Audi A6 Itron to be released in Korea..Pros and cons compared to competition cars

May 06, 2025

Photo courtesy : carguy(www.carguy.kr)



Audi Korea ranked seventh in sales of imported cars in 2024. Compared to the same German premium brands, BMW and Mercedes, which ranked first and second, the figure is nothing short.

The biggest reason is that there are no popular cars. To make up for this inferiority, it has predicted the launch of 16 new cars in 2025. The A6 Itron is the flagship model that will lead the sales. I met him first on the overseas media Auto Express.

It took Audi quite a while to develop a pure electric luxury, but the wait seems to have been worth it.Sleek, comfortable, sophisticated and full of high-tech, the A6 Itron is perfect in every way except for the narrow rear seat.But what's more important is very impressive mileage and fuel efficiency.




The fact that more practical estates than Sedan will also be released is good news for those who want more aerodynamic space than SUVs. The A6 Itron platform has already been used for Porsche Macan Electric and Audi Q6 Itron.

The A6 lineup consists of three power trains and three trims. Prices range from 62,500 pounds (118,95 million won) to 83,500 pounds (158,9 million won).Estates will be added 1,800 pounds (about 3.4 million won). The top trim, the S6, costs 97,500 pounds (about 142.8 million won).

However, compared to BMW and Mercedes competitors, Audi has a significant advantage in terms of fuel efficiency, mileage, and basic specifications as well as price competitiveness. The entry model features an 83 kWh battery and a rear-wheel single motor that generates 321 horsepower and 423 Nm of torque.




Thanks to this electric motor, the A6 takes 6 seconds for 0-100 km/h acceleration (7 seconds without lunch control). The maximum speed is limited to 209 km/h.However, Audi's advantage in the car is that it offers up to 383 miles (about 600 kilometers) of incredible driving range on a single charge.

Next is the 'Performance' power train. Although it is a single motor, it has improved power to 374 horsepower and maximum torque to 565 Nm.The 0-100 km/h acceleration time was shortened to 5.4 seconds. Equipped with a larger 100kWh battery pack, it offers a combined range of 720km based on WLTP and an impressive 270kW charging speed.

The top model in the A6 lineup is the dual-motor Quattro.It exerts 455 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. The launch control reduces the 0-100 km/h acceleration time to 4.5 seconds (4.7 seconds without the launch control).This model also has a 100kWh battery and 270kW charging capacity. Due to the heavier dual-motor configuration, the mileage is reduced compared to the performance model.




Steering is accurate and sharp. The brakes boast a very good sense through a smooth transition between strong regenerative braking and physical braking methods. Road noise is minimized and the sophistication of natural transmission is also at its highest level.Despite having a large 21-inch wheel, the ride was very good.

Compared to comparable Mercedes EQE with similar-sized batteries It weighs about 165 kilograms. The battery capacity is much larger, but it weighs similar to the BMW i5.Audi has rarely used chassis devices that add heavy weights such as rear wheel steering or active roll protection systems to its new A6 Eton.Not only does this provide a natural driving experience, but it also has the effect of reducing the weight.

The A6 used in the test run is the most anticipated performance trim for engineers. It boasts a greater mileage than BMW and Mercedes' major competitors. The 720km figure is based on higher efficiency than competing models, along with a 100kWh battery pack.

The competitor close to the A6 Performance S-Line is the BMW i540e M Sport.The price is higher at around 74,000 pounds (about 140.8 million won), and the output is slightly lower at 335 hp, but the EV driving distance is as low as 110 miles (177 kilometers). The maximum mileage based on WLTP is only 351 miles (564 kilometers).

The A6 Itron is ahead of the Mercedes EQE350+ AMG's 428 miles (688 kilometers).Mercedes will have 50 miles (80 kilometers) less driving distance if it chooses a larger 21-inch wheel.

If you go indoors and look at the display, the 14.5-inch main touch screen and 11.9-inch driver display are the key. The advantage is that the response speed, feedback, and consistency are all good.It's not Tesla-level clarity, but it doesn't take long to understand how navigation, radio, air conditioning systems, and online services work.High-spec models will have a passenger-side display.

But there is one problem. It's an indoor space.The interior floor has been considerably elevated with a battery. The back seat feels quite narrow.Sloping rooflines and dark ceiling finishes also exacerbate these problems. The optional glass roof and bright interior trim options can help.

The rear seat space is not as wide as the old A6 or the latest EV competition models.If you are looking for a medium-sized sedan with plenty of space in the second row, this part can be a big disadvantage. The most obvious competitor is the BMW i540e model, which is similar in price to the A6 Eton. Instead, the i5 has much more indoor space than the A6, although the mileage is shorter due to low fuel efficiency and low battery capacity.In particular, the large rear seat space can be a decisive competitive factor for some.

In terms of driving experience, the i5 is a little more sophisticated and versatile, but it's still a big and heavy body, so the ride is not good when equipped with big wheels.

Another contender, Mercedes EQE, has much more space in the second row than Audi. In other parts, it is mostly deficient than the A6 itron. The biggest problem with EQE is that there is no pleasure in driving at all.The A6 Eton isn't perfect, but it's a very welcome return for a German brand.

Although it falls short of the historically strong Audi model, with its sleek, minimal exterior design, cleverly constructed interior and charismatic engine, the A6 Itron has launched a counterattack with best-in-class driving range, comfortable driving, and unparalleled cost-effectiveness.

The A6 may be by far the best option in the electric luxury sedan market unless you have to take passengers over 180cm in the second row frequently.Competitive models Mercedes EQE and BMW i5 are also on sale in Korea. When the Audi A6 Eton is released in Korea in the second half of the year, it seems certain to boost stagnant Audi sales.

Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.