Since the debut of the Porsche Taycan-derived Audi e-tron GT back in 2022, Audi has focused its efforts on expanding its electric SUV lineup, launching the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, and Q8 e-tron. Now, it’s turned its attention back to its electric sedan offerings with the introduction of the all-new 2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron.
While the brand had previously announced that even numbers would be reserved for electric models and odd numbers for gasoline models, that has been walked back, and the electric A6 will now be offered alongside the existing gasoline A6 for the foreseeable future. However, with the performance and features that the newest member of the e-tron family offers, there are very few reasons not to opt for it over the older A6.
A New Premium Platform
The A6 Sportback e-tron is very similar in size to the e-tron GT; however, they are completely different vehicles. While the e-tron GT is designed to be a flagship performance sedan, the A6 Sportback e-tron is intended to be a more approachable and practical executive sedan that appeals to the same drivers who would be interested in the gasoline A6.
But that doesn’t mean the new model is less capable than the e-tron GT; in fact, it is a generation more advanced. While the e-tron GT was built on a modified gasoline engine platform that it shares with the Porsche Panamera, the A6 Sportback e-tron is the first sedan from any brand to use the new Porsche-Audi Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which debuted with the Porsche Macan EV and the Audi Q6 e-tron.
The PPE brings an 800V architecture that allows the 94.4-kWh battery to charge at 270 kW, providing a 10-80% charge in just 21 minutes. Unfortunately, despite Audi’s announcement that it will be moving to a NACS plug in future models, the A6 Sportback e-tron is still equipped with a CCS plug for DC fast charging. That means drivers will need to use an adapter at Tesla Superchargers and will only be able to take full advantage of that charging speed at fast chargers from Electrify America and other CCS networks. Still, with an estimated range of up to 392 miles, stopping to charge will not be a common occurrence outside of long road trips.
That nearly 400-mile range is achieved with the base rear-wheel drive powertrain, which provides 375 hp—40 hp more than the gasoline-powered A6 with its optional 3.0L turbocharged V6. The available dual-motor quattro option provides 456 hp, outperforming the gasoline-powered S6 with only a small hit to its range.
Finally, the S6 Sportback e-tron delivers no less than 543 hp for a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and a range of 324 miles. That’s more range but less speed than a Tesla Model 3 Performance, which is rated for 298 miles but can hit 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. However, when compared to the BMW i5 M60, the Audi offers identical acceleration and 71 miles of additional range. If you’re looking for a German electric sports sedan, this might be it.
Taking the Fight to Tesla
In addition to the improved electric powertrain, the A6 Sportback e-tron brings a large collection of high-tech features to the table, as befits an Audi model. No fewer than 84 LED light strips adorn the interior—and in addition to your typical ambient lighting functions, the dynamic interaction lighting can be used to communicate everything from cabin temperature changes to vehicle charging status and driver-assist feature activation.
The PPE platform also includes a more advanced computing architecture that is most visible in the wrap-around three-screen cockpit, which boasts an 11.9-inch instrument panel, a 14.5-inch center touchscreen, and an available 10.9-inch front passenger touchscreen. That’s significantly more screen real estate than any other Audi sedan, and the Audi Application Store means you can download third-party apps directly to the vehicle without needing to connect your phone.
The A6 Sportback e-tron also supports Audi’s digital key through the myAudi app, which means you can leave your keyfob at home and rely on your smartphone or smartwatch to unlock and start the vehicle for ultimate convenience. These high-tech additions go a long way toward restoring Audi’s reputation for living on the cutting edge and put it on more even ground with tech-forward EV startups like Tesla and Lucid.
Redefining the Electric Sports Sedan
While the gasoline-powered A6 will continue to be available for the time being, the 2025 A6 Sportback e-tron has everything it needs to become the new face of the A6 family. With its high-tech features, long range, quick charging, and impressive performance, it is not just the electric sedan the Audi lineup has needed; it is an excellent luxury sedan overall.
While its performance may still fall a little short of segment-leading models like the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air, it offers a more traditional luxury experience and outperforms competitors like the BMW i5 and the Mercedes-Benz EQE. If you’re looking for a modern sports sedan and are interested in trying an EV, then the Audi A6 promises to be hard to beat.
