AUDI S6 AVANT

The S6 Avant e-tron has its flaws in terms of packaging, but the dynamic performance and range are excellent

- 

BEFORE we start, let’s clear something up on behalf of Audi, which has got into a habit of confusing people with its recent naming structure. While the brand had previously said that it would reserve even model numbers for its electric cars and odd ones for internal-combustion models (the reason why the A4’s replacement is called A5), the A6 e-tron has been joined by another new A6, which is available with an ICE engine and varying levels of hybrid assistance. The pair aren't related mechanically; the standard A6 uses the same PPC platform - itself an updated version of the VW Group’s MLB architecture — as the aforementioned A5, while the A6 e-tron and sportier S6 e-tron ride on the PPE platform that underpins the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE 4.5/5★

AS you'd expect from a fast Audi estate, there has been no holding back with the S6. While it shares its PPE tech with the SQ6, there’s even more punch on offer here. A pair of electric motors combines to offer up 496bhp, which increases to 543bhp when launch control is selected. Then there’s the torque, which stands at a thumping 855Nm. That output is deployed to all four wheels to deliver a 0-62mph time which, with launch control engaged, takes 3.9 seconds — not bad when there’s just over 2.4 tonnes to shift.

On the road, that shove doesn’t feel dramatic; without the flare of noise and gearshifts we're used to in fast Audi estates, the feeling here is a silent, relentless surge. It feels effortless — in everyday driving it seems like there’s always so much power in reserve. Long pedal travel and a linear throttle response mean it’s easy to modulate that power, so it doesn’t feel intimidating to drive.

DRIVING 4.3/5★