Over 0–100 km/h, S6 Sportback e-tron wins (4,08 s vs 6,33 s).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| S6 Sportback e-tron | A6 45 TFSI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,08 s−2,25 s | 6,33 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,52 s−2,02 s | 14,54 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,58 s−2,66 s | 26,24 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 233 km/h | 247 km/h−14 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,28 kg/hpbetter ratio | 6,69 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | S6 Sportback e-tron | A6 45 TFSI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,11 s | 1,65 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,86 s | 2,75 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,03 s | 4,62 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,08 s | 6,33 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,44 s | 8,51 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10,00 s | 14,57 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 19,13 s | 24,58 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,52 s | 14,54 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,58 s | 26,24 s |
| Top speed | 233 km/h | 247 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 543 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 855 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 325 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 245 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 370 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 640 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the S6 Sportback e-tron hits 100 km/h in 4.08 s versus 6.33 s for the A6 45 TFSI. The instant torque of 855 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the S6 Sportback e-tron leads by 2.26 s and sits roughly 19 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the S6 Sportback e-tron is doing 146 km/h against 128 km/h for the A6 45 TFSI. The gap is 1.52 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the S6 Sportback e-tron crosses the line in 12.52 s versus 14.54 s. The 2.02 s gap represents roughly 86 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the S6 Sportback e-tron continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 191 km/h versus 180 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S6 Sportback e-tron finishes in 23.58 s versus 26.23 s, with a 2.66 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (233 vs 247 km/h), preventing any comeback.
The S6 Sportback e-tron features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A6 45 TFSI’s FWD. 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 S6 Sportback e-tron is capped at 240 km/h, the A6 45 TFSI at 247 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 9.77 seconds. The 2.26 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, S6 Sportback e-tron wins (4,08 s vs 6,33 s).
S6 Sportback e-tron goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,08 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S6 Sportback e-tron: 543 hp, ratio 4,28 kg/hp. A6 45 TFSI: 245 hp, ratio 6,69 kg/hp.
S6 Sportback e-tron: 233 km/h. A6 45 TFSI: 247 km/h.