Audi’s 2027 S6 Sportback E-tron shows the German automaker can still build a compelling fast sedan as an electric vehicle, even as the company has backed away from its previous pledge to go all-electric by 2033. The S6 Sportback E-tron, which starts at $80,895, blends a sedan-like profile with wagon-like rear cargo space and fits Audi’s tradition of understated high-performance cars. Audi now plans to offer a mix of gasoline, hybrid, and electrified powertrains, but its current EV lineup, including this model, remains competitive.
The S6 Sportback E-tron uses an 800-volt architecture and a 100-kilowatt-hour battery, with a net capacity of 94.4 kilowatt-hours. Peak power is 543 horsepower, largely delivered by the rear motor, and the car reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Audi rates its range at 326 miles, and the battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 21 minutes on a fast charger, or about 11.5 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 connection. During testing in the Los Angeles area, one driver logged 295 miles at an average of 2.4 miles per kilowatt-hour, which translated to an indicated 226.56 miles of range, with an average speed of just 19 mph due to city driving and occasional highway and mountain-road runs.
Charging performance proved strong in real-world use, with one session hitting a 270-kilowatt peak at an Electrify America station and another reaching 194 kilowatts. The S6 offers three levels of regenerative braking, including paddle-controlled settings and a full one-pedal driving mode labeled B, all of which felt smooth. Cargo space starts at 26 cubic feet and expands to 39 cubic feet, with a large hatch for easy loading, though the sloping roofline may squeeze rear-seat passengers.
The test vehicle carried $13,595 in options, which included upgraded interior materials, a heads-up display, enhanced exterior lighting, and a front-passenger screen. The standard 14.5-inch center infotainment display ran Audi’s latest MMI interface without lag. The car comes with multi-link suspension and sport-tuned air suspension as standard, along with 20-inch wheels and all-season tires; the tester added a Black Optic package for 21-inch wheels with summer tires, which likely reduces range slightly. Ride quality remained composed over rough Los Angeles streets in both Comfort and Dynamic modes, and the firmer Dynamic Plus setting was also agreeable, with minimal squeaks or rattles, though driveway clearance could be an issue.
On the highway, the S6 felt planted and quiet, with wind noise nearly absent despite a curb weight over 5,200 pounds. Steering was light around town but gained weight at speed, and the 16.4:1 ratio suited the car’s size. On mountain roads north of Los Angeles, the car showed no understeer thanks to its chassis balance and rear-biased power delivery, with strong grip and minimal body roll. With stability control off, the S6 appeared capable of controlled oversteer, and its brakes handled the car’s heft well, especially with one-pedal mode assisting.
Compared to its rival, the BMW i5 M60, the Audi travels about 45 more miles per charge, has roughly 50 less horsepower, posts a similar zero-to-60 time, and costs a few thousand dollars less. The S6 Sportback E-tron demonstrates that the luxury fast-sedan formula translates effectively to electric power, offering strong range, quick charging, and a balance of comfort and athleticism that makes it one of the better large performance sedans available.
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