Audi S6 e-tron Review: Precision, Power, and Class-leading Balance in One Package

What we like:

Incredible composure and balance

Understated looks

What we dislike:

No Avant option coming here

Since its inception, the Audi S lineup has embodied the sweet spot between daily usability and thrilling performance. The S models trace their roots back to the early 1990s, with the original S4 (based on the Audi 100) setting the tone for a lineage of sophisticated, high-performance cars. Over the decades, Audi has refined the S badge into a mark of understated speed—offering more excitement than the base models while remaining more accessible and livable than the fire-breathing RS variants.

Now, with the S6 e-tron, Audi carries this legacy into the electrified era—but not without controversy.

For diehard petrolheads and longtime fans of the S6, this shift to full electrification might feel like a betrayal. After all, the S6 has always been defined by its charismatic combustion engines—whether it was the soulful V10 of the early 2000s, the potent twin-turbo V8, or the more recent turbocharged V6. Replacing that with silent, instant torque might seem like it strips away some of the emotional connection that made these cars special.

I get it. Change is hard, and for many, an S6 without the soundtrack of a proper engine will always be a tough pill to swallow. But here’s the thing: while the S6 e-tron may not roar like its predecessors, it still delivers on everything that made the S badge iconic—performance, balance, and everyday usability. Read on, and you might just find that this electric S6 is a worthy successor in its own right.

A New Chapter in Performance

Electrification has changed the performance landscape, but raw numbers have never been what makes an S model special. The magic lies in the balance—power that’s usable, handling that’s intuitive, and a driving experience that feels effortless yet rewarding.

The S6 e-tron embraces this philosophy, but in a way that challenges expectations. Without the visceral drama of a combustion engine, its sense of speed is almost deceptive—silent, instant, and brutally effective. Yet, Audi has ensured that engagement isn’t lost in the pursuit of efficiency. The way it handles, responds, and even decelerates has been carefully honed to feel natural, familiar, and worthy of the S badge.

It may not deliver performance in the way its predecessors did, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of an S6. Instead, it redefines what performance can be in an era where power is abundant, but character is hard to come by. And that’s what sets it apart.

An Electrified Soul with Versatility at its Core

At first glance, I’ll admit—I thought the S6 e-tron was just an A6 e-tron with bigger wheels, a sportier body kit, and a few extra horses under the bonnet. But after spending time behind the wheel, it became clear that this car is much more than just a badge upgrade.

Beyond the 370 kW (496 hp) and 840 Nm of torque—healthy gains over the A6 e-tron—the S6 e-tron benefits from a reworked chassis, featuring a sportier suspension tune and a more rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system that enhances agility. The adaptive air suspension has been recalibrated for sharper responses, allowing the car to feel more planted when pushed hard while maintaining everyday comfort.

Audi has also fine-tuned the steering for better feedback, making the S6 feel more precise and connected compared to its more comfort-oriented sibling. The addition of a more aggressive brake energy recuperation system means the S6 e-tron doesn’t just stop harder—it allows for a more engaged driving experience, simulating the kind of engine braking that performance drivers appreciate.

The differences may not be obvious at a standstill, but out on the road, they become undeniable. The S6 e-tron isn’t just an A6 e-tron with a power bump—it’s a proper performance machine with its own distinct character, engineered to deliver a more dynamic and engaging drive while still maintaining the everyday usability that defines an S model.

Tenerife: A Canvas for the S6 e-tron

Tenerife's rugged landscape proved to be the ultimate proving ground for the S6 e-tron. The mix of steep ascents, rapid descents, and relentless hairpin bends demanded a car with impeccable precision and poise. As I exited each corner, the instantaneous power delivery of the electric motors, pushing all four wheels, made acceleration feel effortless. But what truly stood out was the car’s remarkable balance. Even in the tightest switchbacks, I felt completely grounded, thanks to the low centre of gravity afforded by its floor-mounted batteries.

The adaptive air suspension, meanwhile, absorbed every imperfection with an almost surreal level of composure. At times, the ride felt so stiff it bordered on edgy, which added a raw excitement to the experience—an absolute thrill, to say the least.

Special mention must go to the braking system. Regenerative braking in performance EVs often feels forced, yet Audi has mastered a seamless, organic feel here. The recuperation “shift paddles” were a revelation, almost intuitively blending with the driving rhythm. They worked in perfect harmony with the brakes, which remained fade-free throughout my spirited climb up and down the mountain.

The S6 e-tron never once felt unruly or intimidating; instead, it eggs you to push further, exploring its limits rather than feeling like you’re battling them.

Design: Elegance Meets Progress

The S6 e-tron isn’t a car that shouts for attention, but it commands it effortlessly. Audi’s design language remains one of sophisticated aggression, and this car is no exception.

The Sportback silhouette not only enhances visual drama but also improves aerodynamics, boasting a class-leading 0.21 Cd. Subtle yet distinct touches, like gloss black accents on the bumpers and side skirts, distinguish it from the A6 e-tron while maintaining the cohesiveness of Audi’s EV lineup.

Inside, it’s a masterclass in both craftsmanship and technology. The virtual cockpit and expansive infotainment display create a futuristic yet user-friendly interface. And for those familiar with Audi’s build quality and attention to detail, you’ll be pleased to find them evident in everything from the supple (and genuine) leather seats to the sheer rigidity of the cabin materials. And then there’s the Bang & Olufsen sound system—crisp, immersive, and perfectly tuned to complement the quiet cabin of an EV.

Verdict

The S6 e-tron isn’t trying to redefine performance—it’s refining it for a new era. It preserves everything that made the S badge iconic while evolving it for an electrified future.

Driving it through Tenerife felt like a conversation between past and future. The raw engagement, the precision, the balance—it’s everything I love about a great driving machine, only now, it’s electric. Audi’s electrification journey isn’t a departure from its roots; it’s a continuation, a thoughtful evolution that respects the brand’s DNA.

Would I own one? Without hesitation. The S6 e-tron delivers performance, practicality, and an unshakable sense of purpose in a way few EVs manage. Audi hasn’t just built another electric sedan—they’ve redefined what the S badge stands for. And that says a lot.