Audi in July unveiled the new A6 Sportback E-Tron and its S6 Sportback E-Tron performance variants.
Available as a Sportback hatchback or Avant wagon depending on the market, the A6 E-Tron was planned to replace the current A6 range as part of Audi's goal to phase out all internal-combustion vehicles by the early 2030s. The automaker's last vehicle with a gas or diesel engine was originally set for as soon as 2026. Plans have since shifted—Audi has walked back its naming strategy to split EV and gas-powered nameplates and will add plug-in hybrids to its lineup.
On Wednesday, Audi announced the 2025 A6 E-Tron Sportback will cost $67,195 including a $1,295 destination charge when it arrives this summer with up to 392 miles of range.
The A6 E-Tron is the second Audi to ride on Volkswagen Group's PPE (Premium Platform Electric) dedicated EV platform, which debuted earlier in 2024 in the Audi Q6 E-Tron and Porsche Macan EV. The 800-volt platform enables DC fast-charging at rates up to 270 kW, allowing the standard 100-kWh battery to charge from 10-80% in as little as 21 minutes.
The A6 E-Tron was previewed in 2021 by a concept car of the same name, and the production version closely resembles the striking show car. Split headlights up front flank a sealed-off grille and sit atop a blacked-out front fascia that gives the car a wide-mouth look. At the rear, the illuminated Audi logo forms part of an LED light strip for the taillights.
The A6 E-Tron measures 194 inches long, a few inches shorter than the Tesla Model S. Its long 116-inch wheelbase should result in a roomy cabin. Audi says there's plenty of space for four adults. Rear storage is 26 cubic feet standard or 40 cubic feet with rear seats folded flat.
The interior design mirrors the Q6 E-Tron, featuring a curved panel angled toward the driver that integrates an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the Android-based infotainment system.
For buyers who can't imagine an empty space without a screen, Audi offers a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. This third screen controls some vehicle functions and displays video. A digital blind prevents driver distraction. Additional controls are on the driver's door and center console, and a head-up display with augmented reality can be added.
New Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback
In the U.S., the A6 E-Tron offers rear- or all-wheel drive. The S6 E-Tron comes exclusively with the latter.
With rear-wheel drive at $67,195, a single motor delivers a maximum 362 hp to the rear axle, and Audi estimates 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Upgrading to all-wheel drive for $69,195 adds a dual-motor setup rated at 422 hp maximum, enabling 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 mph for both configurations.
The S6 E-Tron features a dual-motor powertrain delivering 496 hp, extendable to 543 hp briefly with launch control, for $79,995. With launch control activated, Audi estimates the S6 E-Tron reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 149 mph.
The S6 E-Tron likely isn't the end of the performance road for the A6 E-Tron family. Though unconfirmed, a high-performance RS 6 E-Tron model is thought to be in the works.
New Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback
Audi hasn't detailed the full A6 Sportback E-Tron lineup's range ratings, but said the Ultra package (Audi's efficiency package) delivers an EPA-estimated 392 miles of range.
Due to current regulations, the U.S. will miss out on technologies like matrix LED headlights, car-to-X communication, and customizable light signatures. The U.S. will also forgo the A6 E-Tron's camera-based side mirrors, Audi has confirmed.