Breadcrumb Trail LinksReviewsFirst DrivesVehicle typesElectric VehiclesLuxury VehiclesAudi’s newest all-electric sedan has a ride that is luxury-car smooth and composedPublished Dec 02, 2024 • Last updated 43 minutes ago • 6 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.2025 Audi S6 e-tron Photo by Jil McIntoshArticle contentEven after how long electric cars have been on the market, some still who turn up their noses because there’s no way they’re a match for performance gasoline vehicles. And so, I give you the 2025 Audi A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron.Advertisement 2This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Don’t navigate the car buying road alone!Join our thriving community on social media and connect with other car searchers and enthusiasts.Article contentArticle content2023 Audi A6 Avant E-Tron Concept | First Look | Driving.CaArticle contentIn this world of sport-utilities, there is still room for a sedan – actually a Sportback, as Audi calls it, because the trunk lid is hinged above the rear window; and in this case, there’s room for this handsome sedan that drives as good as it looks, even if there’s no chance of pumping in some gas.First, its name. As Audi increasingly moves forward into electrification, “A” still means a car and “Q” an SUV, but now even numbers indicate electric, while odd numbers are gasoline. While both the A6 e-tron and the current petrol-powered A6 will initially be available, the plan is for that A6 to eventually wear an A7 badge.What powers the 2025 Audi A6 e-tron?As with all of Audi’s all-new models, the A6 e-tron rides the automaker’s equally-new Premium Platform Electric (PPE). It uses a newly-developed lithium-ion battery with 100-kWh gross capacity and 94.9-kWh net; and with 800-volt architecture and DC fast-charging capacity of up to 270 kW.Advertisement 3This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentToggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntoshNext Gallery ImageToggle gallery captionsAll 17 Photos for GalleryFunction Not Available Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.OKAdvertisement 4This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentGlobally, the A6 e-tron will be offered in four versions. Two will be rear-wheel-drive only, including a smaller-battery entry model, but we won’t be seeing either of those in Canada. There’s also an Avant wagon, which we won’t get either.Instead, we’ll get the two models with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), which Audi calls Quattro. Our A6 e-tron uses two electric motors, making a combined 422 horsepower and up to 455 horses during launch control. Top speed is 210 km/h, and acceleration from stop to 100 km/h takes 4.5 seconds.The performance S6 e-tron’s two electric motors bump the output to 496 horsepower, with 543 hp available in launch control. Top speed is governed to 240 km/h, and reaching 1o0 km/h should take 3.9 seconds.Advertisement 5This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentNeither has been rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for range, but in European testing – which isn’t necessarily the same as ours, but for reference – the A6 e-tron is rated for 716 km on a charge, and the S6 e-tron at 675 km.Recommended from Editorial Driven Wheels: A deep dive into Audi’s quattro AWD systems 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 Sportbacks get sleek-roof styling 2025 Audi A6, S6 e-tron could see up to 750 km per charge What’s the Audi S6 e-tron like to drive?This was a global first-drive event, and the only model there destined for Canada was the S6 e-tron, so I got in it first. The roads ahead were mostly hairpin-turn up a volcano, which gave this car an opportunity to shine.The S6 e-tron is deliciously fun to drive; it’s exceptionally fast but never feels so overpowered that it’s a chore to pilot it. The Quattro system favours the rear wheels – the front motor produces 202 lb-ft of torque, while the rear unit churns out 427 lb-ft. An air suspension is standard on the S6, optional on the A6, and the ride is luxury-car smooth and composed.Advertisement 6This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentAudi’s engineers worked to really differentiate the drive modes, and they succeeded, if perhaps to a fault. The progressive steering is beautifully weighted and with great feedback in Dynamic mode, and exactly right for the mountain curves. The switch over to Comfort mode was not; the steering became too light and vague. For everyday commuting, the Balanced mode isn’t quite as quick as the sportiest setting but with great connection to the road.Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi S6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntoshNext Gallery ImageToggle gallery captionsAll 20 Photos for GalleryFunction Not Available Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.OKAdvertisement 7This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentThe car uses regenerative braking, capturing and storing otherwise wasted energy during deceleration. To keep everything composed and balanced, the two braking systems work progressively on each end of the car. When you take your foot off the accelerator, the regenerative system first slows the rear wheels, and then the front ones. If you then press the brake pedal, the hydraulic brakes first slow the front discs, and then squeeze the rear ones.The regenerative level can be increased to the point of one-pedal driving, where it brings the car to a stop without using the hydraulic brakes. The no-brake braking added extra fun to the mountain switchbacks: take your foot off the accelerator, let the regeneration scrub off enough speed for the next curve, and then put your foot back into it. I could gladly have done that all day.Advertisement 8This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentWhat’s the A6 e-tron like on the road?The only A6 e-tron available was the rear-wheel-drive Performance, a step up from the 281-horsepower entry model. The Performance’s single electric motor makes 362 horsepower, while our two-motor Quattro version will make 422 horsepower.Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image2025 Audi A6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi A6 e-tron2025 Audi A6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi A6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi A6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi A6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntosh2025 Audi A6 e-tronPhoto by Jil McIntoshNext Gallery ImageToggle gallery captionsAll 7 Photos for GalleryFunction Not Available Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.OKAdvertisement 9This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentEven so, the Performance is no slouch. The general impression is of a very smooth gasoline-powered Audi that happens to be electric; it’s quick and nimble, and a good daily driver that can also tackle the twisties on weekends as desired. The Quattro driveline should only make it better.Both the A6 and S6 produce artificial gas-engine sounds in the sportier driving modes – they’re silent in the Comfort setting – and while it’s a gimmick, it’s a pretty good one. It’s louder in the S6, but never so noisy that it’s annoying. Should you think otherwise, it can be turned off.What’s the Audi A6 e-tron like on the outside?The A6 e-tron’s styling of an “inverted” grille and thin headlights will be a signature look for all of Audi’s future battery-powered models. The door handles are flush-mounted, but you put your hand under them to open. They don’t electrically pop out as some do, which always seems kinda-iffy to me in a climate where it’s not uncommon for cars to be covered in ice.Advertisement 10This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content 2025 Audi S6 e-tron Photo by Jil McIntoshAn available panoramic sunroof contains a liquid crystal technology that turns the glass dark or light as preferred. It does that in sections, similar to moving a sunshade forward – those in one set of seats can have darker glass overhead, while those in the other can enjoy the sunshine.The rear hatch is hands-free, and if you walk up to the car with the key, it shines an arrow on the ground indicating where to kick your foot to activate it. There’s also a 27-litre front trunk, and the hood pops open for access if you move your hand sideways in front of the car’s nose.What’s the Audi A6 e-tron like inside?Audi’s cabin redesign is working its way across all its new models, including what it calls a “digital stage.” A single piece of curved glass contains the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. A 10.9-inch screen can be added in front of the passenger, which can display some of the centre screen’s information such as navigation, or handle its own entertainment content through phones or apps, which can’t be viewed by the driver.Advertisement 11This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content 2025 Audi S6 e-tron Photo by Jil McIntoshThe seats are comfortable in typical German fashion, supportive rather than cushy, and I like that the S6 e-tron’s bolsters are effective but not so large that they make it tough to get in and out. While buttons are less distracting than screen icons, the climate controls on the bottom of the centre screen are at least easy to figure out. But there’s a lot happening on the driver’s door, where the control pad there not only handles locks, windows and mirrors, but also the headlights.Final thoughtsCanadian pricing and an on-sale data are still to come. The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Quattro will come in two trims, and having driven one with rear-wheel, I’m looking forward to piloting our all-wheel version. As for the S6 e-tron, well, if you don’t think electric can’t be electrifying, you really need to get behind the wheel and see for yourself.Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.More in Reviews See more Share this article in your social networkJil McIntoshJil McIntosh specializes in new-car reviews, auto technology and antique cars, including the two 1940s vehicles in her garage. She is currently a freelance Writer at Driving.ca since 2016 Summary· Professional writer for more than 35 years, appearing in some of the top publications in Canada and the U.S.· Specialties include new-vehicle reviews, old cars and automotive history, automotive news, and “How It Works” columns that explain vehicle features and technology· Member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) since 2003; voting member for AJAC Canadian Car of the Year Awards; juror on the Women’s World Car of the Year AwardsEducationJil McIntosh graduated from East York Collegiate in Toronto, and then continued her education at the School of Hard Knocks. Her early jobs including driving a taxi in Toronto; and warranty administration in a new-vehicle dealership, where she also held information classes for customers, explaining the inner mechanical workings of vehicles and their features.ExperienceJil McIntosh is a freelance writer who has been writing for Driving.ca since 2016, but she’s been a professional writer starting when most cars still had carburetors. At the age of eleven, she had a story published in the defunct Toronto Telegram newspaper, for which she was paid $25; given the short length of the story and the dollar’s buying power at the time, that might have been the relatively best-paid piece she’s ever written.An old-car enthusiast who owns a 1947 Cadillac and 1949 Studebaker truck, she began her writing career crafting stories for antique-car and hot-rod car club magazines. When the Ontario-based newspaper Old Autos started up in 1987, dedicated to the antique-car hobby, she became a columnist starting with its second issue; the newspaper is still around and she still writes for it. Not long after the Toronto Star launched its Wheels section in 1986 – the first Canadian newspaper to include an auto section – she became one of its regular writers. She started out writing feature stories, and then added “new-vehicle reviewer” to her resume in 1999. She stayed with Wheels, in print and later digital as well, until the publication made a cost-cutting decision to shed its freelance writers. She joined Driving.ca the very next day.In addition to Driving.ca, she writes for industry-focused publications, including Automotive News Canada and Autosphere. Over the years, her automotive work also appeared in such publications as Cars & Parts, Street Rodder, Canadian Hot Rods, AutoTrader, Sharp, Taxi News, Maclean’s, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes Wheels, Canadian Driver, Sympatico Autos, and Reader’s Digest. Her non-automotive work, covering such topics as travel, food and drink, rural living, fountain pen collecting, and celebrity interviews, has appeared in publications including Harrowsmith, Where New Orleans, Pen World, The Book for Men, Rural Delivery, and Gambit.Major awards won by the author2016 AJAC Journalist of the Year; Car Care Canada / CAA Safety Journalism award winner in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013, runner-up in 2021; Pirelli Photography Award 2015; Environmental Journalism Award 2019; Technical Writing Award 2020; Vehicle Testing Review award 2020, runner-up in 2022; Feature Story award winner 2020; inducted into the Street Rodding Hall of Fame in 1994.Contact infoEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilmcintosh/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JilMcIntoshPOPULAR VEHICLE COMPARISONSDriving.ca’s Blind-Spot MonitorAll things automotive: breaking news, reviews and more. Wednesdays and Saturdays. 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