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Audi brings back tactile controls with its 2027 A6 Sportback and Q6 e-tron
Audi has quietly reversed a years-long trend toward all-touch interiors with the reveal of the 2027 A6 Sportback e-tron and Q6 e-tron family. The headline: a physical scroll/toggle returned to the steering wheel — a deliberate move away from the "touch-everything" philosophy that frustrated many drivers. Built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) developed with Porsche, these latest electric sedan and SUV entries marry updated hardware with cleaner software and a few surprising features that aim to improve everyday usability, efficiency and even driver enjoyment.
Why a simple scroll wheel matters
For automotive UX designers, the scroll wheel may seem small. For drivers, it’s a practical control that lets you change volume or navigate menus without hunting for a tiny touch target or taking your eyes off the road. Audi’s new thumb-operated toggle wheel replaces the previous touch-sensitive surface used for volume and navigation shortcuts. The new unit, inspired by the Audi Concept C, restores tactile feedback and makes common tasks more intuitive—especially at speed.
"Drivers told us they wanted physical feedback again," said one Audi spokesperson during the launch briefing. "This is about safety and convenience — not nostalgia."
Infotainment and digital cockpit: simplified and smarter
Audi’s Digital Stage now integrates three displays into a unified interface with a simplified menu structure and a modernized look. The new UI reduces long lists and favors graphical representations — fewer taps, clearer screens. A 3D model of the owner’s vehicle appears across displays in the car’s exterior color for quick visual reference.
Key upgrades include:
- A simplified Audi virtual cockpit with reduced icons and cleaner layout, controlled via the View button on the steering wheel.
- Improved contrast: embedded Audi apps now use white backgrounds while third-party apps keep color accents for readability.
- An upgraded front passenger display with new standby modes showing time and date, and independent Bluetooth headset support so passengers can consume audio without distracting the driver.
The models fitted with the Technology package (standard on Prestige trims) also offer an Augmented Reality head-up display and a dedicated passenger display — a notable step toward truly multi-user in-car experiences.
AI voice control and smarter assistance
Voice recognition has been beefed up with artificial intelligence. The system can answer questions by pulling information from the owner’s manual and operate certain vehicle systems — for example, adaptive cruise control — via natural-language commands. This enhancement should reduce menu diving and make hands-free interactions more useful on the road.
Performance, range and driving modes
Both the A6 Sportback e-tron and Q6 e-tron sit on Audi’s PPE skateboard, a platform shared with Porsche that optimizes packaging, efficiency and handling. Audi highlighted several driving and energy features:
- Regenerative B-mode: an improved one-pedal braking that can bring the car to a standstill without using friction brakes, recovering more kinetic energy and improving efficiency.
- Drift mode: a controlled drift capability aimed at closed-course use and track settings — Audi stresses it should only be used where legally permitted.
These vehicles also continue Audi’s trend toward providing distinct driving personalities in their EV software, from comfort-oriented city driving to more aggressive torque splits for sportier behavior in the SQ6 variants.
Trim choices, styling and options
Audi’s 2027 A6 and Q6 e-tron lineups follow a familiar trim ladder: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige, with the SQ6 and SQ6 Sportback hitting the Premium Plus as a baseline. Notable options and packages include:
- S line black optic package (available on Premium Plus and Prestige): 20-inch five-spoke tripod wheels with a bi-color finish, black exterior trim, anthracite Audi rings, black mirror housings and door-handle inlays. For the first time the front grille can be finished in black, and those fitted with the black optic package may opt for illuminated anthracite rings.
- Audi exclusive design package (optional on Prestige trims of the SQ6): Ocean Blue contrast stitching, Jet Gray Dinamica elements, and matching seat and floor-mat combos.
There’s also a new in-car dash cam recording 4K footage; standard on Premium Plus and optional on Premium, it captures 30 seconds before and after an incident and can be an important addition for safety and insurance claims.
Comfort and convenience: Power Nap and passenger features
Audi adds several lifestyle-minded features: Power Nap mode creates a calm cabin environment for short breaks while charging, adjusting lighting, sound, climate and massage functions to help drivers relax. The passenger display’s independent audio and Bluetooth headset support lets occupants watch or play content without disturbing the driver, a small but thoughtful touch for long journeys.
Market positioning and what this means for buyers
The 2027 A6 Sportback e-tron and Q6 e-tron arrive as Audi pushes to keep its electric offerings both premium and practical. The PPE architecture positions these models to compete directly with other luxury EVs in efficiency, technology and driving dynamics. The return of physical controls signals a broader industry trend of balancing touchscreen convenience with tactile safety.
Practical highlights for buyers:
- Smarter, cleaner infotainment and fewer distracting menus.
- Enhanced regenerative braking that can increase real-world range.
- Optional tech and design packs that let buyers emphasize luxury, sport or individuality.
Arrival and availability
Audi says the A6-Q6 e-tron family will reach dealerships in the second quarter of 2026. Expect early configurators to highlight Technology and S line packages, along with SQ6 performance variants that broaden the lineup for driving enthusiasts.
Whether you prioritize daily usability, range efficiency or a more engaging drive, Audi’s 2027 A6 Sportback and Q6 e-tron attempt to address those needs — and they do it by admitting one simple truth: sometimes a real button is better than a virtual one.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
driveline
Wow, finally a real scroll wheel! touchscreens are ok but tactile feedback at speed matters. About time... feels safer, honestly
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