2025 Audi A6 E-Tron goes all-electric

2025 Audi A6 design

Audi previewed the next-generation A6 range in a pair of concepts a few years ago. They were well-received and as such, the design they previewed has translated onto the production cars with minimal dilution. 

Is the new A6 a traditional three-box that happens to be electrified? Not at all. Rather, it very much employs the pebble-esque methodology we’ve seen deployed with varying degrees of success both in the new VW ID.7 and Mercedes’ EQ range of saloons, such that the saloon is now called ‘Sportback’. 

I personally think Audi has balanced it better, keeping enough tone and shape to be distinctive but still courting that aero-friendly silhouette, with a shorter bonnet and swooping rear three-quarter. Aero-friendly it is too, with the saloon sporting a C/D of just 0.21, making it both the most aerodynamic Audi ever made and the VW Group’s most aerodynamic car. The Avant, revealed at the same time, comes in at 0.24 C/D.

As for the design itself, Audi’s visual evolution continues with a ‘grille’ that’s more about width than running top to bottom like Audis of old. It is also very obviously not a grille, rather a solid styling piece in the shape of Audi’s new grille. It copies the beautiful E-Tron GT, Q4 and Q6 in that. 

New for an Audi in this segment but something we’re already used to on a number of SUVs, particularly from BMW, is a split lighting arrangement. The ‘eyes’ of the car are the blade-like DRLs which sit where a traditional headlamp unit would be. The actual headlamp sits below it integrated into the bumper’s styling in the so-called ‘dark mask’, where ADAS components also sit. A black blade splits up the side and feeds into the rear three-quarter. The rear is dominated by the width-spanning OLED light bar, including a light-up badge, and a prominent diffuser. 

The lights offer eight digital light signatures, while the OLEDs at the rear are, according to Audi, getting closer to a display all of their own with their configurability. With advanced car-to-x communication capabilities, it can show everything from custom hazard displays for drivers behind, to a welcome animation for the approaching owner.

2025 Audi A6 E-Tron: Performance, range and specs

The fancy lights are all well and good but what’s actually going on under the skin? Well, it’s the second new Audi and third new car from across the Group to use PPE, or Premium Platform Electric, with 800-volt electronics. 

The A6 is being introduced with a new 100kWh battery with new lithium-ion guts that increase cell density by 30 per cent. That allows for a hefty best-in-class 466 miles of range, or 447 miles in the Avant. There will no doubt be lower-range models with smaller batteries to follow. It’ll charge at up to 270kW on a DC public charger, adding up to 192 miles of range in 10 minutes. If the charging station uses 400-volt tech, the car can actually split its bank in two systemically and charge in parallel at up to 135kW.

Quite remarkable is that this Audi A6 in standard configuration is rear-wheel-drive, with the 367PS (270kW) motor straddling the back axle. That allows for 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds on the way to a 130mph top speed.

The braking Audi says will be handled for 95 per cent of the time by the regeneration system, which can recover up to 220kW. Two-stage regeneration can be accessed via paddles on the steering wheel, with coasting also possible. ‘B’ mode allows for one-pedal driving.

In terms of driving dynamics, Audi has put a focus on comfort and balance. The standard suspension system is spring and damper, with an optional fully air-suspended setup available too. So-equipped, the A6 can drop its ride height by 20mm in ‘efficiency’ mode, raise its ride height when sat still for ingress and egress and more.

Inside the 2025 Audi A6 E-Tron

The attack of the pixels continues inside the new Audi A6, with an absolute screen fest. The big lug of a curved infotainment binnacle returns from the A5 and Q6, with a 14.5-inch OLED MMI touch display integrated, running as a near-first, Android Automotive OS. In front of the passenger is an optional 10.9-inch passenger display, while in front of the driver is the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit. Together, it all forms what Audi calls the ‘digital stage’. Audi’s new optional AR head-up display is supplemental, which can show important driving information.

In terms of design layout, there is what Audi calls a ‘soft wrap’ from door to door, with the hope of creating a ‘homely ambience’. Optional are camera door mirrors which talk to screens set at the corners of the dash. It’s an Audi, so you can expect a cool, clinical, quality feel to the materials, fit and finish. Expect it to be decently spacious too, being a dedicated EV that doesn’t have to have room for an engine or fuel tank.

2025 Audi S6: 503PS electric flagship

Ahead of a foretold all-electric RS 6, the S6 has to take up the mantle as the performance option. It adds an extra motor at the front to the standard A6’s rear-mounted item, for a total of 503PS (370kW), or 550PS (405kW) temporarily when in launch mode. That allows 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds on the way to a 149mph top speed. Standard on the S6 is the air suspension system. How the range has been affected by the added power hasn’t been divulged.

It looks a bit spicier with alloy-effect styling elements over the air curtains at the front, as well as a chunkier diffuser and more aggressive wheels. It’s still very much an understated thing, though.

2025 Audi A6 E-Tron: Pricing and specs

The order books for the new Audi A6 are set to open on September 2, when full pricing will be announced. For now though, expect competitive positioning next to rivals from Mercedes and BMW, of £65,000-£70,000. More details as we have them.

What’s your opinion on the new A6? Is it convincing enough in terms of range and tech to make you consider a move to all-electric? Let us know your thoughts…