The new Audi Q6 E-Tron is finally here. Following our test of a Q6 E-Tron prototype close to production in July 2023 and the reveal of the beautiful cockpit with all its digital screens, we finally have all the details.
Under the Q6 E-Tron’s skin is Audi’s Premium Platform Electric architecture, shared with the Porsche Macan EV and used here for the first time with the Audi badge. It is an 800-volt system incorporating two rear-facing electric motors in terms of power and vehicle weight. At launch, there are two versions: the Q6 and the performance-focused SQ6, both using the same 100 kWh battery (94.9 kWh net). Sportback versions will arrive later, and a rear-wheel drive version with a longer range is also in the works.
Buyers in North America will benefit from a combined 422 horsepower from the Q6 E-Tron, a modest increase of 40 horsepower over the model sold in Europe. The sportier SQ6 develops 483 hp. With launch control enabled, power increases to 456 hp in the Q6 and 510 hp in the SQ6 for better acceleration. Audi claims the Q6 can hit 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds using launch control, and if you upgrade to the SQ6 the time drops to 4.2 seconds.
Audi provides an EPA estimate of 300 miles for the standard Q6 E-Tron; Estimates for the SQ6 are not yet available. But since both versions use the same battery, we can assume that its autonomy will be a little lower when it becomes official later this year. More interesting is the Q6 E-Tron’s 800-volt charging capacity; it can go from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes connected to a DC fast charger, drawing 270 kW.
Audi says the PPE architecture is specifically designed to maximize electric packaging while delivering robust driving dynamics. The control arms are positioned in front of the suspension arms for better battery positioning. The steering rack is attached to a subframe to improve control. And to make the most of it all, Audi is fitting wider tires to the rear of the Q6.
We experienced this when we drove the Q6 E-Tron prototype. Despite a chassis that was only tuned to “60 percent” at the time, we found the SUV well-balanced through corners while providing a comfortable ride. The SQ6 was even sharper, and now that Audi has sorted things out perfectly, we’re naturally curious to taste the final product.
While performance and power are certainly part of Audi’s PPE story, arguably more important is the cutting-edge technology built into the SUV. The Q6 E-Tron’s E3 (End-to-End Electronic) architecture is an integrated assistant that leverages AI to not only manage different Android-based systems, but also to provide proactive suggestions based on behaviors learned over time. There is even an avatar for the AI that is displayed on the 14.5-inch central screen or the optional augmented reality head-up display.
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Other digital displays include an 11.9-inch driver’s display and a 10.9-inch passenger display that the driver cannot see. There is also an optional augmented reality head-up display that shows images of the driver displayed on the windshield appearing to be 650 feet in front of the car. The Q6 E-Tron is fully connected to over-the-air updates, and Audi describes the E3 system as a “scalable standardized framework.”
The 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 E-Tron will arrive in dealerships across North America this fall. Prices for both versions will be revealed closer to the on-sale date.
