Audi A6 Avant e-tron vs Porsche Cayenne Diesel 958.2: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Cayenne Diesel hits 100 km/h in 7.11 s versus 7.12 s for the A6 Avant e-tron. Despite lacking instant torque, 262 hp of power compensates. The 0.01 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the Cayenne Diesel is doing 118 km/h against 123 km/h for the A6 Avant e-tron. The gap is 0.21 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the A6 Avant e-tron crosses the line in 15.21 s versus 15.22 s. The 0.01 s gap represents roughly 0 m of track

Past 400 metres, the A6 Avant e-tron continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 172 km/h versus 163 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A6 Avant e-tron finishes in 27.38 s versus 28.17 s, with a 0.80 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (210 vs 217 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The Cayenne Diesel features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A6 Avant e-tron’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the A6 Avant e-tron is capped at 210 km/h, the Cayenne Diesel at 217 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 11.83 seconds. The 0.01 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.