Model | Output | Base price |
|---|
| A6 e-tron 40 RWD | 240 kW | €62 800 |
| A6 e-tron 45 performance RWD | 270 kW | €68 900 |
| A6 e-tron 55 quattro | 340 kW | €79 500 |
| S6 e-tron quattro | 370 kW | €92 400 |
| RS 6 e-tron (expected 2026) | ≥600 kW | >€125 000 (est.) |
Avant + €1 800. Italian EV purchase incentives currently do not apply above €70 k.
Verdict
The A6 e-tron launches Audi’s core saloon into the EV era with class-leading range, super-fast charging and an interior worthy of a flagship. Weight and price are high, and Italy’s HPC grid must grow to unlock its full potential, yet for long-distance executives with access to rapid chargers, it blends efficiency, comfort and performance like few rivals. If the charging network expands as forecast, the A6 e-tron could well become the premium-fleet darling; until then, a 55 TFSIe plug-in remains the most versatile all-rounder.
