Audi listens to drivers and the 2027 A6 and Q6 e-tron get buttons back

Audi is making some big changes to its newest electric cars. The company announced updates for the 2027 Audi A6 e-tron and the 2027 Audi Q6 e-tron. The updates show that the German carmaker is paying attention to what people actually want. Car companies tried to put every control on a touch screen over the last few years, but many drivers hated this because it was hard to use while driving. Now, Audi is bringing back real buttons and scroll wheels to the steering wheel to make things simpler.

The interior of the new models looks a bit different now. Audi borrowed a screen design from the smaller Q3 model - it has fewer icons and a cleaner layout. This makes it much easier to find what you need without getting distracted. Drivers can choose from three different views on the digital dashboard. You can see classic round gauges, a big navigation map, or a screen that shows how your safety sensors are working.

The high-performance Audi S6 e-tron gets a special treat called "Dynamic Plus" mode - basically a "drift mode." It uses the all-wheel-drive system and smart brakes to help the car slide sideways in a controlled way. It also adds a special racing display to the cockpit with a lap timer. For regular driving, a new AI assistant can automatically pick the best driving mode for you based on how you are pushing the pedals.

One of the best technical upgrades involves the brakes. All new models can now slow down all the way to a full stop using only their electric motors. Many electric cars have to use their regular friction brakes for the last few meters. By using the motors instead, the car turns more movement into electricity.

Audi is adding a lot of smart software to help with driving. On the highway, you can now change lanes just by hitting the turn signal. The car will check if it is safe and steer itself into the next lane. The car also reads road signs to adjust your speed automatically. It can even talk to other Audi cars through the internet. If one car hits a big pothole, it tells the cars behind it to slow down before they reach the bump.

Parking is getting easier, too. The 2027 Audi Q6 e-tron can memorize five different parking spots. If you have a tricky driveway, you can teach the car how to park once, and it will do it by itself every time after that. You can even use your phone to park the car while standing outside of it. Audi also added a built-in dashcam that records high-quality video if you get into an accident or have to slam on the brakes.

The voice assistant is now powered by ChatGPT, meaning you don't have to use perfect commands. You can ask for "that pizza place near the river," and the car will find it. It can also read your emails or check your calendar for you. Over time, the car learns your habits. If you always turn on cruise control on your way to work, the car will eventually start doing it for you.

When it is time to charge, Audi added a "Power Nap" mode. Since the A6 e-tron is about 16.17 ft long and the Q6 e-tron is around 15.65 ft, there is plenty of room to stretch out. The car will dim the lights, play soft music, and even start a massage to help you rest while the battery fills up. There are also "experience worlds" that change the cabin lighting and climate to match your mood, whether you want to feel energized or relaxed.

The 2027 Audi A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron should arrive at stores in late 2026. The A6 e-tron will start from $66,700 in the US, and the cheapest Q6 e-tron comes with a $64,500 MSRP. For people who want a car that is smart but still has real buttons to press, these new models seem like a step in the right direction.

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