Audi is continuing to lean into the electric era with subtle confidence, and the new A6 Avant e-tron is proof of that. It takes everything that makes the A6 Sportback e-tron a standout and stretches it into a practical estate body, ideal for those who want EV power without giving up space or long-distance comfort. But does the Avant do enough to justify its higher price tag?

Performance

Despite its longer and heavier frame, the Avant doesn’t feel all that different to drive compared to its sleeker Sportback sibling. The weight is there, sure, mostly over the rear, but unless you’re really throwing it into corners, you’ll hardly notice. And truth be told, that’s not what this car is about.

This is a vehicle built for calm cruising, and on that front, it delivers in spades. Cabin noise is virtually non-existent, and the motor hums along so smoothly that long drives feel effortless. It’s a very refined place to spend time behind the wheel.

There are three versions to choose from. The base setup includes an 83kWh battery with a single motor at the rear, offering 321bhp. Step up to the Performance model and you get a larger 100kWh battery and a boost to 374bhp. Go all-in with the Quattro, and you're looking at dual motors and an impressive 455bhp powered by that same 100kWh battery.

Range and Charging

Range anxiety shouldn’t be a concern here. The entry-level version is capable of up to 595km according to WLTP figures, while the larger battery on the Performance variant stretches that to 700km. It's worth noting that the Sportback does edge out the Avant slightly in terms of range, but not by much.

Real-world expectations? Most drivers should comfortably hit over 500km per charge. And when it’s time to plug in, charging is quick and painless. Base models support DC fast charging at 225kW, while the larger-battery variants can accept up to 270kW, allowing a 10–80% top-up in about 20 minutes, assuming you can find a charger powerful enough.

Design and Interior

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Avant for the Sportback, especially from the front. The slim LED lights, clean nose panel, and aerodynamic details carry over unchanged. Even the same optional digital door mirrors are available.

Where things shift is at the rear. The taller tailgate and longer roofline give it the classic estate silhouette, complete with a roof spoiler and rear diffuser for better aero. It’s finished off with a full-width LED light bar and an illuminated Audi logo, adding a futuristic touch.

Step inside and things remain familiar, in a good way. You get Audi’s curved digital dash housing the driver display and central infotainment screen, optional passenger display, and those futuristic door-mounted screens for the virtual mirrors. The overall vibe? High-tech and high-quality.

Rear-seat space is identical to the Sportback thanks to a shared wheelbase, and while both offer 502 litres of boot space, the Avant feels more flexible thanks to its taller loading area. There’s also a handy 27-litre frunk for storing cables or smaller items.

Cost Considerations

Here’s where you’ll want to weigh things up. The Avant starts from €76,325, making it about €2,000 more than the equivalent Sportback. On paper, the spec is almost identical, from trim levels to wheel options to in-car tech, and the boot capacity doesn’t technically increase.

If you go for the S line trim, you’ll be nudging past €81,500, which might feel steep considering the marginal practicality gain and slight drop in range.

Verdict

The A6 Avant e-tron delivers all the premium refinement, tech, and electric efficiency of the Sportback, with a touch more family-friendly functionality. If you’re regularly filling the boot or need the estate shape for lifestyle reasons, it’s a compelling option. But if your typical day doesn’t require the extra space, you may find the Sportback makes more financial and range-related sense.

Either way, both versions are seriously impressive. Smooth, stylish, and brimming with tech, the A6 Avant e-tron makes a strong case as a luxury electric all-rounder.