2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron vs. Tesla Model S: New Player, Better Game

Audi’s upcoming A6 Sportback e-tron isn’t just an EV, it’s a statement of intent, combining grand touring proportions with Audi’s sharpest tech yet. We stack it up against the Tesla Model S, the long-reigning electric disruptor, to see how Ingolstadt’s latest challenger holds up against Silicon Valley’s benchmark.

A Side-by-side Comparison 

The Tesla Model S has been the face of fast, tech-heavy electric sedans for over a decade. But now there’s a serious new contender: the 2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron. Audi’s newest EV doesn’t just chase Tesla’s numbers, it comes at the whole segment from a different angle, with more focus on design, balance, and everyday luxury. Here's how they stack up.

Looks That Last

The A6 Sportback e-tron makes a strong first impression. Long, low, and wide, it has the stance of a grand tourer with clean lines and subtle details. Audi’s signature LED lighting, flush door handles, and that sloped roofline give it a polished, modern look without going overboard.

The Model S still looks good, especially after its latest refresh, but the overall shape hasn’t changed much since it debuted. It’s sleek and simple, but next to the brand-new Audi, it’s starting to show its age.

Inside the Cabin

Audi doesn’t mess around when it comes to interiors. The A6 e-tron is loaded with high-end materials, a huge curved touchscreen, and a digital display behind the wheel. It feels upscale, tech-savvy, and thoughtfully laid out. Everything has a tactile, well-built quality to it.

Tesla’s Model S takes a different route - minimalism. The center screen controls almost everything, and the rest of the cabin is super clean, maybe too clean for some. The optional yoke steering wheel is a bold move, but not for everyone. If you like your tech with a side of warmth and texture, Audi might be more your speed.

Power and Performance

The A6 e-tron will launch with dual motors and an estimated 469 horsepower—plenty quick for daily driving and highway passing. It’s expected to hit 60 mph in just over 4 seconds and comes standard with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. A performance version is rumored to follow.

The Model S is still a rocket. The Long Range version hits 60 in about 3 seconds, and the Plaid model will do it in under two. If straight-line speed is your top priority, Tesla wins. But Audi’s aiming for a more balanced ride - quick, composed, and enjoyable to drive, not just to launch.

Range and Charging

Audi estimates up to 435 miles of range (WLTP), which should translate to around 360–380 miles under EPA testing. Thanks to 800-volt charging, the A6 e-tron can add nearly 186 miles in 10 minutes under ideal conditions.

Tesla’s Model S Long Range gets 405 miles officially, and its Supercharger network is still the gold standard when it comes to convenience and reliability. Audi is catching up fast, though, especially with the upcoming expansion of public fast-charging networks across the U.S.

Driver Assist and Tech Features

Audi keeps things grounded with a solid mix of standard driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and an advanced parking system. It’s high-tech, but not overbearing - built to support you, not take over.

Tesla offers Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (for a steep extra cost), though the latter is still in beta and draws mixed reviews. It’s more experimental than Audi’s setup, which sticks to proven systems and a smoother user experience.

Price and Ownership

The Model S starts at around $74K and climbs quickly from there, especially if you go for the Plaid. The Audi A6 Sportback e-tron ranges from $65,900 to $75,950. While Tesla offers speed and software, Audi leans into craftsmanship, real-world drivability, and dealership support.

Bottom Line

The Tesla Model S still holds the crown for raw speed and tech dominance. But the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron brings a refreshing dose of refinement and road feel to the conversation. It’s not trying to out-Tesla Tesla, it’s showing that there’s another way to do electric luxury, and it might be a better fit for drivers who want a car that feels... well, like a car.