Often seen as the default choice for a large, understated family performance car, it’s all change for the new S6 e-tron which uses a pair of electric motors for the first time. While the V8 and V10 engines of its predecessor models are the most renowned and associated with the model, this isn’t the first time that quiet drivetrains have been attached to the name. Since 2019, the S6 Saloon and Avant estate had been sold with a 3.0 litre twin turbo diesel that produced 339 bhp and 516 lb ft (700 Nm).

The electric successor has 496 bhp on call, which can be overboosted to 543 bhp with launch control engaged. The twin-motor setup and all-wheel drive helps the car to reach 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, and will propel it to a top speed of 149 mph flat out. Peak torque is a mighty 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) and there is a rearwards bias to the quattro all-wheel drive system along with staggered tyre sizes that sees wider rubber at the rear. 21” wheels are standard for the model, but air suspension should bring the ride quality that is expected in this class in spite of the enormous rims.

With a 94.9 kWh capacity battery between the axles, a driving range of up to 405 miles for the Sportback and 388 miles for the Avant are attainable. Using an 800 volt electrical architecture, the car can recharge at up to 270 kW on a DC rapid charger, completing a 10-80% top-up in just 21 minutes and being able to add 192 miles of range in just 10 minutes. 11 kW AC charging capability is useful for slightly faster charges at shopping centres, but by my maths a flat to full home charge with a 7 kW wallbox should take just under 14 hours. Regardless, the S6 seems to be a lot more efficient than the 320 mile-capable BMW i5 M60, and the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 which offers a range of up to 306 miles combined. I got just a little bit less when I had one for a weekend…

Aerodynamics have played a big part in the new model’s efficiency and styling, with both body styles flaunting sleek shapes. Owing to its lifting tailgate, the S6 Sportback replaces the saloon in the range while the Avant becomes one of the best looking estates on the market to my eye, and looks almost identical to the A6 e-tron Concepts that previewed the production models we see now.

Familiar Audi styling features such as the singleframe grille and large bumper inserts dominate the front end, while the narrow LED running light cluster is separated from the main headlight unit. Split lights are splitting opinions, but I personally like them as they remind me of the setup used on the excellent Citroen C4 Cactus…anyway, matrix adaptive LED main beams come as standard for the S6, while the running light signatures at the front and as part of the rear light bar can be customised via the infotainment system.

The new S6 has a long wheelbase with short overhangs, leading to a surprisingly long bonnet for a car that has not been designed to have an engine sitting underneath it. My favourite styling feature is found at the bottom of the doors, with a black trapezoid cutout that rises from front to rear before narrowing and continuing on the other side of the rear wheel arch.

The aero-influence is seen again on the Sportback with its sloping roofline that meets a short rear deck behind the rear axle, while the Avant’s roof falls ever so slightly to make the car cut through the air efficiently and provide enough space for luggage or the obligatory dog that is always said to be found in the boot of a car like this.

Strangely, the quoted boot size for both models is 502 litres but this up to the parcel shelf as opposed to the roof. The Avant has an ever so slightly longer boot than the Sportback, and both cars have folding rear seats that can expand the load space further. There is underfloor storage to be found in the rear, and an extra 27 litre front boot which is accessed by opening the bonnet.