Audi’s brand-new PPE platform, which underpins the newest SQ6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan EV, continues to bear fruit. Nonetheless, this time, the carmaker debuts a brand new entrant into the sporty sedan phase with the arrival of the 2025 Audi S6 e-tron Sportback and its mass-market twin, the A6 e-tron.
Impressed by the aptly named A6 e-tron idea that debuted in Shanghai in 2021, Audi’s newest might be accessible in Sportback and Avant varieties, however solely the sedan might be accessible within the US market. Nonetheless, the manufacturing model of this well-received idea captures its sporty however elegant essence whereas introducing styling parts we’re sure to see in future fashions. Whereas the e-tron SUV line carries a well-known look, its sedan counterpart strays distinctly and introduces us to a brand new aesthetic.
A lot of the mechanical elements that energy the Audi S6 e-tron Sportback carry over from the SQ6 e-tron, albeit now housed in a decrease and wider machine. This contains its 100 kilowatt-hour (94.4 kWh web) battery pack, 800-volt electrical structure, and rear-biased dual-motor setup. Nonetheless, the sedan packs even better efficiency, producing 496 horsepower or 543-hp for transient intervals with launch management engaged. As such, it’ll dash to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and proceed onto its electronically restricted 149-mph prime velocity. The bottom rear-wheel-drive A6 e-tron produces 362 hp, whereas an all-wheel-drive quattro variant bumps as much as 422 hp.
Regardless of housing two electrical motors for all-wheel traction, the S6 rides principally in RWD mode, with the entrance axle stepping in solely when wanted for better effectivity. Nonetheless, even when each are engaged, the rear unit nonetheless develops extra energy, leading to a rear-biased configuration. This pairs with an elective air suspension system that cycles between 4 experience peak ranges, squatting by almost an inch at greater speeds.
Because of its up to date structure, all variants of this newest e-tron can cost at speeds of as much as 270 kilowatts, leaping from 10 to 80 p.c in as little as 21 minutes. The large query now, nonetheless, surrounds their vary as Audi has but to launch official figures for the US market. On the European WLTP cycle, a Euro-spec S6 Sportback e-tron lined over 416 miles on a cost, however given the EPA’s extra conservative metrics, anticipate the US vehicles to supply figures within the low 300-mile vary.
The Audi S6 e-tron Sportback achieves these figures partly as a result of its ultra-low drag coefficient of simply 0.21 Cd. For context, even the R8 may solely handle 0.34 Cd with its rear spoiler retracted, making the S6 not simply slippery by EV requirements however essentially the most aerodynamic road-going Audi ever. Cleverly positioned air curtains, an optimized undertray, and a downsized greenhouse characterised by its sloping roof are among the parts that assist obtain this.
On the styling entrance, the Audi S6 e-tron Sportback incorporates ultra-slim daytime working lights paired with in depth gloss black trim that hides its primary headlights, the sensors for its driver help options, and its decrease intakes. This enables its body-colored inverted grille and contrasting accent shade to be the principle focus. In S6 type, this accent shade adorns sizable facet intakes that assist channel air into and thru the entrance wheel wells.
Alongside its sides, the Audi S6 e-tron Sportback has a modern, sloping roofline emphasizing its low experience peak and a tall facet sill that doubles as an indicator of the place its battery pack sits. The S6 receives a normal set of 20-inch wheels; nonetheless, the mannequin photographed above wears an elective set of 21s, certainly one of 9 accessible designs for the A6 e-tron lineup.
Nonetheless, the rear homes essentially the most vital updates, as its roof slopes neatly into a large rear hatch. Audi’s signature gentle bar is much more in depth than ever, topped by an illuminated four-ring emblem. The gloss black and accent shade touches carry over from the entrance onto the diffuser, which extends nicely into the rear bumper whereas sporting 4 skinny fins.
Like its SUV counterpart, the S6’s head and tail lights can show patterns or challenge messages onto different drivers to extend security on the highway. The system permits drivers to pick out a most popular lighting signature and shows important options resembling proximity warnings. Nonetheless, as a result of US rules, these car-to-car options and lively digital gentle signatures might be restricted to European fashions solely.
Inside, the Audi S6 e-tron Sportback sports activities a screen-heavy format that’s rapidly turning into acquainted among the many model’s newest fashions. Transferring left to proper, it begins with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster housed in the identical gloss black bezel as a 14.5-inch central infotainment display. Simply beside them, although, is a brand new 10.9-inch passenger show, which creates an almost absolutely digital dashboard from A-pillar to A-pillar. Including one other layer of data is an up to date augmented actuality heads-up show.
In distinction, the remainder of the S6’s inside is strikingly minimalist. Its three-spoke steering wheel, for instance, homes just some haptic suggestions buttons, whereas its middle console homes simply its gear selector and a handful of different buttons. In typical Audi style, its entrance seats function perforated leather-based, though a vegan inside adorned by a diamond-stitched sample can also be accessible. Delicate suede touches on its middle console and door playing cards add extra textures to the combo to create a refined however elegant cabin format.
Whereas the Audi S6 e-tron Sportback goes on sale throughout the pond in September of this 12 months, it and its A6 counterparts gained’t hit US shores till early 2025. As anticipated, Audi has but to launch official pricing figures for its new sporty sedan. Nonetheless, in Europe, it’ll carry a beginning value of €99,500 or $107,600 utilizing present conversion charges.
