Written by James Dennison Published: 24 February 2025

Overview

The relative range and comfort of the S6 Avant E-Tron is enough to deliver a convincing argument as one of the best electric estates all on its own. It’s essentially the ultimate version of the A6 Avant E-Tron and delivers a supremely relaxing driving experience with a well-appointed, tech-laden cabin – even if it should be a little more spacious.

However, our primary word of caution is around the car’s sporting credentials. The Audi S badge traditional delivered strong performance and while this car isn’t slow, it’s not as punchy or as fun to drive as a BMW i5 M60 Touring and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. Essentially, Audi has sacrificed dynamic ability in the S6 Avant’s move to electric and while that may not be an issue for some (it could even be a reason for buying), others may be disappointed.

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What’s new?

The Audi S6 Avant E-Tron is the German manufacturer’s first attempt at an all-electric performance estate car – and it’s got some stiff competition. Audi knows its way around a rapid wagon, but both BMW and Porsche managed to beat their rivals to the punch with the i5 M60 Touring and Taycan Sport Turismo respectively.

In order to tempt you in, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on the S6 Avant E-Tron, as is air suspension, thus setting it apart from the regular A6 Avant E-Tron that’s only available with the more basic steel springs and non-adaptive dampers. Naturally, there’s also extra power and the option to deploy it more aggressively in the sportiest drive mode, but the S6 stops short of promising the full Audi performance car experience.

Of course, you will find yourself paying for these additional features, with the S6 Avant E-Tron starting at just under £100k – roughly in line with its aforementioned rivals and about £14k more than the fastest A6 Avant E-Tron.

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What’s it like inside?

Audi has long been a benchmark for interior quality, and while some argue that its cabins peaked a decade ago before screens took over, the S6 E-Tron’s interior remains an undeniably premium space. The 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen dominate the dashboard, while a passenger display and a head-up display ensure information is always within reach. That said, we can’t help but think the previous iteration of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit was better laid out and easier to use.

One of the more polarising features is Audi’s Virtual Mirrors. Optional on the S6 Avant E-Tron, they take the place of traditional wing mirrors and consist of small rear-facing cameras with a corresponding display below the A-pillar.

While they offer clear aerodynamic benefits (the S6 Avant E-Tron is one of Audi’s most aerodynamically efficient cars ever) and often perform well in low-light conditions, they can take some getting used to. Judging distances, especially when reversing, is trickier than with conventional mirrors.

Cabin quality is excellent in places (the soft-close doors feel like a luxurious touch) and there’s plenty of leather and soft-touch fabrics, yet look closer and you’ll spot some less desirable surfaces on the door bins and lower cabin.  

Practicality, meanwhile, is good but not class-leading. Rear-seat space is reasonable but you’ll get more room to stretch out in a BMW i5 Touring.  Also, boot space is just over 500 litres – respectable, but smaller than the BMW i5 Touring’s offering. A handy 25-litre frunk does provide additional storage for charging cables.

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Audi S6 Avant E-Tron motors

The S6 Avant E-Tron is available with only one electric motor layout – namely one on the front axle and one on the rear delivering a combined total of 551hp. Said motors are hooked up to a 100kWh battery. Top speed is rated at 149mph, with 0-62mph taking 3.9 seconds – a little slower than both the i5 M60 Touring and Taycan Sport Turismo.

Battery range and charging

Audi claims a 388-mile WLTP range for the S6 Avant E-Tron – equating to around 3.7 miles per kWh. This is superior to the i5 M60 Touring and the Taycan Sport Turismo, however in real-world winter-time testing, we reckon the actual range is more like 250 miles.

DC charging speeds are up to 270kW, thus giving a theoretical 10-to-80% battery top-up time of 21 minutes (providing you can find a charger capable of matching this). Meanwhile, an 11kW AC charge should take around 10 hours. Handily, there’s electrically opening charge doors on both sides (at the rear of the car), although only the left-hand socket is fast-charge capable.

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What’s it like to drive?

Despite the ‘S’ badge, Audi hasn’t built the S6 Avant E-Tron to be a sports car. Instead, it focuses on effortless pace and refinement. Power delivery is smooth and instant, with dual motors providing all-wheel-drive traction that’s especially reassuring in poor conditions.

It’s also notable that the S6 Avant E-Tron is more comfortable than the A6 Avant E-Tron thanks to its standard air suspension. It does a superb job of soaking up imperfections and is one of the best-riding cars we’ve driven in a while. Road and wind noise are also suitably subdued, while body control is accomplished for such a large car. 

However, while it masks its 2.4-tonne weight well in everyday driving, push harder and its heft becomes more apparent. Compared to rivals like the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, the S6 feels less precise, with slightly numb steering and a sense of size that’s noticeable on tighter roads. That said, for those prioritising comfort over outright sharpness, it’s a worthwhile compromise.

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What models and trims are available?

The S6 Avant E-Tron is only available with the top spec Edition 1 trim from launch, but the range will later expand. That means goodies such as 21-inch graphite grey alloys, Matrix LED headlights with customisable LED pattern, a 10.9-inch passenger information display, electrically adjustable Dinamica microfibre front seats with contrast stitching and heated outer rear seats are included in the £99,300 price tag.

What else should I know?

The aforementioned BMW i5 M60 Touring and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo are both closely priced with the S6 Avant E-Tron. If you’re not loyal to a specific brand, it’s well worth trying all three as they each offer a noticeably different take on the fast, luxury EV estate.