Audi S6 Avant e-tron: Lighting Up the Rings

The Audi S6 Avant e-tron was long overdue. A sporty station wagon is as integral to Audi’s lineup as Quattro all-wheel drive. But how does this electric powerhouse perform? Can it stand up to the brawny BMW i5 Touring? Let’s find out.

Iconic Audi Elements Meet Electrification

What comes to mind when you think of Audi? Likely Quattro and their iconic Avant wagons. Even with SUVs stealing the spotlight in recent years, these sporty wagons remain a fan favorite. Staying true to form, Audi’s S6 Avant e-tron offers plenty of power, boasting 370 kW (503 PS), or 405 kW (551 PS) with Launch Control. Arriving in dealerships mid-February, the S6 Avant squares off against the formidable BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring with its 442 kW (601 PS).

Audi isn’t just bringing power – it’s adding flair. The S6 Avant e-tron debuts a bold new touch: red-illuminated four rings, a striking feature that ensures you’ll know what just passed you.

Leveraging the PPE Platform

The S6 Avant e-tron is Audi’s second EV based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), following the Q6 e-tron. Its 94.9 kWh battery offers a theoretical WLTP range of up to 647 kilometers. In real-world conditions, however, the range is more modest. During testing with a 98% charge at 22°C, the display indicated 418 kilometers – still respectable but a reminder that real-world usage varies.

The drivetrain includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM) at the rear and an asynchronous motor (ASM) at the front. The ASM kicks in only when needed, optimizing efficiency. The wagon’s dimensions mirror those of its combustion-engine sibling: 4.93 meters long and 1.92 meters wide.

Practicality remains a strong suit. The S6 Avant offers a 502-liter cargo capacity, expandable to 1,422 liters with the rear seats folded flat. Additionally, there’s a 27-liter frunk. However, this doesn’t quite match the TDI-powered S6 Avant’s 550–1,660 liters. Both versions share a 2.1-ton towing capacity, though towing can halve the EV’s range.

Dynamics and Aerodynamics Matter

Audi’s aerodynamic team, led by Matteo Ghelfi, has fine-tuned every aspect of the S6 Avant’s design. For example, a rooftop cargo box reduces range by approximately 121 kilometers at a steady 112 km/h. These adjustments highlight the challenges and nuances of optimizing EV efficiency.

Audi engineers have overhauled the S6 Avant’s suspension for a sportier ride. A reconfigured five-link front suspension provides improved handling, with the sporty S6 sitting lower than its siblings – 18 millimeters lower at the front and 25 millimeters at the rear. Adaptive air suspension and thicker stabilizers are standard, ensuring a planted, dynamic driving experience.

On winding roads, the S6 Avant corners with confidence, aided by its ASM motor kicking in during sharp turns. However, it lacks the sharp agility of earlier S-models, partly because it forgoes active torque vectoring and a rear differential lock. These features will likely debut in a future RS version, but for now, this limits the S6 Avant e-tron’s ability to fully dazzle enthusiasts.

Performance Meets Practicality

While the S6 Avant e-tron could benefit from more bite, it excels in comfort. The ride remains smooth even in Dynamic mode, making it a capable long-distance cruiser. And it’s no slouch – accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaching a limited top speed of 240 km/h. During testing, the S6 achieved an energy consumption of 23.2 kWh/100 km, compared to Audi’s official figure of 17.9 kWh/100 km.

Inside, the S6 Avant e-tron showcases Audi’s familiar PPE layout, featuring curved displays and a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. A 10.9-inch passenger display and an augmented reality head-up display further enhance functionality. The pièce de résistance is the configurable glass roof, which can alternate between opaque, tinted, or pergola-style segments.

Pricing and Competition

Priced at €101,150, the S6 Avant e-tron carries a premium tag, matching the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring. While not without its quirks, the S6 delivers a blend of performance, practicality, and premium features that make it a compelling choice for those seeking an electrified wagon with the Audi DNA.