New electric Audi A6: Up to 466 miles and 543 bhp for reimagined saloon staple

Following a range-wide shakeup, Audi’s 6th generation A6 (and S6) have gone electric only. Find out how they stack up against the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE.  

Just when you think you’ve got the hang of Audi’s model hierarchy, they decide to reinvent the wheel by switching a digit or moving a letter. It’s a rather baffling trick that the likes of BMW and Mercedes also love to pull but, in Audi’s case, it means the A6 designation is now reserved for EVs exclusively.

Has the A6 changed names?

Yes, but buyers beware: while next year’s new combustion-powered A6 will take the A7 moniker, you can still buy the outgoing petrol and diesel A6 alongside this latest electric e-tron version. To avoid disappointment, we’d suggest getting a handle on the new range before strolling into an Audi showroom.  

Confusing reshuffle aside, what’s the new A6 e-tron got going for it? Rather a lot, as it happens.

The most aerodynamic Audi ever 

Where the new Corvette ZR1 we recently showed you specialises in pummeling the air into submission for maximum downforce, Audi’s new A6 e-tron is a master of aero efficiency. Gliding along gracefully with a remarkably low 0.21 cd — in hatchback guise — the e-tron’s body requires less energy to push through the air than the BMW i5 (0.23 cd), and the Mercedes EQE (0.24 cd).  

Miles ahead of the competition

While drag coefficients aren’t a particularly glamorous subject, they do reap some real-world rewards. For one, in its most streamlined hatchback guise the new A6 e-tron delivers an impressive 466-mile range — the estate, or Avant in Audi speak, concedes 19 miles on account of its boxier shape. That means the electric A6 can travel over 100 miles further than its i5 equal, and around 30 more than the EQE. Impressive.  

When it’s finally time to plug back in, new 800-volt technology and a maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kw, grants 192 miles of range from just 10 minutes at the socket — if you can find a charger powerful enough, that is.  

The e-tron’s electrifying performance  

From launch, just two powertrains are available. Entry-level Performance models get a 362-bhp motor on the rear axle, resulting in a strong 0-60 mph dash of just 5.4 seconds. That’s quick, but the 543bhp and four-wheel drive of the S6 drops that acceleration into serious sports car territory, at 3.9 seconds to 60.  

With power like that on tap, you’ll be thankful Audi’s opted to equip the S6 e-tron with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres as standard. Offering a stellar combination of confidence-inspiring grip and increased battery range, the Pilot Sport EV should help to exploit the Audi’s full potential in all conditions.

Practicality: The A6’s Achillies' heel? 

The good news is that a move from saloon to Sportback (hatchback) has freed up some welcome interior and boot space compared to previous electrified A6s. Strangely, though, both the hatchback and estate versions of the new A6 e-tron offer the same 502-litre luggage capacity. Granted, the Avant does offer a little more headroom, but we’re not sure a 19-mile range deduction is a worthwhile tradeoff. Unless you’re an avid top hat enthusiast, the Sportback seems to make more sense. If storage space is a dealbreaker, the BMW i5 Touring’s 570-litre boot is usefully larger. 

Pricing and availability  

UK sales are set to begin in September 2024 – when full pricing and specification options will also be revealed. In the meantime, we speculate the new all-electric A6 will start at the upper end of £60,000. The high-performance S6 — with its air suspension and all-wheel drive — will likely command a hefty premium, given the equivalent BMW i5 M60 is nudging £100,000. 

Audi’s all-new A6 e-tron marks a step change in the model’s narrative and, for the most part, there’s no doubting its impressive credentials. But does it strike the right balance between evolutionary and revolutionary?  

Do you think the new A6’s segment-leading range and streamlined looks are enough to win it favour with the BMW and Mercedes faithful? Tell us which of the German EV trio you’d pick.  

Hero image credit:  Audi