A6 e-tron vs EQE
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The A6 e-tron and the EQE show how Audi and Mercedes-Benz each approach the midsize luxury car class. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A6 e-tron wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The A6 e-tron has 87 hp more power
If total system output is one of your priorities, this settles it: the A6 e-tron leads clearly with 375 hp to the EQE’s 288 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
A6 e-tron leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the A6 e-tron leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The A6 e-tron brings 87 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the A6 e-tron has the edge.
Total system output
A6 e-tron: 375 hp EQE: 288 hp The A6 e-tron’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the A6 e-tron and the EQE each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 375 hp (winner) | 288 hp |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD (quattro AWD available) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 308 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A6 e-tron if…
- you want more power (375 hp vs 288 hp)
- you’re comfortable with how Audi does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A6 e-tron or the EQE?
On the specs compared here, the A6 e-tron makes more sense for most buyers; the EQE doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
On paper, the A6 e-tron and the EQE chase the same buyer. In the details, Audi and Mercedes-Benz made different calls. For me, the deciding factor is that only the A6 e-tron gives you 87 hp more power.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the A6 e-tron, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the EQE.
My pick: the A6 e-tron.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.