Audi A6, S6 E-Tron Electric Sedans Have Huge Range, Coming Next Year

Audi's all-new A6 E-Tron Sportback and the more powerful S6 E-Tron Sportback variant are set to arrive in the US next year, boasting the most aerodynamic design in the brand's history. With a selection of electric powertrains -- both thrifty and swift -- and a big ol' battery, the A6 could find itself among the longest ranging EVs on the road, should the automaker's estimates prove out.

The automaker's laser focus on advanced technology is also showcased in the E-Tron model, which will launch with some of the most sophisticated lighting tech of this generation, the latest generation infotainment software and perhaps the best voice command system I've ever used thanks to its powerful natural language recognition and integration with ChatGPT.

The most aerodynamic Audi ever

The A6 will arrive in the US in the Sportback configuration, combining the utility of a power hatchback with the silhouette of a sedan. The automaker also showcased a long-roof Avant configuration at the debut, but we won't be getting that flavor of A6 here in the States because we Americans don't buy enough wagons to make the import juice worth the squeeze. Audi will be more than happy to sell you a Q6 E-Tron SUV should you need more cargo space than the Sportback affords -- I reckon the SUV will probably be the larger volume seller anyway.

The A6 is built on the low-floor variant of Audi's new Premium Platform Electric dedicated EV architecture, versus the Q6's high-floor PPE, but the realities of cramming a large battery pack into this silhouette means that the A6 is fairly tall for a sedan. (Not quite Polestar 2 proportions, but still noticeably taller than the A5 sedan that debuted earlier this month.) A number of visual tricks are used to get the low-slung look the designers desired. The black "mask" panel wrapping beneath the singleframe grille and the contrasting blade element that ties the EV's flank to the rear break up the verticality and create visual length and width to balance the height. The A6 also uses the split front light arrangement that's in vogue with many small SUVs to create a smaller "headlamp" shape with the daytime running lights while hiding the actual projectors lower on the bumper in the mask. 

Enlarge Image

Even if it looks a touch hefty from certain angles, the A6 E-Tron Sportback's shape is one of the most aerodynamic that Audi's designers have penned, sliding through the air with an exceptionally low 0.21 drag coefficient when equipped with the automaker's camera-based Virtual Exterior Mirrors. Unfortunately, US regulations require larger optical mirrors, so the A6 E-Tron we get will be a touch less slippery. Even so, our A6 will benefit from the underbody optimization, rear diffuser, spoiler and other aerodynamic tweaks that reduce drag. Less drag means more efficiency, especially at highway speeds, helping this E-Tron model's long-ranging claims.

Huge range, split-bank fast charging

At launch, the A6 E-Tron Sportback will be offered with a single 100 kilowatt-hour (94.4 kWh net when factoring in reserves) which the automaker estimates will propel its EV up to 466 miles between charges. At least, that's the guess on Europe's more lenient WLPT testing cycle. The final EPA estimate for American drivers is sure to be slightly lower, but has yet to be specified at time of publication.

The 800-volt PPE architecture is able to juice the battery pack at up to 270 kilowatts at a DC fast charging station of appropriate voltage. That gets you from a 10% state of charge to 80% optimally in 21 minutes (or around 190 miles in 10 minutes using WLTP numbers.) At 400-volt charging stations, which are very common, the E-Tron is able to split its battery pack into two virtual 400-volt banks that charge in parallel. The result limits charging to 135 kW, which is still faster and more energy efficient than doing a voltage conversion.

The A6 E-Tron uses the SAE J1772 charging standard, so you'll be looking for CCS charging stations on the road. Like previous E-Tron models, the A6 is also available with dual charging ports. On the driver's side is the Level 2/DC combo port, while the passenger connection supports up to 9.6-kW Level 2 charging. Having a port on either side -- at least for up to Level 2 charging -- makes parking and plugging in easier and more flexible.

Electric performance

US shoppers will have a choice of three powertrain configurations for their A6E-Tron . At the entry point is the standard A6 E-Tron Sportback RWD with a single 270-kW (362 horsepower) electric motor on the rear axle. This will likely be the most energy efficient of the bunch with the longest range, but with an estimated 0-60 mph sprint of just 5.2 seconds, it should also be fairly quick.

Bringing Audi's hallmark quattro all-wheel drive to the party is the appropriately named A6 E-Tron Sportback quattro with dual electric motors and a combined 315 kW (around 422 hp). Pedal to the metal, it should hit 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds. The automaker tells me that the quattro setup still keeps a slight rear-bias for its power delivery, resulting in a sporty driving character that can be further enhanced with an optional air suspension.

The sport-tuned Audi S6 E-Tron Sportback

Drivers with the need for more speed can opt for the top (for now) S6 E-Tron Sportback, which turns up the wick on its dual electric motors to 370-kW combined (496 hp). Drop it into launch control and the S6 will temporarily overcharge to 405 kW (543 hp) for a 0-60 scramble in 3.7 seconds. This spec also sees an increase in top speed to 149 mph (versus 130 mph for the A6), more aggressive styling, sportier chassis tuning and unique wheel and tire options.

Enlarge Image

Lighting and convenience technology

It wouldn't be an Audi debut without some innovation in lighting technology. The A6 E-Tron features the brand's first illuminated four-rings badge at the rear where it joins the second-generation of Audi's digital OLED tail lights.  We saw this tech recently on the Q6 E-Tron. Here, again, US drivers won't be able to take advantage of the more advanced dynamic features made capable by this tech, such as car-to-car communication, animations or active warning symbols. We will be able to choose between eight static themes that change the shape of the rear and front digital light signature to vary the look of their A6 at the touch of a button.

The A6 also features the hardware for adaptive matrix LED functionality, which allows the vehicle to selectively dim areas of the headlights' throw to prevent dazzling drivers ahead, but US regulations will render that feature inert as well, leaving drivers with simple auto on/off high beams. This feature has been blocked on Audi cars for a few years now, so I guess write your legislators if you're invested in ever actually seeing it stateside.

Like many hatchbacks, Audi's Sportback features a power opening feature that can be operated hands-free by kicking beneath the bumper while at the rear of the vehicle. However, rather than making you guess and fumble at where to kick, the automaker uses lighting to project a "virtual pedal" on the ground near the sensor area as you approach the vehicle with the key in your pocket, so you can get that perfect kick to open or close the first time, every time. The hood can also be opened quickly from outside of the vehicle by passing the fob over the EV's nose to gain access to its frunk storage area.

AI-powered dashboard technology

Settle into the driver's seat and be greeted by an 11.9-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch main touchscreen. Both displays use OLED technology and are bonded to a single, curved panel that wraps around the driver's seating position. Here, the driver will interact with Audi's latest generation infotainment software, which features one of the best voice command systems I've ever used. I was able to test this tech recently while behind the wheel of the Q6 E-Tron and was amazed at how powerful its onboard natural language processing could be. Plus, the Audi is able to integrate ChatGPT via its data connection when confronted with more complex requests.

I typically don't like voice control in cars, preferring physical controls. However, Audi is minimizing physical controls around the cabin for this generation and moving more and more functions onto the touchscreen, which is a bit of a bummer. Fortunately, this voice system has proven, so far, to be intuitive and natural enough that even I don't mind using it. I find that it helps cut down on distraction and smooths out the learning curve on what could be a very complicated interface.

Optionally, the A6 and S6 can be had with a third 11.9-inch passenger touchscreen display with a redundant infotainment suite, allowing a person riding shotgun to act as a copilot or enjoy media and games on the go. To keep the driver from getting distracted by YouTube, the passenger screen features a built-in privacy screen that activates when the Audi is in motion, blocking the driver from seeing content.

Pricing and availability

Orders open on the all-new Audi A6 E-Tron , A6 E-Tron quattro and S6 E-Tron Sportback models later this year with the first deliveries arriving next year. US market pricing has neither been finalized nor announced at time of publication. German prices start at 75,600 euros (roughly $81,570), so it's gonna be pricey. Audi also announced an entry-level variant joining the lineup post-launch with a smaller (and less expensive) 83 kWh battery. Of course, US availability of that spec has also not yet been finalized.

Antuan Goodwin started out in the automotive industry the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. Antuan now has 16 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars including electric vehicles, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion cars. For each car tested, Antuan covers over 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics, acceleration and braking performance, range and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, EV-enthusiast or combustion-car loyal, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists, and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com

Expertise 16 years of testing, driving, writing, reporting, editing, and reviewing electric and ICE cars. Category focus is on electrified cars, EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, ICE cars, EV infrastructure, EV chargers, EV adapters, EV news, autonomous driving tech, driver assist Credentials

• North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror

Antuan Goodwin started out in the automotive industry the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. Antuan now has 16 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars including electric vehicles, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion cars. For each car tested, Antuan covers over 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics, acceleration and braking performance, range and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, EV-enthusiast or combustion-car loyal, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists, and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com