Audi Q6 e tron Electric SUV with Audi s Trademark Comfort

New Audi Q6 E-Tron: Everything We Know About The Premium Electric SUV

New Audi Q6 E-Tron: Everything We Know About The Premium Electric SUV

The Audi Q6 e-tron will bridge the gap between the Q4 e-tron and the flagship Q8 e-tron with a distinct character and a focus in driving dynamics

                                        https://www.carscoops.com/author/thanos-pappas/                                    

November 20, 2022 at 12:38

This story contains independent illustrations created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops. They are neither related to nor endorsed by Audi.

One of the most anticipated future Audi models is the fully electric Q6 e-tron. Unrelated to the ICE-powered Audi Q6 that is already available in China, the Q6 e-tron will be a sporty and premium SUV that shares its underpinnings with the upcoming Porsche Macan EV featuring the latest advancements in terms of technology and driving dynamics.

Besides the numerous shots of camouflaged prototypes we have seen over the past couple of years, our spy photographers have caught Audis next SUV with an undisguised front end leaving little to the imagination. Using this as a base, our illustrator created a new rendering of the Q6 e-tron, accurately depicting how the production model will look like.

Read: Audi Could Merge The A5 Sportback And The A4 Sedan In A Single Model

Our artists rendition of the Audi Q6 e-tron that we recently spied without any camo up front

The Q6 e-tron will feature split headlights at the front, similar to the A6 e-tron sedan. The upper units will sport matrix LED graphics for a high-tech look, at least in some trims. Similarly to the smaller Q4 e-tron, the grille will be covered and painted in silver, but the bumper intakes will still be functional.

From the profile, the Q6 e-tron will look more dynamic than your average SUV thanks to the sculpted body lines and sporty proportions. The tail will be typical of the German brand with aggressive-looking horizontally mounted LED taillights. Besides the traditional SUV bodystyle, Audi will also launch the Q6 e-tron Sportback coupe-SUV with a sloping roofline and an integrated spoiler. As with most Audi models these days, a high performance-focused RS variant with an even sportier bodykit will join the range at a later date.

The new Q6 will have a minimalist center console largely devoid of switchgear and a freestanding tablet-style screen for the infotainment system

Inside, spy shots have revealed a different layout to the current Audi range. The dashboard is dominated by a large portrait-orientation infotainment touchscreen combined with a digital instrument cluster. The multifunctional flat-bottom four-spoke steering wheel features Audis new and simpler emblem, while the center console has fewer buttons than ever before.

Underpinnings Developed By Audi And Porsche

Unlike the more mainstream Q4 e-tron which is based on the VW Groups MEB architecture and the larger Q8 e-tron flagship that sits on an updated version of the aging MLB Evo, the Q6 e-tron will ride on the more sophisticated Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Those same underpinnings will be shared with the upcoming Audi A6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan EV. The PPE is compatible with single (RWD) or dual electric motors (AWD), and a battery with a capacity of up to 100 kWh.

Illustrations Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops

Audi is keeping its cards close to its chest in terms of the available power outputs. However, it has been confirmed that the Porsche Macan EV will produce up to 603 hp (450 kW / 611 PS) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque from dual electric motors. Audi could use the same setup for the performance flagship of the Q6 e-tron range bearing the RS badge, in combination with a sporty chassis setup.

Lesser variants could be offered with the dual electric motors from the A6 e-tron concept which produced a more sensible 470 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. As for the range, the A6 e-tron sedan was said to be able to travel up to 435 miles (700 km) in concept form. A more limited range is a safer bet for the less aerodynamic SUV, placing it closer to rivals including the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and the BMW iX.

The Audi Q6 e-tron was initially expected to arrive before the end of 2022. However, its premiere could be pushed back, though hopefully, it will debut before the mechanically-related Porsche Macan EV which has been delayed for 2024. Starting in 2026, Audi will only unveil fully electric models before becoming an EV-only brand in 2033.

De volledig elektrische modellen van Audi

Elektrische modellen > Elektrische en plug-in-hybride Audi rijden > Audi Nederland

New Audi Q6 e-tron revealed: Carwow gets hands-on with posh electric SUV

• All-new Audi Q6 e-tron is Audis latest electric SUV
• Improved range and efficiency compared to earlier e-tron models
• Shares many of its parts with Porsche
• Up to 385 miles of range, 80% charge in 21 minutes
• Glitzy lights and new screen-heavy interior
• Priced from 68,975 in the UK

This is Audis newest and most important electric car the Q6 e-tron. Sitting in between the Q4 and Q8 e-tron, its an electric-powered alternative to the popular Q5 and a long-awaited answer to cars like the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV.

With first deliveries later this year, the Q6 e-tron debuts as either a standard quattro model or the powerful SQ6. Keep reading to find out more, including our impressions from some hands-on time with the Q6 e-tron in a studio.

Audi Q6 e-tron: design and styling

The Q6 e-trons styling is pretty familiar, but debuts some new features for Audi SUVs. At the front, theres the brands signature grille as with other e-tron electric models, its filled in with a louvred pattern, and flanked by large air intakes.

The sides feature a low window line over prominent blistered wheelarches those at the back are notably wider than the upper half of the car. There are styling lines extending rearwards from the daytime running lights and forward from the taillights, while the lower portion of the doors features black accents to make the sides look more sculpted. The rear is pretty boxy, as befits a proper SUV although Carwows spy photographers have spotted a more sloping Q6 e-tron Sportback which will join the range at a later date.

The headlights are a new design for Audi and take a leaf out of the Nissan Jukes book, with slim daytime running lights featured above while the main headlight units themselves are integrated into the air intakes and much less prominent.

Those daytime running lights feature Audis latest signature Matrix LEDs, which can display customisable patterns the taillights can do the same. Each pattern has its own welcome and goodbye animation, too, so you can personalise the way the car greets you.

The high-performance SQ6 stands out with aluminium accents on the grille, front bumper, rear bumper and side skirts replacing the gloss black of the standard quattro model.

At 4,771mm long, the Q6 e-tron is around 200mm shorter than the Q8 e-tron but its 90mm longer than a Q5, not to mention 70mm wider its a large car. Wheel options range from 18- to 21-inches, with the sporty SQ6 getting 20-inch wheels as standard.

Audi Q6 e-tron: interior and practicality

Theres a whole new style of Audi interior that debuts with the Q6 e-tron. Its more minimalist than any that have come before it, with very few physical buttons continuing the trend set by many recent electric cars.

What you do get is plenty of screen. An 11.9-inch drivers display sits under the same seamless sheet of glass as a massive 14.5-inch infotainment display. Separate to this is an optional 10.9-inch passenger display, which mirrors many of the same functions and allows passengers to control media or check information on the move. However, the driver can still see the passenger display on the move, unlike some cars such as the Porsche Cayenne which have a filter to keep this from distracting the driver.

Theres also a large head-up display on some models with augmented reality features. You can even play a couple of cool 3D games on this while youre stationary.

Actual physical switchgear is limited to the gear selector, a volume knob, buttons for the drive select and hazard lights, and the steering wheel. Theres also a very busy panel on the door that controls the mirrors, lights, central locking and seat memory.

First impressions are pretty good, but were not sure how easy all these functions will be to use on the move and while voice control is included, when we tried it out it wasnt notably accurate for things like adjusting the climate control.

Whats easier to praise is the environment and build quality. While the cabin materials are all dark, theres loads of configurable ambient lighting, and the windows are large enough that it doesnt feel claustrophobic. Material quality is also top-notch, and we especially like the fabric strip that runs from door to door, breaking up the lines of the dashboard.

It feels far more solid inside than a Mercedes EQE SUV, though the BMW iX feels better still with more interesting material choices and even better build quality.

Practicality is also pretty good. Theres plenty of storage up front, with a wireless phone charger, cupholders and a big storage space under the centre armrest.

The rear offers reasonable, if not palatial, legroom, and theres no transmission tunnel to contend with so its easy for middle seat passengers to get comfy too. Meanwhile the boot offers 526 litres of space, plus theres a 64-litre frunk ideal for storing charging cables.

The Q6 e-tron can also tow up to 2.4 tonnes, joining a fairly small group of EVs that can actually tow though expect your range to plummet if you make use of this.

Audi Q6 e-tron: batteries, motors, range and performance

Two versions of the Q6 e-tron will be available initially, both with a 100kWh battery pack. The normal model, named the Q6 e-tron quattro (small q!) has 387hp on tap from its two electric motors, and is capable of 0-62mph in 5.9s.

Thats a little faster than entry-level versions of either the EQE SUV or the BMW iX, and it has more range than either of them too up to an official 385 miles compared to 341 from the EQE or just 264 from the iX.

The sportier model is the SQ6 e-tron, which ups power to 489hp or 517hp in short bursts, when using Launch Control. Thats good for 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds even quicker than an EQE 500 or iX xDrive 50. Range does drop to 372 miles, but thats still more than the Mercedes or the BMW can manage.

Part of this is down to how advanced the Q6 e-trons new platform is. Developed with Porsche, it makes the old Q8 e-tron look rather antiquated. The Q6s electric motors take up 30 per cent less space, and weigh 20 per cent less than those on the first-generation cars.

Charging speeds are really impressive too. From a suitably powerful DC charger, the Q6 e-tron can top up at a rate of 270kW far faster than the iX or EQE SUV. That means that despite the vast battery pack, a 10-80% charge will take just 21 minutes, and youll be able to add 160 miles of range in just 10 minutes the EV equivalent of a splash n dash.

Lower-end models of the Q6 e-tron will launch later on in the cars lifetime, including a rear-wheel drive model. Though Audi hasnt confirmed it, wed also expect a ballistically powerful RS Q6 e-tron to launch, bringing the fight to the BMW iX M60 and Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 53.

Audi Q6 e-tron: how much does it cost and when can I buy one?

Pricing for the Q6 e-tron starts from 68,975 for the quattro model. That undercuts the iX by a few thousand pounds and the EQE SUV by more than 20,000, though both of those cars do best the Q6 on luxury. The SQ6 e-tron brings this up to 92,950.

Full specifications and trim details will be revealed at the end of April. You can expect the Q6 e-tron to go on sale fully in the second half of 2024, not long after the Porsche Macan EV.

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