Test review DrivOlution Audi S6 Avant e-tron

PPE platform – the basis of the S6 Avant e-tron

The Audi S6 Avant e-tron is based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a completely new EV platform developed by Audi in collaboration with Porsche. It is a dedicated electric architecture, not a converted combustion platform, and therefore offers optimal space, efficiency and driving performance.

The PPE platform uses an 800V architecture, enabling fast charging up to 270 kW and efficient energy transfer. It supports both RWD and AWD, enabling the powerful dual-motor configurations of the S6.

In addition, PPE is highly modular: wheelbase, width and body shape are flexible, making the platform suitable for both saloons and Avants as well as SUV models such as the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric.

Compared to the MEB platform (ID. family, Enyaq, etc.), PPE offers a higher level of technology, with options such as air suspension, four-wheel steering and advanced torque vectoring, aimed specifically at the premium D-E segment.

In summary:
PPE combines 800V technology, flexibility and premium chassis options — creating the perfect basis for the sporty and refined S6 Avant e-tron.

Available driving modes - 4

Audi has provided a number of driving modes for the Audi S6 Avant e-tron via the Audi drive select system — this allows the driver to adjust the character of the car to suit their style, circumstances and preferences.

• Efficiency: Focused on maximum range and minimum energy consumption; the chassis and drive system have been optimised for low resistance.

• Comfort: Balances ride comfort and efficiency; suitable for everyday use with a relaxed setting.

• Individual: The driver can set several parameters (chassis, steering characteristics, road holding, recuperation) themselves.

• Dynamic: Sporty mode – increased responsiveness of engine and transmission, sports suspension, stronger steering response and more emphasis on driving pleasure.

Our favourite driving mode is undoubtedly Efficiency mode — which fits perfectly with our      DrivOlution DNA. Even in this most economical mode, the Audi S6 Avant e-tron still has more than enough power for everyday, often busy journeys. It shows that efficient driving and driving pleasure can go hand in hand, even in a sporty electric estate car like this one.

Brake energy recovery via paddles on the steering wheel - top

The Audi S6 Avant e-tron features an intelligent recuperation system that recovers energy during deceleration and braking.
The degree of energy recovery can be adjusted manually or automatically, depending on the selected driving mode and traffic conditions.

What immediately stands out is the car's smooth coasting when the accelerator pedal is released – the S6 glides along almost effortlessly, which increases driving comfort and reduces fuel consumption. 
Using the paddles on the steering wheel, the driver can also fine-tune the degree of deceleration, allowing them to make the most of every situation, from city traffic to motorway driving.

?Overview of positions and functions

• Maximum recovery capacity: up to approx. 220 kW
• Brake blending: combines regenerative and mechanical braking for seamless deceleration

? In practice:
The B mode is ideal in city traffic, where frequent delays and short speed changes can recover a lot of energy. 
The D mode is the best choice for motorway and out-of-town journeys, where coasting freely is more favourable for energy consumption.

The combination of coasting, adjustable recuperation via the paddles and high recovery capacity makes the S6 Avant e-tron efficient and pleasant to drive — exactly what we would expect from an electric S-Audi.

Audi S6 Avant e-tron – Consumption analysis

(Total 641 test kilometres • Average outside temperature 12 °C • Usable battery capacity: 94.4 kWh)

After 641 test kilometres under varying conditions and at an average outside temperature of 12 °C, the on-board computer recorded a combined consumption of 18.3 kWh/100 km.  
Based on the usable battery capacity of 94.4 kWh, this results in a theoretical driving range of 519 km. 
This value is fully in line with the calculated averages based on the individual trip analysis and confirms the efficiency of the electric powertrain, even within the sporty S segment.

Below you will find an overview by road type and by driving mode with the corresponding consumption and driving range figures.

? Consumption by road type

➡️ More than half of the test kilometres were covered on motorways, where fuel consumption is logically highest. 
The non-urban routes show the best balance between speed and efficiency, while in city traffic energy recovery ensures lower consumption and a greater theoretical driving range. 

? Consumption per driving mode

➡️ Most of the journeys were completed in Efficiency mode, resulting in a theoretical driving range of over 540 kilometres. 
Dynamic mode demonstrates the impact of a sporty driving style, with consumption almost 25% higher than in Efficiency mode, and therefore a significantly more limited driving range.

General

In keeping with tradition, we also put this Audi S6 Avant e-tron through our standard test route. This route consists of three fixed sections — outside the city, motorway and city — and provides a clear picture of actual energy consumption in a variety of conditions.

During this test, a total of 103.1 kilometres were covered, with the Efficiency driving mode selected to optimise energy consumption. The average outside temperature was 13°C, which is representative of typical autumn conditions.

The graph below shows the results per route segment. As usual, the route was divided into three parts: outside the city, motorway and city. 
For each section, the consumption values (kWh/100 km), the evolution of the driving range and the decrease in battery SoC are shown.

The S6 Avant e-tron has a combined test consumption of 15.8 kWh/100 km. Taking into account the usable battery capacity of 94.9 kWh, this equates to a theoretical driving range of approximately 600 kilometres.

These results demonstrate that the Audi S6 Avant e-tron is remarkably efficient with energy, even at higher speeds, and confirm that Efficiency mode truly contributes to optimal energy management in real-world driving conditions.

?Overview per trip segment

?Analysis of decrease in driving range vs distance travelled

? Battery percentage evolution (SoC)

? Conclusion efficiency test track

Over the entire test route, the Audi S6 Avant e-tron covered 103 kilometres, while the indicated driving range decreased by only 83 kilometres and the battery SoC by 19%. This means that the car loses an average of 0.81 kilometres of range per kilometre driven and consumes 0.18% of battery power per kilometre — or approximately 5.4 kilometres of driving distance per percentage point of SoC. 
These results confirm that the S6 Avant e-tron performs more efficiently than the on-board computer predicts, with actual energy consumption lower than the WLTP indication.

? Theoretical driving range per segment

Based on test consumption, the Audi S6 Avant e-tron delivers a practical driving range of between 550 and 640 kilometres, depending on the driving profile. 
It is most economical in urban areas thanks to recuperation, while motorway driving has a noticeable impact on the range.
The average theoretical driving range of approximately 600 km confirms the car's efficiency under realistic driving conditions.

*The specified driving range is a theoretical calculation based on the usable battery capacity. This is always a snapshot. All kinds of factors such as weather conditions, use of climate control, topography, traffic congestion and your own driving style can influence this. 
We strive to drive as efficiently as possible by making maximum use of cruise control (constant speed) and by anticipating traffic situations as much as possible. The speed on motorways is 110 km/h. Energy consumers (such as air conditioning) are switched off if weather conditions permit. In addition, we select the most efficient driving mode (Eco), if available.

⚡Dual charging port – a practical advantage

Unusual in the EV world, the Audi S6 Avant e-tron has two charging ports. On the right-hand side is the AC charging port (Type 2) for home charging or public AC charging stations, while the left side is equipped with a combination port (AC + DC CCS) that also enables fast charging up to 270 kW. 
Thanks to this dual configuration, the S6 Avant e-tron offers a particularly practical charging infrastructure: charging is possible on both sides, depending on the parking position or charging location. This ensures greater safety when charging. A conscious choice by Audi.

A minor detail, but one that makes a difference in practice — especially with daily use or frequent travel with different charging options.

? Right back:

➡️ AC charging port (Type 2)

• For daily AC charging (at home or public charging station).
• Standard 11 kW, optional 22 kW.

?Rear left:

➡️ Combination port (AC + DC CCS)

• Supports both AC charging and DC fast charging.
• DC charging capacity up to 270 kW via the 800 V system.
• 10–80 % in approximately 21 minutes possible.

? Brief overview

We have completed a total of two charging sessions, namely one DC and one AC. In both cases, we charged to 80%.

Charging sessions – Audi S6 Avant e-tron

During the test week, we recorded two charging sessions with the Audi S6 Avant e-tron: one DC fast charging session and one AC charging session. 
What immediately stands out is the efficiency of the charging system and the stable charging behaviour throughout the entire process.

The first session took place at a DC fast charger, where the battery rose from 35% to 80% in just 23 minutes. This added 46.7 kWh to the charge, representing an increase in driving range of 253 kilometres — an impressive charging speed of approximately 122 kW on average.

The second session involved an AC charge on an 11 kW charger. In 4 hours and 31 minutes, the charge status rose from 39% to 80%, which corresponds to 42.1 kWh and an additional driving range of 222 km.

Together, these results demonstrate that the S6 Avant e-tron not only performs powerfully on the road, but is also exceptionally practical in terms of charging. 
The two charging ports (right AC, left AC + DC) also increase flexibility for daily charging.

⚡ Charging speed comparison – specified vs. measured

Although the average load capacity was lower than the theoretical value, the S6 Avant e-tron proves to be particularly efficient and consistent in practice.
With 46 kWh recharged in 22 minutes and a range increase of 253 km, this Audi undoubtedly belongs in the top class of fast-charging EVs.

Specific S elements – Audi S6 Avant e-tron

Driving - plenty of power

The S6 Avant e-tron clearly distinguishes itself from the regular A6 versions with its pronounced sporty finish and dynamic appearance. Although both models share the same modern base, the S version adds subtle yet meaningful accents throughout, making the driving experience more intense and emotional.

You can immediately recognise the S6 Avant e-tron by its specific bumpers with larger air intakes, refined sill trims, polished aluminium accents and S emblems on the grille and bodywork. 
The sporty suspension is slightly lower, giving the car a more solid stance, while larger wheels and more powerful brakes add to its presence. 
In addition, the suspension is adjustable, allowing the driver to choose between a comfortable, smooth setup or a tighter, more dynamic setup. 
This adaptability enhances the model's versatility and perfectly matches the dual character of the S6: Sporty when you want to be, relaxed when you can be.

• No mirrors, just cameras. Takes some getting used to.

• The test model was also equipped with virtual wing mirrors, whereby conventional mirrors are replaced by cameras that project their image onto screens on the inside of the doors. 
  This system takes some getting used to, but it offers clearer visibility at night or in the rain and contributes to a lower drag coefficient — which further improves fuel consumption and driving noise. It certainly feels awkward at first. It is not easy to estimate the distance of the vehicle behind you. The great thing is that you can see on the screens whether it is safe or not.

• Inside

• Inside, the difference is just as noticeable. The S sports seats offer more lateral support and are finished with contrasting stitching and a discreet S logo in the backrest. 
  The S steering wheel with a flattened bottom fits perfectly in your hands and contributes to a direct driving experience. 
  Aluminium pedals, dark headlining and subtle carbon or aluminium inlays enhance the sporty atmosphere without detracting from the refined Audi finish.

• The S accents are also present in the digital environment: specific S graphics in the digital instrument panel and customisable driving mode visualisations create a more dynamic interface. Even the ambient lighting is tailored to the sporty signature, with powerful red or white accents that give the interior extra character at night.

• Driver assistance systems – Audi S6 Avant e-tron

• The Audi S6 Avant e-tron is equipped with a comprehensive package of driver assistance systems (ADAS) that combine safety, comfort and efficiency. 
  The adaptive cruise control with Traffic Assist automatically adjusts speed and distance and provides light steering assistance in heavy traffic. 
  Lane Keeping Assist helps keep the car within the lane, while Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert provide additional safety when overtaking or reversing. 
  The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) intervenes in the event of an imminent collision, and the 360° cameras with Park Assist ensure effortless manoeuvring in tight spaces.

• Below is an overview of the most important ADAS systems.

What is certainly striking is that these driver assistance systems feel anything but intrusive. Audi succeeds in using technology that supports the driver without overruling them — something that cannot always be said of some Chinese competitors, where systems often intervene too strongly or issue constant warnings.

• Euro NCAP safety rating

The Audi A6 e-tron – on which the S6 Avant e-tron is based – achieved the maximum five-star rating (2025) in the Euro NCAP crash test.

• Protection of adult occupants: 92%

• Protection of child passengers: 91%

• Vulnerable road users (pedestrians/cyclists): 75%

• Safety and assistance systems: 80 %

Analysis of recorded journeys – Audi S6 Avant e-tron

The table below provides an overview of the registered test drives with the Audi S6 Avant e-tron. 
Based on the measured fuel consumption, we have created a simulation of the theoretical driving range, calculated using the usable battery capacity of 94.9 kWh.

What is particularly striking is the consistent efficiency of the S6 Avant e-tron, despite its sporty character and powerful drive. Even on motorway journeys, fuel consumption remains surprisingly low, while Efficiency mode clearly makes a difference when driving more calmly. 
City driving also demonstrates the potential of the recuperation system: low consumption and a theoretical driving range approaching 640 kilometres.

It is also striking how stable and predictable the car responds to different driving profiles — a sign that Audi has paid a lot of attention to the coordination between drive and energy recovery. In short, the figures confirm what we already felt on the road: the S6 Avant e-tron effortlessly combines performance and efficiency.

As always, this is an indication. Numerous factors can influence the results.

Vergelijking met WLTP – Audi S6 Avant e-tron

The official WLTP values for the Audi S6 Avant e-tron state a combined consumption of 17.1 kWh/100 km and a theoretical driving range of 623 km (750 km in city conditions). During our test week, we recorded an average practical consumption of 18.3 kWh/100 km, which equates to a simulated driving range of 519 km based on the usable battery capacity of 94.9 kWh.

This represents a deviation of approximately +7% in consumption and a driving range difference of -17% compared to the official WLTP figures.
This margin falls within the expected range for realistic conditions: outside temperatures around 12 °C, a test profile with many motorway kilometres, and use of standard driving modes without an emphasis on eco-driving.

On a positive note, the difference remains limited for a car with this power and weight, which shows that the aerodynamics, energy efficiency and powertrain calibration are well matched. 
In more favourable conditions (higher temperatures, more urban driving), a practical range of over 550 km is certainly within reach.