• Three EV options
• Rapid charging speeds
• Launch control standard

Audi A6 Avant E-Tron electric motors and batteries

The range kicks off with a rear-wheel drive model using a 75.8kWh (usable) battery and a single 326hp motor on the back axle. That’s good for 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds and a WLTP tested driving range of up to 364 miles. Charging peaks at 225kW, giving quick top-ups on suitable public rapid chargers.

Next up is the A6 E-Tron Performance. It bumps power to 380hp and swaps in a larger 94.9kWh battery, officially pushing driving range to a healthy 437 miles. Charging improves, too – it supports up to 270kW for a 10-to-80% charge in just 21 minutes. It’s brisk, hitting 62mph in just 5.4 seconds.

Top of the tree is the A6 E-Tron Quattro. It adds a front motor for four-wheel drive, boosting total power to 462hp and dropping the 0-62mph sprint to 4.5 seconds. As ever when fitting an extra motor, there’s a slight penalty to driving range, which falls to 418 miles. You’ll also need to engage launch control to unlock those performance figures – and that’s the case with all models.

What’s it like to drive?

• Excellent body control
• Strong grip, tidy handling
• ICE A6 still sharper

On UK roads, the A6 Avant E-Tron is poised. The standard set-up on steel springs does a good job of isolating bumps and surface imperfections. It feels composed on most roads, especially at motorway speeds, and rarely gets flustered by potholes or patchy tarmac. But the air suspension, which is available as an option is a big upgrade, offering more comfort and body control.

That said, it doesn’t quite match the ride quality or handling precision of the petrol and diesel A6s. There’s a touch more body movement in faster bends, and the damping doesn’t feel quite as polished over undulations. It’s certainly not uncomfortable – far from it – but those familiar with the excellent chassis balance of ICE A6s may notice the difference.

Steering is accurate and reassuringly weighted, and while there’s not a huge amount of feedback, it’s easy to place and inspires confidence. Grip levels are high, particularly in four-wheel drive Quattro models, and you can make swift progress with minimal fuss. The brake pedal is another strong point – progressive and easy to modulate, it helps avoid the grabby feel some EVs suffer from.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded drive. It doesn’t quite raise the pulse like a BMW i5 can, and it’s not as cossetting as an ICE A6 on long slogs, but for a big, electric estate, the A6 Avant E-Tron strikes a neat balance.