Audi A6 e-tron Performance First Drive Review: Electrified and Excellent

What we like:

Well-engineered package

Luxurious and feature-packed

Bold and good-looking design

What we dislike:

No Avant option available here

TENERIFE, Spain - Tenerife’s volcanic peaks and winding coastal roads have long been a driver’s paradise. It was on these dramatic landscapes that I first met the Audi A6 e-tron Performance, an all-electric reinvention of a nameplate I’ve come to know intimately as a car enthusiast. Having driven previous iterations of the A6 with their powerful ICE engines, I couldn’t help but approach this new electric version with both excitement and skepticism. Could an EV truly deliver the soul of the A6, a car synonymous with refinement and performance, while embracing the ethos of electrification?

Audi’s Electrification Journey

Audi’s venture into electrification began in earnest with the Audi e-tron SUV in 2018, which laid the foundation for its EV lineup. As the first all-electric model in Audi’s portfolio, it was a bold step forward. Its successor, the Q8 e-tron, refined the formula with greater efficiency, extended range, and cutting-edge features, proving Audi's ability to adapt and innovate.

The introduction of the MEB-based Q4 e-tron marked another milestone, making Audi’s electric offerings more accessible without compromising the brand’s premium identity. Now, the A6 e-tron, riding on the advanced PPE platform, takes electrification to new heights with a focus on luxury and high performance. This model would be the first fully electric sedan and wagon for the brand, with Audi having plans to only introduce fully electric vehicles from 2026 and is on track to offer at least 20 in its lineup by then. Perhaps an uncomfortable piece of news (my apologies) to the keenest of petrolheads (including myself), but understandably necessary for a brand bent on an electrified future.

The PPE Platform: Engineering a New Standard

The PPE architecture, co-developed by Audi and Porsche, represents a quantum leap in electric vehicle engineering. Unlike the MEB platform, designed primarily for mass-market EVs, PPE is tailored for luxury and high-performance applications. It offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling a diverse range of body styles—including sedans, SUVs, and coupes—while prioritizing driving dynamics, efficiency, and interior space.

At the heart of PPE’s innovation is its 800-volt electrical system, which significantly reduces charging times and improves thermal management. This advanced architecture supports 270 kW ultra-fast charging, allowing drivers to add 300 km of range in just 10 minutes or charge from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes. Such capabilities reduce downtime and set a new benchmark for electric convenience.

PPE’s modular flat-floor design optimizes weight distribution and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. The positioning of the battery pack—integrated as a structural component within the chassis—ensures a 50:50 weight balance, critical for precision driving dynamics. Furthermore, the platform accommodates both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, showcasing its adaptability for different performance needs.

Shared development with Porsche, particularly expertise from its Taycan program, means the PPE platform inherits a focus on sporty driving characteristics. Audi’s implementation enhances this with advanced adaptive air suspension, torque vectoring, and integrated regenerative braking systems, combining to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. PPE isn't just a foundation for the A6 e-tron—it's a blueprint for Audi’s future luxury EVs.

Slippery Design with Futuristic Features

The A6 e-tron’s exterior is as forward-thinking as its engineering. With a drag coefficient of just 0.21, it’s Audi’s most aerodynamic car ever–talk about making a statement! Its digital matrix LED headlights double as a canvas for projecting animations or custom symbols onto surfaces, blending functionality with a touch of whimsy.

Inside, the panoramic glass roof spans nearly the entire cabin. With its variable transparency control, passengers can adjust the opacity to their preference, enhancing the spacious and airy feel of the interior. Audi has also made a significant leap with its second-generation virtual exterior mirrors, first seen on the Q8 e-tron SUV. They now sit higher for improved visibility and have sharper resolution, and do feel a lot more ergonomic and natural to glance at whilst driving.

And for the keenly eyed fans, Audi, for the first time, introduces illuminated rear rings, a design statement that enhances visibility while reinforcing the brand’s futuristic ethos. It’s undeniably cool to look at, but I’d very much prefer the avant-garde appeal of the chrome rings, if I were to have one.

Technology and Connectivity

The A6 e-tron’s tech-laden cabin is a harmonious blend of luxury and innovation. A 14.5-inch curved OLED infotainment display and an 11.9-inch driver’s display dominate the dashboard, providing crisp visuals and intuitive interfaces. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of huge screens dominating the cabin, and prefer the tactility of buttons, knobs and switches. That being said, the operating interface scores top marks here–easy to operate and I was able to disable all warning chimes (if you know, you know) within seconds, on the go.

The augmented reality heads-up display projects navigation cues directly onto the road, aligning perfectly with your route for an intuitive driving experience akin to a Forza session on your Xbox–a brilliant touch in my opinion.

In addition, an array of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and predictive energy optimization, work seamlessly to reduce driver fatigue and enhance efficiency.

Powertrain and Performance

The A6 e-tron Performance model is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 270 kW and 580 Nm of torque. Its rear-wheel-drive layout emphasizes driving purity, allowing enthusiasts to experience agile handling and a more engaging connection with the road. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, which is blistering quick for a 2-tonne vehicle. Its 50:50 weight distribution, made possible by the low and central placement of the battery, ensures remarkable stability and poise.

An Icon Transformed: From ICE to EV

The A6 has always been a benchmark for understated luxury and dynamic prowess. For years, its ICE engines—especially the silky V6 or the throaty V8 in the S6—defined what a premium sedan should be. Driving this new A6 e-tron, however, is a completely different experience. Gone is the growl of the engine and the mechanical connection I’d grown used to. In its place, the electric drivetrain introduces a hushed, near-silent ride and instant torque delivery.

At first, I missed the visceral feedback of a revving engine, but as I navigated Tenerife’s serpentine roads, the A6 e-tron Performance began to win me over. The transition to EV isn’t just about a change in power source—it’s a philosophical shift. Audi has infused the car with a fresh personality, one that marries cutting-edge technology with the A6’s hallmark refinement.

That said, I couldn’t shake the sense that something was missing, a dreaded familiarity whenever I drive a performance EV. The electric powertrain is undoubtedly impressive, but it lacks the emotive quality of an ICE. The acceleration, while quick, feels clinical, and the absence of an engine note leaves a void for enthusiasts like me who relish the aural drama of a combustion engine. Perhaps this leaves space for the ‘S’ version to instill some of that engagement back.

Our Drive in Tenerife

Sliding into the A6 e-tron Performance feels like stepping into any of Audi’s luxury models: plush, serene, and impeccably insulated. The quiet hum of the electric motor adds to the sense of calm, a stark yet welcome contrast to the rugged roads of Tenerife. Despite its imposing size—4.9 meters long and nearly 2 meters wide—it doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome. Instead, it’s surprisingly nimble, threading effortlessly through the tight, twisty mountain passes.

Tenerife’s roads brought out the car’s dual personality. In Comfort mode, the adaptive air suspension soaked up every bump and imperfection, cocooning us in near silence. It’s the sort of ride that makes long journeys a pleasure, with the car gliding effortlessly through the volcanic terrain.

Switch to Dynamic mode, and the A6 e-tron comes alive. I’ve always been partial to rear-drive cars, and this one didn’t disappoint. There’s a playful balance to the way it moves—a poise that feels meticulously engineered. Pushing it through corners revealed a spirited side, with the regenerative braking system adding an element of precision, especially on steep descents. The handling is sharp yet forgiving, offering a confidence that encourages you to explore the car’s limits.

Though I wasn’t alone in the car—my co-passengers necessitated a degree of restraint—I still managed to push it spiritedly. It’s plenty quick, delivering the kind of seamless acceleration that feels effortless yet thrilling. Audi’s choice of Tenerife wasn’t just about the scenery, though the jaw-dropping views and altitude certainly added to the experience. This was a chance to showcase the A6 e-tron in a setting that highlighted its versatility—a car equally at home cruising coastal roads or tackling challenging mountain twists.

This was more than a test drive. It was an immersive experience, and as the car carved through the volcanic landscape, I couldn’t help but feel that Audi had perfectly matched its machine to the environment.

The Singapore Perspective

While Tenerife offered an idyllic stage for the A6 e-tron Performance, the Singapore lineup will be better tailored to meet local market demands. Slated for a second-quarter 2025 launch, the local offerings will include the base A6 e-tron and the sportier S6 e-tron, omitting the Performance variant and Avant wagons (for now).

Pricing details remain unconfirmed, but Audi’s lineup will likely compete with rivals like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.

Verdict: A Vision of Audi’s Future

The Audi A6 E-tron Performance isn’t just an electric car—it’s a manifesto. Audi has blended luxury, cutting-edge technology, and innovative design to set a new standard in the EV segment. The rear-wheel-drive dynamics and futuristic features, like the panoramic glass roof and illuminated rear rings, showcase Audi’s forward-thinking approach to luxury.

As Audi accelerates towards an all-electric future, the A6 E-tron Performance offers a glimpse of what’s to come. It wasn’t just the breathtaking landscapes of Tenerife that left an impression—it was the promise of an electric revolution, like it or not, that is already well underway.

Photos by Audi

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