It must be admitted, Audi’s first electric models did not meet with the expected success, whether it was the large Audi e-Tron produced in Forest in Belgium – and which became the Q8 e-tron since the facelift of 2023 – or the Q4 e-tron family SUV using the MEB platform from the Volkswagen ID, Cupra Born and Skoda Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé. Only the Audi e-Tron GT stands out somewhat by taking advantage of the technique and technology of the Porsche Taycan. A relationship that Audi is renewing with the Q6 e-tron whose genes are common to those of the new electric Porsche Macan.
Audi Q6 e-tron – Bodywork, dimensions and trunk.
With the Q6 e-tron, Audi inaugurates its new stylistic vein, announced via various concept cars in recent years. No revolution however, but a treatment of the single frame “grille” – full – and more “organic” but no less technological optics, both at the front and at the rear with Matrix LED and Digital OLED technologies respectively. which allow more personalization and “Car-to-X” communication. The profile is distinguished by the marked wings – inspired by the E-tron GT, as well as the design of the rear lights – as well as fairly low and stretched glass surfaces. Above all, the sides incorporate large black inserts which symbolize the location of the battery and will be found on all new Audi e-trons.
This electric SUV, 4771 mm long, 1993 mm wide and 1648 mm high, is therefore placed between the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron in the Ingolstadt manufacturer’s range. Its wheelbase of 2899 mm is nothing exceptional for an electric SUV in this category but ensures good habitability. The 526 l trunk is not the most generous but still ensures family vocation and doubles as a three-part folding bench seat – 40:20:40 – while a 64 l frunk allows loading, in particular, the charging cables at the front. With all rear seats folded, the loading volume reaches 1529 l.
Audi Q6 e-tron – Specifications and performance
Audi’s new electric SUV is offered in two versions: Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron. In both cases, there is one motor per axle and Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q6 has 285 kW (388 hp), goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 s and tops out at 210 km/h while the SQ6 increases these values to respectively 380 kW (517 hp), 4.3 s and 230 km/h. Capable of regenerating up to 220 kW and adjustable in 5 levels – from freewheel to “one pedal” – regenerative braking takes care of 95% of everyday braking situations according to Audi.
Audi Q6 e-tron – Battery, charging and range
The new Audi Q6 e-tron is the technical cousin of the new electric Porsche Macan with which it shares the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform which is distinguished by its 800 V electrical architecture and the integration of a battery pack of one gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh net). On an 800 V terminal, fast charging is authorized up to 270 kW. Allow 21 minutes to go from 10 to 80%. A 400 V fast terminal will allow charging at 135 kW via separation of the pack into two virtual modules. For home charging, Audi plans an 11 kW on-board charger. Audi is content to announce a WLTP range of 625 km for the Q6 e-tron but does not specify the range of the sportier SQ6.
Audi Q6 e-tron – Infotainment and technology
Unsurprisingly, Audi imitates Porsche and uses Android Automotive OS to manage the displays and controls in the cabin with a cockpit made up of three screens: the 11.9-inch dashboard and a 14-inch central infotainment screen. 5 inches integrated under a single window reminiscent of the single frame grille. The passenger also benefits from a third 10.9-inch screen, in accordance with current fashion in high-end electric vehicles. Audi adds an augmented reality head-up display, a digital assistant using artificial intelligence and a litany of applications, not to mention “over the air” updates.
Audi Q6 e-tron – A light ahead?
During the static presentation of the new Audi Q6 e-tron, representatives of the four-ring manufacturer spoke at length regarding the lighting of the electric SUV. At the front, we therefore find matrix LED optics separated into two parts: daytime lighting configurable in several predetermined displays and headlights themselves in a separate block integrated into the front bumper. At the rear, the OLED lights consist of six panels totaling 360 segments which can generate a new image every 10 milliseconds. Here too, the emphasis is placed on the variation of displays and communication with the direct environment and other vehicles (Car-to-X) to possibly offer visual messages such as the “attention danger” triangle in the event of an accident. , strong slowdown, etc.
Audi Q6 e-tron – Deliveries and prices
The Audi Q6 e-tron will be produced at the brand’s historic factory in Ingolstadt. Orders are open from March 2024 for the first deliveries planned for summer 2024.
The prices for Belgium are already known:
- Audi Q6 e-Tron quattro: €75,900 (VAT incl.)
- Audi SQ6 e-Tron: €96,150 (VAT incl.)
