First Drive: 2025 Audi A6 e-tron & S6 e-tron

Tested on Tenerife’s sinuous roads and volcanic vistas, Audi’s new A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron prove that executive sedans can be silent, swift, and seriously stylish. One’s the consummate grand tourer; the other is a sharpened driver’s tool, with electrons to spare.

At first glance, the A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron look like they’ve been sculpted by a team of engineers with a deep love for both wind tunnels and sci-fi movies. Smooth, flowing lines, an illuminated front grille that feels like it should be greeting you with a “Welcome, Commander” message, and a stance that says, “Yes, I’m electric, but I still mean business.”

The A6 e-tron is the more refined, grand-tourer of the duo, while the S6 e-tron cranks up the aggression with larger wheels, sharper aero elements, and enough road presence to make supercar owners do a double-take. Both models sit on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which they share with the Porsche Macan EV—so yes, there’s some serious engineering muscle beneath that sleek sheet metal.

Launching the A6 e-tron onto Tenerife’s coastal roads is like pressing fast-forward on real life. Even the base model with its dual-motor setup offers a hearty 422 horsepower (456 hp with launch control), while the S6 e-tron laughs in the face of restraint, pushing out up to 543 hp (available with launch control) with instant torque that makes passing slower traffic almost too easy (sorry, rental Volkswagen Polos).

Despite its size, the A6 e-tron glides through corners with surprising agility, the low-slung battery pack keeping it firmly planted. The steering is precise but not overly talkative—classic Audi. The S6, however, turns everything up a notch. More power, a sportier suspension tune, and rear-wheel steering that makes it feel half a size smaller in tight bends. This car doesn’t just take corners; it devours them like a tapas platter at a beachside café.

Step inside, and it’s clear Audi hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to cabins. The A6 e-tron’s interior is a masterclass in minimalist luxury, with a curved OLED display setup that blends seamlessly into the dash, haptic-feedback buttons that feel suspiciously satisfying to press, and materials that solidify the notion, Audi is still at the top of its game.

The S6 e-tron takes the same formula but adds sportier seats, carbon-fiber touches, and an overall vibe that says, “I’d rather be on a racetrack, but fine, I’ll drive you to your meeting.” Rear passengers are treated to generous legroom, though the sloping roofline might make taller folks feel like they’re living in a luxury penthouse with a low ceiling.

With a massive 100 kWh battery (94.9 kWh net), both models boast an estimated range of 550-600 km in Canada (depending on how heavy your right foot is). Audi’s 800V architecture means ultra-fast charging is a reality—10 to 80% in just 21 minutes, or about the time it takes to order a coffee, realize it’s too hot, and then finally take a sip.

That range and recharge speed make the A6 e-tron a serious contender for long-distance travel, even if Tenerife’s relatively compact size didn’t allow for a true endurance test. Still, the idea of road-tripping across Europe in near silence, with only the occasional tire hum and wind noise, is an enticing one.

 

The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron aren’t just electric versions of their gas-powered predecessors; they’re better in almost every way. Smooth, rapid, and effortlessly stylish, they strike a near-perfect balance between performance and comfort.

The A6 e-tron is ideal for those who want a premium EV with impressive range and a luxurious ride, while the S6 e-tron is for those who enjoy showing off at green lights and carving through mountain passes. Either way, if this is the future of executive sedans, call me impressed.