Test Drive
This review is based on my experience during a test drive. It reflects my first impressions behind the wheel rather than long-term ownership.

The electric executive car segment is becoming more competitive than ever, and the Audi A6 e-tron is one of the latest contenders. Having previously owned an electric car myself, I was curious to see if Audi had created an EV that could genuinely impress me.

The model I drove was the Audi A6 e-tron quattro Proline Edition, equipped with the 94.9 kWh battery.

First Impressions

The A6 e-tron immediately feels like a premium car.

From the moment you step inside, it’s obvious that Audi has paid close attention to quality. The cabin feels modern, well-built and exactly what you’d expect from a car in this class. Everything is easy to use, and the layout is clean without feeling overly complicated.

One feature that stood out straight away was the passenger display. At first, I wasn’t sure how useful it would actually be, but after spending time with the car, I really appreciated it. It gives the passenger something to interact with while adding a modern touch to the overall interior.

Design

The A6 e-tron is a good-looking car overall, but I have mixed feelings about its design.

The front never really grew on me. It feels a little too plain and lacks the presence I expected from a premium Audi. It isn’t unattractive, but it also isn’t a front end that makes you stop and look back after parking.

The rear is clean and simple, although perhaps a little too simple. Audi has played it safe with the overall design, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, I found myself wishing for a bit more character.

The A6 e-tron is a car I admired more for the way it drove than the way it looked.

Behind the Wheel

This is where the A6 e-tron impressed me the most.

The handling feels confident, balanced and predictable. Despite being a large executive car, it never feels heavy or awkward to place on the road. Instead, it feels composed and reassuring, making it easy to settle into from the very first kilometre.

More importantly, it simply feels good to drive.

Some electric cars can feel isolated from the road, but the A6 e-tron strikes a nice balance between comfort and driver engagement. It isn’t trying to be a sports car. Instead, it focuses on refinement, stability and making every journey effortless.

Interior

Audi has built a reputation for producing some of the best interiors in the industry, and the A6 e-tron continues that tradition.

The materials feel premium, the seats are comfortable, and the cabin has a clean, modern design. The technology is well integrated without making the dashboard feel cluttered.

The passenger display deserves another mention because it genuinely adds something to the experience. It isn’t there simply for the sake of having another screen. It gives the passenger useful functionality and helps make the cabin feel more interactive.

Things I Didn’t Like

The biggest drawback wasn’t the driving experience.

It was Audi’s options list.

Many of the features that make the A6 e-tron feel truly special come at a significant additional cost. It’s very easy to configure the car well beyond its starting price, so it’s worth paying close attention when choosing optional equipment.

While I came away genuinely impressed, I also felt there was room for improvement. The A6 e-tron delivers exactly what you’d expect from a premium executive EV, but I didn’t leave the test drive feeling that it had become the benchmark for the segment.

Final Thoughts

The Audi A6 e-tron left a very positive first impression.

It combines confident handling, a refined driving experience and a premium interior that makes every journey feel comfortable. The passenger display is a clever addition, and the overall quality of the cabin is exactly what I’d expect from Audi.

The expensive options list is something I’d carefully consider before buying one. By the time you’ve added the equipment that really brings the car to life, the price climbs quickly. That doesn’t take away from how good the A6 e-tron is to drive, but it does make you question whether it’s still the right value.

The Audi A6 e-tron convinced me with the way it drove. It just didn’t convince me with the price it takes to get the best version of it.

Nordic Throttle Verdict

Would I drive it again?

Maybe

Pros
✓ Excellent handling
✓ Premium cabin
✓ Comfortable ride

Cons
✕ Expensive options
✕ Front lacks presence
✕ Conservative rear styling

The Audi A6 e-tron is a refined and well-engineered electric car that delivers the premium experience you’d expect from Audi. I genuinely enjoyed my time behind the wheel and came away impressed by its handling, comfort and interior quality.

However, the options list changes the conversation. The car is excellent in many ways, but getting the specification that unlocks its full potential comes at a price that’s difficult to justify. For that reason, I’d happily drive it again, but I wouldn’t rush to put one in my garage.

Some cars are easy to recommend. Others are easy to love. The Jaguar XE was both.

When people think of compact luxury saloons, the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are usually the first names that come to mind. The Jaguar XE often gets overlooked, and I genuinely think that’s a shame.

I drove the 20d model, and it’s a car I’d choose over a 320d, A4 or C220d every single time. It wasn’t the fastest or the most popular—but every journey felt just a little bit more special.

What It Is

The Jaguar XE was Jaguar’s answer to the German establishment. Instead of simply matching them on luxury, Jaguar built a sports saloon that focused on driving enjoyment.

Under the bonnet sits Jaguar’s 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel producing around 180 horsepower. It won’t set your pulse racing with outright performance, but that’s missing the point.

This is a car that delivers refinement, comfort and just enough performance to make every drive enjoyable.

The Daily Feel

Living with the XE was incredibly easy.

The cabin feels premium without trying too hard, the seats are comfortable on long journeys, and visibility is excellent. It has that sense of occasion that Jaguar has always done so well. Even after months of ownership, getting into the car still felt different from stepping into another German saloon.

The 20d engine works brilliantly with the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Gear changes are smooth, power delivery is effortless, and motorway cruising is where the XE feels completely at home.

It’s quiet when you want it to be, relaxed during everyday driving, and always feels refined.

Handling and Ride

This is where the Jaguar really separates itself from the competition.

Unlike many rivals, the XE uses an aluminium-intensive chassis, helping to keep the weight down while giving the car a light, agile feel that’s rare in this class.

The steering is direct, the chassis feels balanced, and the whole car responds eagerly to your inputs. It never feels heavy or reluctant through corners.

Despite its sporty character, the ride remains comfortable enough for daily use. Jaguar somehow managed to find a balance between comfort and driver engagement that many manufacturers still struggle to achieve.

The Jaguar XE isn’t perfect.

The infotainment system feels dated today, and some interior materials aren’t quite on the level of the latest German alternatives.

But here’s the thing…

None of that mattered to me.

The XE had something the others couldn’t replicate: character.

It looked elegant without shouting for attention, felt slightly exotic in a market dominated by German badges, and made every drive feel like more than simply getting from A to B.

Personal Note: The One I’d Buy Again

Looking back, the Jaguar XE is one of the cars I miss the most.

It wasn’t the quickest car I’ve owned, nor the most luxurious. But it struck a balance that very few cars manage.

It gave me the feeling of driving something genuinely premium and a little bit special, while remaining surprisingly affordable to buy and own.

If someone asked me today whether I’d buy a Jaguar XE 20d or a BMW 320d, Audi A4 or Mercedes C220d from the same year, I’d still choose the Jaguar without hesitation.

Verdict

The Jaguar XE 20d won’t win every comparison test.

It doesn’t have the strongest badge, the biggest sales numbers or the latest technology.

What it does have is personality.

It delivers comfort without feeling detached, handling without sacrificing refinement, and a sense of occasion that many of its rivals simply can’t match.

Sometimes, the best cars aren’t the ones everyone buys.

They’re the ones you still think about years later.

Nordic Throttle

Car Reviews, one ride at a time

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Audi A6 e-tron: The Drive Impresses, the Price Doesn’t