2025 Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback Review: Rear-Wheel Drive Transformation in the Quattro Family

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      Having grown up around various Audis, ranging from the 5000 CS Turbos to a V8 quattro, multiple C5 A6 models, and some D2 A8s, I was taken aback when a rear-wheel-drive 2025 Audi A6 E-Tron Sportback quietly arrived at my home.

      This newly introduced model not only signifies the next-generation A6, which will now include a gasoline variant as the automotive landscape shifts, but it also represents a change in the automaker's philosophy and direction.

      We have experienced the A6 E-Tron Quattro, featuring a dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive. However, the single-motor version of the A6 opened my eyes to Audi's new direction.

      The Essentials

      The A6 E-Tron Sportback is entirely new for 2025. Its exterior design lacks a unique identity. It doesn’t have the elegance of a Lucid, the distinctiveness of the latest BMWs (for better or worse), nor the flashiness of a Mercedes. It features the dual lighting-element design, with the LED daytime running lights sepa rated from the headlights, yet nothing about it exclaims Audi. It doesn’t offend the senses, but it certainly lacks uniqueness.

      Inside, the A6 E-Tron presents a mixed picture. The build quality feels premium, and everything appears solid, with doors that close securely and no loose elements. However, the dashboard, which resembles a less distinctive version of the large screens found in Lucid or Cadillac models, seems generic, reminiscent of designs from Chinese manufacturers. As a long-time Audi enthusiast, I fail to see any connection to the recent Audi C concept which is said to preview future design language. The glossy piano black plastic trim is likely to look terrible as it ages and sustains scratches. Additionally, the control panel design, which consolidates all buttons on the driver's door into one panel, feels like a cost-cutting measure taken too far.

      Nonetheless, I liked that the A6 E-Tron is actually a hatchback rather than a sedan. This design choice made it easier to load larger items and provided more storage space, particularly with the rear seats folded down.

      The A6 E-Tron I drove was a single-motor model delivering 362 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. It utilizes an 800-volt electrical architecture paired with a 100-kWh battery pack, of which 94.4 kWh is usable.

      The driving experience is initially peculiar, as it doesn't feel like other Audis. With no engine in the front, the car feels balanced; it turns sharply without the front end pushing. It almost resembles an older BMW in an alternate reality. The steering is light but stable; minor adjustments aren’t necessary on the highway, though expecting the wheel to communicate a sense of what the tires are doing would be optimistic.

      Despite being the single-motor variant, the A6 E-Tron has ample power, achieving a 0-60 mph time in just over 5 seconds. It’s not aggressively fast, but it provides more than enough acceleration for take-offs and highway passing.

      Range, Charging, and Efficiency

      The single-motor rear-wheel drive A6 E-Tron boasts an EPA-rated range of 370 miles, which seems somewhat unrealistic but will depend on driving conditions. Surpassing 300 miles in range should be feasible.

      During the first part of the week, before more suburban highway driving was factored in, the A6 E-Tron averaged approximately 3.7 mi/kWh. This figure decreased as the week included more mixed suburban driving, resulting in a total of 420 miles driven at an average of 3.1 mi/kWh, equating to roughly 292 miles of real-world range.

      The 800-volt electrical architecture allows for rapid charging from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.

      Final Thoughts

      With a starting price of $67,195 (including a $1,295 destination fee), the A6 E-Tron is similarly priced to a base Lucid Air and is pricier than the Cadillac Lyriq crossover. The test model I drove featured the Prestige package, adding $6,300 in extras like adaptive air suspension, a Bang & Olufsen 3D surround-sound system, and a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen on the dashboard, bringing the total to $75,240.

      In reality, the Lucid Air has a better design, greater range, and excels in efficiency. However, the Audi is undeniably well-built, free from the software issues that often plague startup automakers, supported by a comprehensive dealer network known for excellent customer service, and, crucially, no longer feels lacking in driving dynamics. If Audi can produce an EV