Fightback! All-new 2025 Audi A6 e-tron shaping up as serious Benz EQE and BMW i5 rival when it arrives in Australia in 2025
Audi has revealed the all-new 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Sportback and A6 e-tron Avant wagon ahead of their 2025 launch in Australia.
And it looks look they offer some appealing features including stunning looks, as much as 405kW of power and a huge range of up to 756km.
Created to take the battle to the likes of the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, as well as the Tesla Model S that’s still sold in North America, the radical new Audi A6 e-tron abandons petrol and diesel power for electricity.
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\Due in Australia in the first half of next year, its another signal of the German luxury maker’s fightback after falling behind its rivals in the adoption of EVs
It also introduces the car-maker’s cutting-edge new EV tech to the mid-size sedan and wagon segment.
Speaking of the sedan, there won’t be a traditional three-box body style with Audi favouring the sexier four-door coupe Sportback.
That’s offered alongside the rakish Avant wagon with both staying faithful to the stunning 2021 Shanghai motor show concept.
Like that concept, aerodynamics play a key role in boosting efficiency with the A6 e-tron Sportback boasting an ultra-low 0.21Cd (0.24Cd for the Avant) drag coefficient.
Sharing much with the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV, the latest A6 e-tron rides on the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that comes equipped with 800-volt electrics for ultra-fast charging and a variety of battery packs and powertrains.
Combined with the largest 100kWh (94.9kWh useable) battery, the Audi A6 e-tron can cover up to 756km, comfortably beating the equivalent BMW i5 (573km) and Benz’s EQE (690km).
Choose the family-friendly A6 e-tron Avant and the less aerodynamic wagon can still cover up to 720km on a fully charge.
Later on, a smaller 83kWh (79kWh useable) powerpack will also be introduced.
From launch the Audi A6 e-tron will be capable of being charged at 11kW using a domestic AC supply using either of its rear-fender located charging ports.
But only the driver’s side port can receive a rapid DC charge of up to 270kW.
A 10-80 per cent top-up takes just 21 minutes, with up to 310km of range added in just 10 minutes.
Later on, the A6 e-tron AC charging will be boosted to 22kW.
Initially, there will be just two powertrain options for the Audi A6 e-tron Sportback and Avant – a 270kW rear-wheel drive single motor version that will be badged A6 e-tron Performance and a more powerful 370kW all-wheel drive S6.
Against the clock, the entry A6 e-tron Performance can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and top out at 210km/h.
The flagship S6, meanwhile, has an overboost function that raises power from 370kW to a peak 405kW. The dash from 0-100km/h takes just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h.
An even faster RS 6 e-tron is expected later and that should kick-out around 500kW on over-boost and deliver supercar-humbling levels of thrust.
Unlike the RS 6 e-tron, the rest of the all-electric Audi sedan and wagon range has been set up for comfort.
The entry A6 e-tron Performance sits on steel springs, while the S6 gets trick adaptive air suspension that automatically adjusts its ride height on the move to improve performance and range.
The air sprung modes also raise the body when parked and when unlocked to help easier exit and entry.
Aping the Q6 e-tron SUV’s interior, there’s a large 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 14.5-inch infotainment screen that can be further optioned to include another 10.9-inch touchscreen ahead of the passenger.
For cars with the optional rear-view cameras there’s a further two displays at the either end of the dash.
Incorporating the climate control functions within the infotainment system, designers have favoured a deliberate minimalistic theme to the cabin.
However, there is a gear selector, start-stop button, drive select, hazard waning ESP button and traditional volume knob on the lower centre console.
Pricing for the A6 e-tron has yet to be revealed but in Europe the 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Sportback Performance costs the equivalent of $140,000, with the Avant wagon version attracting a $1080 premium over the four-door.
