Driving impressions | Audi A6 Avant e-tron Performance

We didn't quite get the right impression of the Audi A6 Avant. Too often, I was pushed aside in the left lane of the highway by roaring RS6s driven by little boys wearing caps. And while Audi was very early with the original e-tron, I wasn't terribly impressed with it during a long drive to Germany. In retrospect, that was more due to the charging stations in Germany. But Audi is popular among the Qualis target group. And you ask, we deliver! So we borrowed an Audi A6 Avant e-tron from Pon, a car specced to offer a long range. It didn't disappoint.

Electric driving

The A6 e-tron uses the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), developed by Audi’s parent company Volkswagen for several higher-end brands such as the Porsche Macan. It is the electric version of the Audi A6 that we have known for decades with petrol and diesel engines, including the ultra-fast RS6. Thanks to the modular design of the PPE, the A6 Avant e-tron is not a tall SUV but a low estate car. There is a choice of two battery capacities (75.8 and 94.9 kWh net) and four power versions (from 286 to 503 hp). The two most powerful versions have all-wheel drive (Quattro), while the other two have rear-wheel drive.

Electric cars have a thick battery in the floor, and this means the Avant—designed to remain low—has a somewhat tight entry. This is something to keep in mind. Also not very convenient is the stylish control panel in the driver’s door that replaces a handle; form over function makes closing the door somewhat difficult. Because there is no engine in front of the front axle, as Audi often uses, the A6 e-tron has a wheelbase of 2.95 metres. The generous distance between the front and rear axles contributes to a spacious interior. In the front, even if you are somewhat larger, there is sufficient space in all directions, aside from the mentioned entry. In the rear, there is adequate legroom, and in the Avant—with its longer, more continuous and higher roofline than the Sportback—also enough headroom. However, the space between the rear bench and the centre console is rather limited; as a middle rear passenger you cannot place your feet there, meaning you have to sit with your legs apart and hope the people on either side make a bit of room. That centre tunnel exists because the car is also offered with combustion engines and as a Quattro. Mercedes-Benz handled this more cleverly with the CLA, which was truly developed as an electric car, and you can notice that inside.

Under the luggage cover, the Avant offers 502 litres for your baggage. Of course, the rear seatbacks can also be folded flat. In addition, there is a 27-litre frunk at the front. Not large, but it can hold your charging cable. All versions are allowed to tow a braked trailer of 2,100 kg—useful if you want to transport two horses.

Design with impact

Inside, a mix of materials is used, ranging from glossy black plastic (piano finish) to a ‘fabric’ made from recycled plastics. The current Avant no longer offers the self-evident quality of the past. A large screen serves as the dashboard, with the instrument cluster directly in front of you and, to the right, the multimedia system running on Android Automotive OS. The test car also had a fairly prominent head-up display. Nice, but bright—you can fortunately adjust the brightness.

If you choose an A6, take the time to get familiar with it. Audi has equipped the car with many functions, and we did not find everything equally easy or clear. It takes time to get to know it. For example, we could not find a car-wash mode or Tesla’s well-known Dog Mode—not very convenient. Fortunately, the climate controls always remain visible beneath the large screen. And the audio volume can be adjusted via buttons on the steering wheel or an actual rotary knob on the centre console—great! The test car also had a display for the front passenger. This is standard on this S edition version, along with Matrix LED headlights, electrically adjustable seats and e-tron Sportsound.

“Our” Performance version, priced at €77,490, has the largest battery and 270 kW / 367 hp. Pon ordered it as a rear-wheel-drive S Edition Avant in elegant dark grey metallic, with options including black 21-inch wheels, virtual exterior mirrors and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The Avant e-tron price list actually starts at €61,490, and for enthusiasts: an e-tron Quattro with 428 hp is available from €73,490. Necessary? No, with 367 hp the Performance is fast enough, and all-wheel drive is really only useful if you regularly head into the mountains. There is also an even faster S6 Sportback e-tron with 370 kW / 503 hp, priced at €95,990. Our version therefore had some options. Many options are part of packages—expect around ten thousand euros extra. We did not really like the camera mirrors, although they are better than in the original e-tron. They reduce air resistance and thus improve range, but driving can sometimes feel like guesswork. Our choice would be to order the car with conventional mirrors and 20-inch wheels.

Your pub story may be less interesting, but your own safety—and that of others—will improve.

Range

With the large battery pack and the 367 hp electric motor between the rear wheels, the Avant should be able to reach 720 kilometres according to the WLTP rating. As habitual fast drivers and in cold weather, we certainly did not achieve that, and fast charging was also slower than promised. This happens more often, as WLTP figures are somewhat optimistic. However, covering long distances is never a problem with this car. Do enter your charging destination some time in advance, otherwise the battery preconditioning will not work and charging will take extra time.Despite its weight of just over 2,100 kg, the power is sufficient to make this large estate car above-average quick (0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds).

If you have solar panels at home or at work and can charge cheaply, running costs are low, the car is quiet and comfortable, and the enormous torque of the motor ensures an immediate response to the accelerator (formerly: the gas pedal). You really do not have to compromise. The car can also slow down effectively using motor braking, adjustable via paddles behind the steering wheel. Thanks to the automatic Hold function, you do not have to keep your foot on the brake pedal at traffic lights. All in all, a pleasant car for quickly and comfortably covering long distances with a few passengers and luggage. But if the low shape is a problem and you often hit your head when getting in, choose a taller SUV—Audi offers those as well.

Finally

Unlike most Audis, the test car was rear-wheel drive. The rear tyres are wider than the front tyres, and the A6 drives pleasantly and calmly. The steering is somewhat distant, and sporty, younger drivers may find it a bit too soft. If you select another driving mode, for example Dynamic, the car feels more precise. The driver-assistance systems available on the A6 work well. Fortunately, you can fairly easily switch off the speed warning and the keep-your-lane system. Both have a negative effect on driving enjoyment. However, as is often the case with German cars, not everything is standard. Features that you get as standard on many Asian cars (even in lower market segments) require you to open your wallet with the A6 Avant e-tron. An evening spent configuring can quickly make the price thousands of euros higher than expected.

NRC Handelsblad published a driving impression of the same car that was full of criticism. We liked it better, but it is clear that Audi had to find a compromise between a low profile, quality and a good electric drivetrain. This led to choices that are not always fully convincing. Whether the brand has succeeded will become clear from the sales figures. We liked it, but it was not 100% convincing. For less money, there are better electric cars—just not with the Audi image.