If you’re curious about going electric, but want to be a bit subtle about it, this ride might be for you.
From the outside, only the quietness and the partially filled-in grille give away this Audi A6 Sportback e-tron quattro as an EV.
This one is sprayed with Plasma Blue metallic paint and graced with a Pearl Beige interior. More importantly, look up when you get in, as the glass roof goes from frosted to partially clear when the car is on.
In addition to a big LED screen that stretches from in front of the driver to the center of the car, there’s one in front of the passenger that can show what audio everyone is listening to, the battery charge level, the vehicle range, the time and more. It also allows the front-seat passenger to control key functions, as if they were using the main screen.
Another piece of tech that dazzled me is a stoplight timer that shows you how much time remains on certain red lights.
The front headrests also had speakers in them as part of a “warm weather package.”
“The headrest speakers create a personal surround sound and an even more immersive musical experience. They also enable very precise audio output: navigation prompts and phone calls are directed specifically to the driver,” Audi said.
What that has to do with warm weather, I have no idea, but it’s still cool.
While I enjoyed all the tech, especially the big screens, I also yearned for more physical buttons to control things (especially the heat and air conditioning).
On the road, this A6 Sportback e-tron moves easily and quickly, with all that electric power available instantly.
Range is good; better than the electric SUV Audi gave me a few months back, in fact.
This one has an EPA-estimated 333 miles of range. Another version of this car, the rear-wheel drive model fitted with the Ultra package, goes 392 miles, per the EPA, which Audi says is the longest all-electric range of any car in its current lineup.
The rear hatch adds practicality. Audi said when the rear seats are folded down, you have a load area stretching more than six feet deep.
This will all set you back $77,240, after shipping, for the exact model I drove.
The A6 Sportback e-tron starts at $67,195, after shipping.
