Audi isn't just making electric cars—they're engineering a smoother transition for buyers still loyal to internal combustion. With the 2025 A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron, the brand is delivering what hesitant EV adopters have been asking for: familiar driving dynamics, thoughtful technology, and range that encourages road trips rather than limits them.
A Strategic Evolution, Not a Forced Revolution
During lunch and dinner with Jigar Rajani, product manager at Audi of America, we talked about how Audi is handling the EV shift. He confirmed what the driving experience made clear—Audi is listening. Feedback from journalists, owners, and in-depth surveys is shaping the evolution of their electric vehicles. This isn't just about range or battery specs—it's about how people feel behind the wheel.
For buyers wary of EV quirks—like regenerative braking and one-pedal driving—Audi has dialed in a solution. The A6 and S6 allow multiple stages of regen. Want to coast like a gas-powered car? No problem. Prefer more aggressive deceleration on mountain roads or in city traffic? Just tap the paddle shifters.
From Santa Barbara to Sport Sedan Territory
My drive partner and I tackled the scenic, twisting roads around Santa Barbara, and both the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron delivered poise and confidence. The A6 is tuned for quiet comfort with a slightly softer seat cushion—luxurious and refined without being floaty. Even in dynamic mode, it keeps its composure, never feeling twitchy or overdone.
The S6 e-tron, however, sharpens the experience. The suspension is firmer even in comfort mode. When switched to dynamic, it channels the DNA of a true sport sedan—not as wild as the e-tron GT, but definitely impressive for a vehicle this size and weight. On-ramp acceleration, high-speed curves, and tight hairpins all felt natural and engaging. This isn't just electric—it's Audi electric.
Audi's Lighting Legacy Goes Digital
Ask any auto enthusiast who started the daytime running light trend, and most will point to Audi. That legacy continues here and evolves. The 2025 A6 and S6 e-tron feature programmable exterior and interior lighting signatures that not only enhance safety but create an emotional connection with the vehicle.
Digital OLED rear lighting offers selectable signatures, allowing drivers to change tail light animations. Programmable LED front DRLs make every vehicle distinct, and interior ambient lighting can also be personalized to mood or drive mode. The lighting cues communicate readiness, charge status, and even serve as visual greetings or warnings—bringing life and character to the driving experience.
Quiet Luxury: A Subtle Surprise
One feature not highlighted in the product presentation but worth calling out is soft-close doors. It's a premium touch typically reserved for higher-tier luxury sedans, and it places the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron squarely in the conversation with the Mercedes EQE sedan and BMW i5. The fit and finish throughout the cabin backs that up, from acoustic glass and frameless doors to premium materials and impeccable switchgear.
As a passenger, I tested the entertainment display. I browsed my own YouTube channel using the car's built-in Wi-Fi. This seamless experience speaks to Audi's tech-forward but user-friendly design.
Real Range for Real Road Trips
With up to 392 miles of range on the rear-wheel-drive A6 e-tron and over 300 miles on the S6 e-tron Sportback, Audi addresses one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: range anxiety. Backed by 800V architecture and charging speeds up to 270 kW, these are EVs built for the long haul—not just the daily commute.
The Competition: Mercedes, BMW, and Tesla
These Audis aren't trying to out-Tesla Tesla. The only real advantage Tesla may still hold is in raw acceleration figures. But when it comes to ride quality, cabin noise, craftsmanship, lighting, and overall polish, the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron walk comfortably alongside the EQE and i5, and in some cases, ahead.
Where Tesla sacrifices comfort and tactile quality for minimalism, Audi leans into sports-luxury tradition with modern intelligence. These are not stripped-down tech cars—they're full-bodied luxury sedans for people who enjoy driving, not just commuting.
Buyer's Guide: 2025 Audi A6 e-tron vs. S6 e-tron
Pricing and Trims
• A6 e-tron starts around $65,000 in Premium trim, with Prestige models at about $78,000. It comes with standard 20-inch aerodynamically optimized wheels and delivers up to 392 miles of range in rear-wheel-drive form.
• S6 e-tron Sportback starts at about $78,700 and reaches nearly $85,000 for Prestige models. It rides on standard 21-inch staggered wheels with RS Red interior accents and delivers over 300 miles of range with Quattro performance.
Range and Charging
• A6 RWD: nearly 400 miles, class leader in its segment
• A6 Quattro: about 340 miles
• S6 Quattro: over 300 miles
• Both models support 270 kW DC fast charging, taking the battery from 10–80% in around 25 minutes. The flat charging curve allows quick splash-and-go stops without tapering off too early.
Performance
• A6 RWD accelerates from 0–60 mph in about 5.2 seconds.
• S6 Quattro is quicker, with firmer suspension and sharper handling in Dynamic mode.
• Both feature adaptive air suspension (optional on A6, standard on S6), progressive steering, and multiple levels of regenerative braking controlled via steering wheel paddles.
Interior Experience
• A6 offers slightly softer seating for long-distance comfort, while S6 seating and suspension lean toward athleticism.
• Soft-close doors add a premium touch rare in this segment.
• Passenger display allows streaming and entertainment.
• Augmented reality head-up display and Bang & Olufsen 3D sound with headrest speakers provide convenience and luxury.
• A variable-opacity panoramic roof brings light when desired and insulation when not.
Lighting and Design
• Exterior OLED taillights and LED daytime running lights are programmable.
• Interior ambient lighting is customizable to suit the driver's preferences.
• Aerodynamic design achieves a drag coefficient as low as 0.23, improving range and creating a quieter ride.
Who Should Buy Which
• A6 e-tron is the right choice for long-distance commuters or families who value comfort, efficiency, and best-in-class range. It compares directly to the BMW i5 eDrive40 and Mercedes EQE 350, but with a longer range.
• S6 e-tron Sportback is for drivers who want sharper handling, sportier looks, and a more engaging feel. It lines up against the BMW i5 M60 and Mercedes EQE AMG, offering a smoother ride even if slightly less aggressive acceleration.
• Tesla's Model S remains a competitor in range and speed. Still, the Audi delivers superior craftsmanship, quieter interiors, and a more balanced luxury experience.
Verdict
If you're stepping into your first EV, the A6 e-tron offers the most seamless transition thanks to its long range, comfort, and customizable driving modes that mimic ICE behavior. If you're an enthusiast who values handling and sporty luxury, the S6 e-tron delivers the character of a true Audi sport sedan—without sacrificing daily usability.
Either way, Audi has built electric sedans that can compete head-to-head with Mercedes, BMW, and Tesla—while offering something none of them quite match: a balance of quiet confidence and everyday usability.