Audi A6 e-tron: a Design trim €13,000 cheaper!

Audi is launching a new Design trim that is much more affordable… but with reduced performance, especially in terms of autonomy.

Only a clever observer will be able to say who is right in their approach to electrification. Are the Chinese with their ultra-competitive prices, regardless of the quality of finish, or the Germans with their expensive, prestigious cars and high profit margins?

To be honest, it’s a bit of a race for the sake of rivalry, but it’s clear that German manufacturers have a concern. Today, most of their customers are professionals and the vehicles registered are mainly for corporate use. The price that matters is not the list price, but the monthly installment payment. Therefore, to meet the requirements, they need to adjust the equipment levels. This is precisely the purpose of this new Audi A6 e-tron in the Design trim.

Available as a sedan (Sportback) or wagon (Avant), this A6 e-tron Design is now priced from €66,420 (or €67,920 for the Avant wagon), compared to €77,170 at launch. But what has changed?

An Audi low-cost?

First of all, the look is more subdued, with 19-inch wheels that are frankly not very sporty. Then there’s the battery, whose capacity drops from 100 to 83 kWh gross (75.8 kWh net), still allowing up to 622 km of range. Previously, with the larger battery, the range was around 750 km.

The power has also been reduced, now featuring standard rear-wheel drive with 210 kW (285 hp). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.0 seconds (which is already sufficient!), and the top speed is capped at 210 km/h. The combined energy consumption drops to 13.7 kWh/100 km compared to 14.1 kWh for the heavier, large-battery version. The bonus point is that the charging speed of 225 kW remains, allowing quick stops with 260 km regained in just 10 minutes.

The interior presentation is very refined, but at over €66,000, one might have expected even more equipment. Therefore, additional options will likely cause the price to soar again.

Currently, the lease or rental offers for this Audi model aimed at individuals are not yet known. This will allow better judgment of its relevance, as on paper it is quite up to date, although somewhat expensive. For professionals, Audi is offering a 37-month lease with 30,000 km without a down payment, starting at €890 per month for the A6 Sportback e-tron S Line trim. Strangely, the Avant body style, which is more expensive on paper, is actually €20 cheaper, starting at €870/month.

Deliveries at dealerships will begin in March 2025.