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Photo of a Audi A6 e-tron

Audi A6 e-tron

A6 Sportback e-tron: 0.21 Cd, Audi's most aerodynamic car yet.1

Researched November 2, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0300600
282–543 hpPower
0510
3.9–6 s0–100 km/h
0125250
210–240 km/hTop speed
0300600
423–580 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
2,100–2,410 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.36714

Engine
1–2 electric motors; S6: front induction, rear permanent-magnet synchronous3
Layout
Rear-motor RWD or dual-motor quattro AWD37
Gearbox
Single-speed reduction; dry sump and electric oil pump3
Built at
Ingolstadt, Germany; A6L: Audi-FAW Changchun, China3

The story

An electric alternative to the unrelated gas A6, the A6 e-tron shares PPE with the Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan EV. Revealed in 2024 as a Sportback and Avant, it is PPE's first low-floor model.234

2021: Sportback concept debuts at Shanghai20212022: 0.24 Cd for the Avant concept20222024: Production Sportback and Avant revealed · 83 kWh base and quattro join20242025: 92% adult; marginal pole-test chest · 474 km in a three-wagon test · 332 km added in 15 minutes · S6 dynamic plus and regen to a stop20252026: 1,338 km: Guinness World Record2026 Audi 100 (C1) (C1): 1968–1976C1Audi 100 (C2) (C2): 1976–1982C2Audi 100 (C3) (C3): 1982–1991C3Audi A6 (C5) (C5 / 4B): 1997–2005C5 / 4BAudi A6 (C6) (C6 / 4F): 2003–2011C6 / 4FAudi A6 (C7) (C7 / 4G): 2010–2018C7 / 4GAudi A6 (C8) (C8 / 4A): 2018–2025C8 / 4AAudi A6 e-tron concepts: 2021–2022Audi A6 e-tron (GH): 2024–presentGH 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones236212324252627
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968–1976Audi 100 (C1) (C1)
1976–1982Audi 100 (C2) (C2)
1982–1991Audi 100 (C3) (C3)
1997–2005Audi A6 (C5) (C5 / 4B)
2003–2011Audi A6 (C6) (C6 / 4F)
2010–2018Audi A6 (C7) (C7 / 4G)
2018–2025Audi A6 (C8) (C8 / 4A)
2021–2022Audi A6 e-tron concepts
2024–presentAudi A6 e-tron (GH)
2021Sportback concept debuts at Shanghai
20220.24 Cd for the Avant concept
2024Production Sportback and Avant revealed
202483 kWh base and quattro join
202592% adult; marginal pole-test chest
2025474 km in a three-wagon test
2025332 km added in 15 minutes
2025S6 dynamic plus and regen to a stop
20261,338 km: Guinness World Record
  1. 2021

    Sportback concept debuts at Shanghai

    The Sportback concept debuts at Auto Shanghai. Its digital matrix LED headlights can project a playable video game onto a wall during charging.35

  2. 2022

    0.24 Cd for the Avant concept

    The Avant concept follows in March, using larger diffuser tunnels to achieve a 0.24 drag coefficient.3

  3. 2024

    Production Sportback and Avant revealed

    July 31: performance gets 100 kWh (94.9 usable), up to 756 km in Sportback form and 800 V/270 kW charging; Audi claims 10–80% in 21 minutes.236

  4. 2024

    83 kWh base and quattro join

    October adds base RWD with 83 kWh (75.8 usable) and quattro with 100 kWh (94.9 usable); their Sportbacks claim up to 627 and 716 km respectively.7

  5. 2025

    92% adult; marginal pole-test chest

    Euro NCAP awards 5 stars, with 92% adult and 91% child protection. It earns full side-barrier points; driver chest protection is marginal in the pole test.89

  6. 2025

    474 km in a three-wagon test

    The Avant performance finishes between the BMW i5 Touring and Nio ET5 Touring; testing suggests 474 km of range, with brief 270 kW peaks when charging.10

  7. 2025

    332 km added in 15 minutes

    The rear-drive Prestige hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, stops from 97 km/h in 37.5 m and covers 504 km at 113 km/h against a 595 km EPA rating.11

  8. 2025

    S6 dynamic plus and regen to a stop

    Germany's model-year update gives the S6 e-tron dynamic plus mode; electric PPE models can now stop on regeneration without switching to friction brakes.12

  9. 2026

    1,338 km: Guinness World Record

    Miko Marczyk drives the Sportback performance 1,338 km on one charge in Poland: over 45 hours in regular traffic, 15°C on average and 7.09 kWh/100 km.13

Every generation

  • Audi 100 (C1)
    C11968–1976
  • Audi 100 (C2)
    C21976–1982
  • Audi 100 (C3)
    C31982–1991
  • Audi A6 (C5)
    C5 / 4B1997–2005
  • Audi A6 (C6)
    C6 / 4F2003–2011
  • Audi A6 (C7)
    C7 / 4G2010–2018
  • Audi A6 (C8)
    C8 / 4A2018–2025
  • Audi A6 e-tron concepts
    Audi A6 e-tron concepts2021–2022
  • Audi A6 e-tron
    GH2024–present

Power over the years

From 282 hp to 543 hp in 0 years.

0200400600 2024 hp 2024 · 282 hp · Base RWD2024 · 322 hp · Base RWD, launch control2024 · 362 hp · performance RWD2024 · 375 hp · performance RWD, launch control2024 · 422 hp · quattro2024 · 456 hp · quattro, launch control2024 · 496 hp · S6 e-tron2024 · 543 hp · S6 e-tron, launch control 543 hp S6 e-tron, launch control 282 hp Base RWD
7
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2024282Base RWD
2024322Base RWD, launch control
2024362performance RWD
2024375performance RWD, launch control
2024422quattro
2024456quattro, launch control
2024496S6 e-tron
2024543S6 e-tron, launch control

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    A6 e-tron (83 kWh)

    282 hp

  • Standard

    A6 e-tron performance

    362 hp

  • Standard

    A6 e-tron quattro

    422 hp

  • Standard

    Sport (UK)

  • Standard

    S line (UK)

  • Standard

    Premium Plus (US)

    2025

  • Standard

    Prestige (US)

    2025

  • Special

    Ultra package (US)

  • A6L e-tron (China)

    Standard

    A6L e-tron (China)

    2026

  • S6 e-tron

    Performance

    S6 e-tron

    496 hp
  • Edition 1 (UK)

    Special

    Edition 1 (UK)

  • Special

    A6 Sportback e-tron edition one grey

    10/24–10/25

    322 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Skinny upper running lights sit above main headlights hidden in a black mask around a closed grille.36
  • Large charging flaps sit on both sides of the body.15
  • A black sill insert stretches along the flanks and incorporates the rear reflectors.6
  • A full-width rear light strip may be joined by illuminated Audi rings, depending on equipment.6
  • On the Avant, roof-edge trim meets the spoiler above a steeply forward-leaning rear pillar.6

Year by year

  1. 2027

    Physical steering-wheel scroll wheels replace the touch-sensitive controls used on earlier cars.1222

  2. 2027

    Revised MMI menus have fewer lists, clearer graphics and stronger contrast; some show a 3D car matching its paint color.22

Don’t confuse it with

  • Audi A6 (combustion)

    Similar silhouettes: look for the e-tron's two large charging flaps and its more aggressive front styling.1516

  • Photo of a Audi A6 e-tron
    A6 e-tron
    Photo of a Audi e-tron GT
    Audi e-tron GT

    Audi e-tron GT

    The e-tron GT hugs the road more closely; the A6 e-tron has a visibly taller body.2

  • A6 e-tron S line

    To identify an S6, check its S-specific badges, rear spoiler and diffuser rather than relying on sporty bodywork alone.1718

Against its rivals

  • A6 e-tron vs BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring

    Test range

    A6 e-tron474 km
    BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring331 km
    10

  • A6 e-tron vs Nio ET5 Touring Long Range

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    A6 e-tron5.4 s
    Nio ET5 Touring Long Range4 s
    10
  • BMW i5 eDrive40

    A6 e-tron vs BMW i5 eDrive40

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    A6 e-tron4.9 s
    BMW i5 eDrive405.1 s
    11
  • Tesla Model S

    A6 e-tron vs Tesla Model S

    Power

    A6 e-tron422 hp
    Tesla Model S670 hp
    28

Prices

Value today $62.0K–$77.0K34

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K 202420262028 Value today: $62,000–$77,000 2025 · $67,195 · US A6 Premium base2025 · $69,195 · US A6 AWD base2025 · $71,095 · US A6 Premium Plus base2025 · $73,495 · US A6 Prestige base2025 · $79,995 · US S6 Premium base2025 · $83,495 · US S6 Premium Plus base2025 · $85,895 · US S6 Prestige base2027 · $67,995 · US A6 RWD; 2026 model year skipped2027 · $69,995 · US A6 dual-motor base2027 · $80,895 · US S6 base 2025 · $67,195 · US base price, 2025 model year 2026 · $14,050 · 2025 A6 e-tron, salvage, front damage, IAAI2026 · $32,950 · 2025 A6 e-tron, 6,906 mi, clean title, rear damage, IAAI2026 · $12,900 · 2025 A6 e-tron, 8,486 mi, salvage, side damage, Copart2026 · $15,300 · 2025 Premium, salvage, front damage, Copart2026 · $34,000 · 2025 A6 e-tron, 9,310 mi, salvage, front damage, IAAI2026 · $25,250 · 2025 A6 e-tron, 5,244 mi, salvage, flood damage, Copart $34.0K IAAI, 2026
1819223233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2025Launch price$67,195US base price, 2025 model year
2025Price when new$67,195US A6 Premium base
2025Price when new$69,195US A6 AWD base
2025Price when new$71,095US A6 Premium Plus base
2025Price when new$73,495US A6 Prestige base
2025Price when new$79,995US S6 Premium base
2025Price when new$83,495US S6 Premium Plus base
2025Price when new$85,895US S6 Prestige base
2027Price when new$67,995US A6 RWD; 2026 model year skipped
2027Price when new$69,995US A6 dual-motor base
2027Price when new$80,895US S6 base
2026Auction sale$14,0502025 A6 e-tron, salvage, front damage, IAAI
2026Auction sale$32,9502025 A6 e-tron, 6,906 mi, clean title, rear damage, IAAI
2026Auction sale$12,9002025 A6 e-tron, 8,486 mi, salvage, side damage, Copart
2026Auction sale$15,3002025 Premium, salvage, front damage, Copart
2026Auction sale$34,0002025 A6 e-tron, 9,310 mi, salvage, front damage, IAAI
2026Auction sale$25,2502025 A6 e-tron, 5,244 mi, salvage, flood damage, Copart
2026Value today$62,000–$77,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 6 stories from its legend
    • “0.21 Cd, 2,800 simulations”
    • “1,338 km earns a Guinness record”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. A6 Sportback e-tron: The most aerodynamic Audi of all time | audi.com audi.com
  2. Tested: Audi A6 Sportback e-tron Appeals More to the Head Than the Heart caranddriver.com
  3. Audi A6 e-tron - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Audi A6 e-tron: As exciting as the show car | audi.com audi.com
  5. Evolving design | Audi Magazine Australia magazine.audi.com.au
  6. Rethinking the upper mid-size segment: the Audi A6 e-tron sets standards in design and range | audi.com audi.com
  7. Audi A6 e-tron: New attractively priced entry-level models are introduced | audi.com audi.com
  8. Audi A6 e-tron (2024) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert thecarexpert.co.uk
  9. Euro NCAP | Audi A6 e-tron euroncap.com
  10. Audi A6 Avant e-tron, i5 Touring, Nio ET5 Touring: E-Kombi-Triell autozeitung.de
  11. Tested: Audi Plays It Safe With the Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron motortrend.com
  12. Updates for five Audi model series: more emotion, comfort, and features in store | audi.com audi.com
  13. 1,338 kilometers on a single charge: Miko Marczyk sets a Guinness World Record in the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron | audi.com audi.com
  14. Audi A6 e-tron review 2026 - price, interior & range | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  15. Audi A6 e-tron review – Ingolstadt’s electric answer to the BMW 5-series | evo evo.co.uk
  16. Buying a Used Audi A6 e-tron (2024 on): Sportback vs Avant, Versions & What to Pay | EVGuide.uk evguide.uk
  17. The all-new Audi A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron: UK pricing and specification revealed electriccarsreport.com
  18. 2025 Audi A6/S6 E-Tron First Drive Review: The End of the Early Era of EVs? motortrend.com
  19. 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Is an Electric Sedan That Starts at $67,195 caranddriver.com
  20. 新奢智电旗舰奥迪A6L e-tron正式上市 audi-faw-nev.com.cn
  21. Audi A6 Sportback e-tron edition one grey (10/24 - 10/25): Technische Daten, Bilder, Preise | ADAC adac.de
  22. 2027 Audi A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron Now Feature Physical Controls caranddriver.com
  23. Audi 100 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Audi A6 C5 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  25. Audi A6 C6 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  26. Audi A6 C7 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  27. Audi A6 C8 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  28. Is the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron quattro the "German Tesla"? Here Are My Thoughts - Autoblog autoblog.com
  29. Ystad – Haparanda ingen match med Audi A6 e-tron | Audi via.tt.se
  30. Illuminating insights! | audi.com audi.com
  31. EVs dominate biggest used-car price fallers as A6 e-tron values plummet – Car Dealer Magazine cardealermagazine.co.uk
  32. 2025 Audi A6 e-tron WAU3CAGH4SA026312 Auction History & Final Bid finalbid.vin
  33. 2025 Audi A6 e-tron WAU2DAGH6SA016275 Auction History & Final Bid finalbid.vin
  34. 2026 Audi A6 e-tron prices: median asking price £51,500, 21 for sale | AskCar askcar.co.uk
  • audi.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • magazine.audi.com.au
  • thecarexpert.co.uk
  • euroncap.com
  • autozeitung.de
  • motortrend.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • evguide.uk
  • electriccarsreport.com
  • audi-faw-nev.com.cn
  • adac.de

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