A6 e-tron vs EQS
Put the A6 e-tron next to the EQS and you have Audi and Mercedes-Benz going after exactly the same midsize luxury car crowd. If you were hoping for a knockout, this isn’t it. The A6 e-tron and the EQS stay within reach of each other almost everywhere.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A6 e-tron wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The A6 e-tron has 20 hp more power
Slight advantage to the A6 e-tron: 375 hp compared with 355 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
A6 e-tron leads
The A6 e-tron has the slight upper hand on engine & performance. The A6 e-tron comes with 20 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the A6 e-tron comes out ahead.
Total system output
A6 e-tron: 375 hp EQS: 355 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. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the A6 e-tron and the EQS differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Engine | Single rear electric motor | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 375 hp (winner) | 355 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 419 lb-ft |
| 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 | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 390 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 e-tron | EQS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 355 hp)
- you trust Audi and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A6 e-tron or the EQS?
On the specs compared here, the A6 e-tron makes more sense for most buyers; the EQS doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Audi’s A6 e-tron against Mercedes-Benz’s EQS. I’d put 20 hp more power at the top of the list, and it belongs to the A6 e-tron.
The A6 e-tron is for you if engine & performance tops your list; the EQS is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture does.
My pick: the A6 e-tron.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.