DS DS9 E-Tense 250 vs Audi A6 Avant: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A6 Avant hits 100 km/h in 7.00 s versus 8.36 s for the DS9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 204 hp of power compensates. At this point, the A6 Avant leads by 1.36 s and sits roughly 38 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A6 Avant is doing 117 km/h against 121 km/h for the DS9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 1.41 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the A6 Avant crosses the line in 15.02 s versus 16.22 s. The 1.20 s gap represents roughly 50 m of track — a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the gap narrows.

At 1,000 metres, the A6 Avant finishes in 27.98 s versus 28.57 s, with just 0.59 s to spare. The DS9 E-Tense 250 fails to fully close the launch gap.

On paper, the DS9 E-Tense 250 combines 253 hp, 520 Nm and 1,900 kg — a clear theoretical edge over the A6 Avant. Yet the A6 Avant launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the A6 Avant has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs — exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.

Electronically capped at 238 km/h, the A6 Avant never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor — it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

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 12.32 seconds. The 1.36 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.