Audi A6 Avant e-tron: Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Electric Performance
The new Audi A6 Avant e-tron redefines long-distance travel with exceptional comfort and advanced electric technology. However, despite its many strengths, this electric estate might not impress as much as its predecessors in terms of craftsmanship.
Modern Design with High-Tech Features
The Audi A6 Avant e-tron, now fully electric, showcases a sleek design with dimensions that demand attention: 4.93 meters long and 1.92 meters wide. Its futuristic appeal is highlighted by state-of-the-art LED lighting and illuminated Audi rings on the tailgate—though regulations prevent similar illumination on the front logo.
Innovative features like touch-sensitive door handles and next-gen camera mirrors enhance its tech-savvy persona. The mirrors retract when the car locks, but the €1,750 option might still feel unnecessary. The small screens, positioned lower than traditional mirrors, make judging proximity tricky, a concern for many drivers.
Discover more about Audi’s cutting-edge technology on the official Audi website.
Impressive Screens, Complicated Ergonomics
Inside, the A6 Avant e-tron is loaded with screens—three in the S Line trim equipped with the Tech Pro Pack. The OLED central display offers stunning visuals, especially for navigation with Street View, but the overall ergonomic design feels less intuitive.
Touchpads on the steering wheel and armrest replace traditional buttons, often requiring multiple taps for simple actions like adjusting air recirculation. Thankfully, a customizable button on the steering wheel allows quick deactivation of unwanted driver aids, which annoyingly reactivate every time you leave the car.
For more on the latest in automotive design, visit Car and Driver.
A Step Back in Build Quality
Audi enthusiasts accustomed to the brand’s legendary build quality might notice some compromises. While the A6 Avant e-tron features better materials than the A5, elements like hollow-sounding panels and basic plastics around the door handles suggest a departure from the “over-engineered” excellence Audi was once known for.
The 85,560 € price tag (excluding options) for the Performance trim might be a hard pill to swallow for some. However, the PPE platform, shared with Porsche, ensures ample interior space thanks to a 2.95-meter wheelbase—5 cm longer than a Peugeot 5008. The 502-liter trunk is practical, with rear seatback releases and additional storage under the floor, though the Bose sound system (€4,250) takes up some of that space. A small 27-liter front trunk provides extra room for charging cables.
Electrified Performance with Rapid Charging
The A6 Avant e-tron lineup includes four variants:
- S6 (503 hp)
- Quattro (428 hp)
- Performance (367 hp)
- Base e-tron (rear-wheel drive, 75.8 kWh battery)
Other versions, including the Performance, come with a 94.9 kWh battery, promising up to 750 km of range (based on WLTP). The 800V charging system allows fast recharges at 270 kW, restoring 10-40% in just minutes.
Learn more about fast-charging technology on Electrek.
Dynamic Driving Meets Everyday Comfort
Despite weighing 2,250 kg, the A6 Avant e-tron handles curves confidently, thanks to precise steering and impeccable traction. While the 367 hp (boosting to 380 hp momentarily) isn’t overwhelming, its progressive power delivery makes driving easy and enjoyable. The air suspension in the Techno Pro Pack (€3,940) smooths out bumps, especially in Comfort mode, where the car raises slightly for added ground clearance.
Three levels of regenerative braking, plus a “B mode”, enable efficient energy recovery. On highways, excellent sound insulation makes long journeys particularly relaxing.
For eco-conscious drivers looking for a premium electric estate, the A6 Avant e-tron offers a compelling, albeit pricey, option. With improved charging infrastructure across Europe, making the switch to electric has never been easier.
Find out more about Audi’s electric vehicle lineup on Audi’s EV page.
