Audi is rolling out significant updates to its A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron electric vehicles for the 2027 model year, bringing back physical controls, adding a new “dynamic plus” drift mode, and improving regenerative braking for better efficiency.
The changes come as part of a broader update across Audi’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) lineup, addressing some of the early criticisms of these vehicles while adding genuinely useful new features.
Physical buttons return to the steering wheel
Perhaps the most welcome change: Audi is bringing back physical controls, especially scroll wheels on the steering wheel. The company has replaced some of the touch-sensitive interfaces on the steering wheel with actual buttons for operating various vehicle functions.
This is a notable reversal from the industry’s trend toward touch-everything interfaces, which many drivers have criticized for being distracting and difficult to use while driving. Audi appears to be listening.
The interior also gets a refreshed user interface borrowed from the Audi Q3, with “reduced icons and clear structure” that Audi says makes operation “significantly easier.” The virtual cockpit now offers three display modes: classic round instruments, navigation view, or an integrated driver assist display.
New “Dynamic Plus” mode enables controlled drifts
For the performance-oriented S6 e-tron, Audi is adding a new drive select mode called “dynamic plus.” The mode combines electric quattro all-wheel drive with brake torque vectoring and automatically activates sport mode for the electronic stability control.
The result? Audi says the system “allows for targeted oversteer and controlled drifts – for pure driving enjoyment combined with maximum control and safety.”
A new Dynamic Plus display in the driver’s cockpit adds shift lights, a round tachometer, and detailed sports displays to enhance the experience.
Audi is also adding a “drive select assistant” that automatically adjusts the driving mode based on your driving style and the current situation.
Improved regenerative braking
Here’s one that should please efficiency-minded EV drivers: Audi says the updated A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron can now decelerate to a complete standstill using only regenerative braking, without transitioning to the friction brakes.
This means more kinetic energy gets recovered and fed back into the battery, improving both efficiency and range. It also makes stopping smoother and more comfortable, according to Audi.
Enhanced driver assistance features
The 2027 models get several driver assistance upgrades:
Assisted lane changes: While using adaptive cruise assist on the highway, drivers can now initiate lane changes by simply activating the turn signal. The vehicle handles the steering into the new lane.
Sign-based speed adjustment: The car now automatically adjusts speed based on road signs, recognizing stop signs, right of way, and speed limits using a combination of stored map data and front camera detection.
Swarm intelligence for road hazards: Vehicles can now detect road irregularities and share that data with other Audi vehicles via the cloud. Following cars receive warnings and can automatically adjust their speed before reaching the rough patch.
Reverse assist: The system can now take over steering for the last 50 meters when reversing, helpful for backing out of narrow streets.
Trained parking: Save up to five different parking maneuvers (up to 200 meters each) and have the car perform them autonomously on private property.
Garage parking via smartphone: Park your car remotely without even driving past the parking space first.
Integrated 4K dashcam
Audi is adding an optional dashcam integrated into the base of the interior mirror. The camera records 4K video with HDR and captures 30 seconds before and after any incident. Recordings can be triggered automatically by accidents, emergency braking, or hazard light activation.
All data stays local on an SD card — nothing is uploaded to the cloud.
ChatGPT-powered voice assistant
The Audi assistant is getting an AI upgrade with ChatGPT integration. You can now search for destinations using vague descriptions like “the Italian restaurant with a view of the Rhine” instead of needing an exact address.
The assistant can also read and write emails, access your calendar, and control driver assistance systems via voice commands. It even learns your behavioral patterns and can automatically adopt them as routines — like always activating adaptive cruise control when you get on the highway.
“Experience worlds” and Power Nap mode
New mood scenarios called “experience worlds” coordinate interior lighting, sound, massage functions, and climate control to create either an invigorating or relaxing atmosphere. Options include Activating, Relaxing, and Harmonizing modes lasting 10-20 minutes.
The electric models also get a “Power Nap” mode specifically designed for short breaks while charging, creating a calm and restful atmosphere.
Electrek’s Take
Top comment by neilw
I test drove an A6 Etron last year and it is a very nice car... these sound like good upgrades. Just need the same tech in a smaller model.
This is a solid model-year refresh that addresses real owner feedback. Interestingly, a lot of it is software-based. Are we starting to see the Volkswagen group improve on that front? That would be a breath of fresh air.
The return of physical buttons on the steering wheel is particularly welcome; the automotive industry’s obsession with touch controls has been a safety regression, and it’s good to see Audi course-correcting.
The improved regenerative braking is interesting, but I already noted that I enjoyed it quite a bit when I tested these vehicles when they first came out. It was actually one of the selling points for me.
These updates should start reaching US dealers for the 2027 model year later in 2026. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet.
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