Luxury EV Meets Tech Overload. I admit, I approached testing the 2025 Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron Quattro expecting to be frustrated. As a traditional car enthusiast, the idea of an ultra-connected, screen-saturated electric sedan put me off. I anticipated charging issues, overwhelming technology, and a sanitized driving experience. In the end, I came away impressed.
The Basics
The A6 Sportback E-Tron is one of the first models on Audi’s new PPE electric platform, shared with Porsche. Positioned as a high-end electric sedan, it starts at $65,900 and can easily exceed $75,000 for well-equipped versions. Audi adopts a “car first, electric second” philosophy, favoring familiar and sophisticated lines over flashy futuristic design.
Exterior Design and Silhouette
The A6 Sportback’s silhouette is that of a professional and practical sedan. The Sportback shape is the star, with a long roofline that slopes down to a hatchback concealing a massive trunk, the most practical in its class. I was able to fit my 1.73m surfboard inside. The slim front headlights, with customizable digital light signatures, add a technological touch.
Interior: A Nest of Screens
Inside, screens dominate. The main infotainment screen is sharply angled toward the driver, a separate screen is dedicated to the passenger, and the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster completes the setup. For some, this is cutting-edge; for me, it was almost overwhelming. Even the climate controls are integrated into the touch surfaces. Yet, the finish is typical Audi: luxurious, with high-quality materials, wood inserts, customizable ambient lighting, and a spacious rear cabin. The “zebra glass” electrochromic panoramic roof is more of a gadget than a practical feature, but undeniably cool.
Driving and Performance
On the road, the A6 E-Tron is exactly what you’d expect from a luxury EV: quiet, composed, and comfortable. The dual-motor setup provides instant and effortless thrust with 456 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. The adaptive suspension glides over bumps. Audi’s adaptive cruise control proved intuitive. The heated and ventilated seats contribute to a fatigue-free drive. My favorite tech features were the voice assistant and the 360-degree camera, very useful in daily use.
Weight and Drawbacks
The weight is substantial: 5,192 pounds for the Quattro version. The adaptive suspension and torque mask this mass well, but it is noticeable. The regenerative braking, although offering several modes including one-pedal driving, lacks smoothness in its transitions. The turning radius is wide, and visibility is compromised by thick C-pillars and a small rear window. The head-up display projecting an augmented reality arrow onto the road proved more distracting than useful.
Range and Charging
This is where the A6 E-Tron surprised me the most. Audi claims up to 377 miles of range (approximately 607 km) for the Quattro version. After a few days, my range anxiety had disappeared. A 180-mile (290 km) trip without recharging, even with the air conditioning on, was completed stress-free. Charging is effortless thanks to the 800-volt architecture supporting up to 270 kW. Recharging from 10% to 80% in just over 20 minutes matched my real-world experience. Plug-and-charge at Electrify America is as simple as filling up with gas.
Final Verdict
The Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron delivers on its promise: it’s a luxurious, comfortable, and long-range electric sedan. It offers the high-tech interior and futuristic flourishes expected by its clientele. At the same time, this technology can be overwhelming. The electronic door locks, endless menus… Audi has sometimes buried usability under novelty. But these grievances don’t overshadow the fact that this is an extremely accomplished and refined EV, pushing Audi luxury into the electric era.