Audi publicizes 2027 A6/Q6 e-tron updates: scroll wheel return, new drift mode, improved regen

Audi is rolling out important updates to its A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron electrical autos for the 2027 mannequin yr, bringing again bodily controls, including a brand new “dynamic plus” drift mode, and bettering regenerative braking for higher effectivity.

The modifications come as a part of a broader replace throughout Audi’s PPE (Premium Platform Electrical) lineup, addressing among the early criticisms of those autos whereas including genuinely helpful new options.

Bodily buttons return to the steering wheel

Maybe essentially the most welcome change: Audi is bringing again bodily controls, particularly scroll wheels on the steering wheel. The corporate has changed among the touch-sensitive interfaces on the steering wheel with precise buttons for working varied automobile capabilities.

This can be a notable reversal from the trade’s pattern towards touch-everything interfaces, which many drivers have criticized for being distracting and tough to make use of whereas driving. Audi seems to be listening.

Commercial – scroll for extra content material

The inside additionally will get a refreshed consumer interface borrowed from the Audi Q3, with “lowered icons and clear construction” that Audi says makes operation “considerably simpler.” The digital cockpit now presents three show modes: basic spherical devices, navigation view, or an built-in driver help show.

New “Dynamic Plus” mode permits managed drifts

For the performance-oriented S6 e-tron, Audi is including a brand new drive choose mode known as “dynamic plus.” The mode combines electrical quattro all-wheel drive with brake torque vectoring and routinely prompts sport mode for the digital stability management.

The outcome? Audi says the system “permits for focused oversteer and managed drifts – for pure driving enjoyment mixed with most management and security.”

A brand new Dynamic Plus show within the driver’s cockpit provides shift lights, a spherical tachometer, and detailed sports activities shows to boost the expertise.

Audi can also be including a “drive choose assistant” that routinely adjusts the driving mode primarily based in your driving model and the present state of affairs.

Improved regenerative braking

Right here’s one that ought to please efficiency-minded EV drivers: Audi says the up to date A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron can now decelerate to an entire standstill utilizing solely regenerative braking, with out transitioning to the friction brakes.

This implies extra kinetic vitality will get recovered and fed again into the battery, bettering each effectivity and vary. It additionally makes stopping smoother and extra comfy, in line with Audi.

Enhanced driver help options

The 2027 fashions get a number of driver help upgrades:

Assisted lane modifications: Whereas utilizing adaptive cruise help on the freeway, drivers can now provoke lane modifications by merely activating the flip sign. The automobile handles the steering into the brand new lane.

Signal-based pace adjustment: The automotive now routinely adjusts pace primarily based on highway indicators, recognizing cease indicators, proper of method, and pace limits utilizing a mixture of saved map knowledge and entrance digicam detection.

Swarm intelligence for highway hazards: Autos can now detect highway irregularities and share that knowledge with different Audi autos through the cloud. Following automobiles obtain warnings and may routinely regulate their pace earlier than reaching the tough patch.

Reverse help: The system can now take over steering for the final 50 meters when reversing, useful for backing out of slim streets.

Educated parking: Save as much as 5 totally different parking maneuvers (as much as 200 meters every) and have the automotive carry out them autonomously on non-public property.

Storage parking through smartphone: Park your automotive remotely with out even driving previous the parking area first.

Built-in 4K dashcam

Audi is including an non-obligatory dashcam built-in into the bottom of the inside mirror. The digicam data 4K video with HDR and captures 30 seconds earlier than and after any incident. Recordings could be triggered routinely by accidents, emergency braking, or hazard mild activation.

All knowledge stays native on an SD card — nothing is uploaded to the cloud.

ChatGPT-powered voice assistant

The Audi assistant is getting an AI improve with ChatGPT integration. Now you can seek for locations utilizing obscure descriptions like “the Italian restaurant with a view of the Rhine” as a substitute of needing an actual tackle.

The assistant also can learn and write emails, entry your calendar, and management driver help programs through voice instructions. It even learns your behavioral patterns and may routinely undertake them as routines — like all the time activating adaptive cruise management once you get on the freeway.

“Expertise worlds” and Energy Nap mode

New temper situations known as “expertise worlds” coordinate inside lighting, sound, therapeutic massage capabilities, and local weather management to create both an invigorating or stress-free environment. Choices embody Activating, Stress-free, and Harmonizing modes lasting 10-20 minutes.

The electrical fashions additionally get a “Energy Nap” mode particularly designed for brief breaks whereas charging, creating a relaxed and restful environment.

Electrek’s Take

This can be a strong model-year refresh that addresses actual proprietor suggestions. Apparently, quite a lot of it’s software-based. Are we beginning to see the Volkswagen group enhance on that entrance? That may be a breath of contemporary air.

The return of bodily buttons on the steering wheel is especially welcome; the automotive trade’s obsession with contact controls has been a security regression, and it’s good to see Audi course-correcting.

The improved regenerative braking is fascinating, however I already famous that I loved it fairly a bit once I examined these autos once they first got here out. It was really one of many promoting factors for me.

These updates ought to begin reaching US sellers for the 2027 mannequin yr later in 2026. Pricing hasn’t been introduced but.