Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
    GREEN CHOICE

    2025
    Audi Q6 E-Tron

    EPA Range: 307 miles

    Audi Q6 E-Tron First Drive
    Summary

    Introduction

    2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron SUV Breaks Cover

    Audi expands its electric portfolio with a new, high-tech SUV based on a next-generation platform

    Overview

    The midsized Audi Q6 E-Tron SUV has broken cover, previewing the next chapter in the German brand’s growing electric vehicle portfolio. This upcoming model uses the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) chassis developed with Porsche for use throughout the Volkswagen Group, including the Porsche Macan Electric.

    This platform is key to Audi’s aim to offer electric vehicles in all core segments that it competes in by 2027. That platform allows for flexible dimensions, meaning it can be adapted to models of various sizes, and it uses an 800-volt architecture for rapid public DC fast charging.

    The Q6 E-Tron will be positioned between the Q4 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron, competing with the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and Polestar 3, among others. Audi describes it with the German phrase, “Vorsprung durch Technik,” which translates to “advantage through technology.”

    Like its luxury rivals, the Q6 E-Tron is a rolling technology showcase that packs in the latest electronic convenience, performance, and safety features. It will be built at the company’s famed factory in Ingolstadt, Germany.

    Models are destined to arrive in the U.S. by the end of 2024, starting with Q6 E-Tron Quattro and sportier SQ6 E-Tron versions. Later, rear-wheel-drive drivetrains and a coupe-like Sportback body style will be added.

    Here’s what we know so far.

    it competes with the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Porsche Macan Electric, Polestar 3, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model Y. Pricing starts at $68,300 for the rear-wheel drive version.

    Impressions

    Outside

    The Q6 E-Tron looks every inch like a modern Audi, with a general shape and sculpted sheetmetal that will fit right in with existing models. It resembles the current Audi Q5, but measuring 188 inches bumper to bumper, the Q6 E-Tron is 4 inches longer, about 3 inches wider, and it rides on a 3-inch-longer wheelbase. It is the same height.

    Those slim, horizontal headlamps follow a styling trend seen with many recent models, from Hyundai to Tesla. Overseas, those LED headlights can smartly react to conditions to shape the light, including cutting out portions of the light shape to reduce glare toward oncoming traffic. And the taillamps are described as being able to communicate to the following car to provide graphic warnings, when warranted. Due to differing regulations in the U.S., we won’t get all the tricks available in Europe, and Audi says details will become available closer to the on-sale date.

    There will be a Sportback version with a sloped back. The company does offer Sportback variants on other models, which trade function for fashion, as their shape reduces some cargo-toting ability. There is a small front trunk (frunk) that may help compensate.

    Inside

    The dash is dominated by screens, like many new models these days. Here, the Q6 E-Tron uses an 11.9-inch instrument display for its “virtual cockpit” and a sizable 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Both appear snugged together. The center dash vents are positioned low as a consequence. We have found in other models that such a position tends to direct air more at the driver’s arm than disperse it throughout the torso.

    There is also a 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. This allows the passenger to stream video content, access navigation, and even search for electric chargers. It has a privacy function to prevent that screen from being visible to the driver and causing distraction.

    The head-up display uses augmented reality that Audi says tracks the driver’s eye position, making information and graphics appear up to 656 feet in front of the vehicle.

    The voice recognition feature uses artificial intelligence, with the ability to learn through use. It is represented in the dash and head-up display by an avatar. It can recognize more than 800 voice commands. As it learns from the driver, it can make proactive suggestions and give smart route guidance.

    The infotainment system uses the Android Auto operating system. It uses a wide range of apps for connected features like music, video, gaming, navigation, parking, charging, news, and weather. The last Audi infotainment system we tested was rather straightforward and user friendly. This new version appears to have an updated layout.

    The 830-watt Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system has 20 speakers, including four that are integrated into the front head restraints.

    What Drives It

    For the U.S. market, the SUV comes with three powertrain configurations. The rear-wheel drive Q6 E-Tron with 302-hp that can be boost to 322-hp. It has an EPA estimated range of 321 miles.

    The Quattro Q6 E-Tron produces 422 horsepower. That figure climbs briefly to 456 horsepower, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds. The higher-performance SQ6 E-Tron has 483 horsepower, until launch mode is engaged, unleashing 509 horsepower, good for a 0-to-60-mph sprint in about 4.1 seconds. Both versions have all-wheel drive enabled by a motor on each axle. These SUVs are fitted with a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery, and have about 300 miles of range, based on the EPA.

    Like the Porsche Macan Electric, the Q6 E-Tron uses an 800-volt architecture enabling rapid battery replenishment at public DC fast chargers. The automaker claims that state-of-charge can go from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 21 minutes. Another way to look at it is that in 10 minutes the Q6 E-Tron can reclaim 158 miles of range.

    Volkswagen Group has said it would implement Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector on vehicles starting in the 2025 model year, and that presumably includes the Q6 E-Tron. The 800-volt battery pack is able to effectively split itself into two 400-volt packs while charging at lower-voltage charges such as a Tesla Supercharger, which improves compatibility and charging speeds.

    Active Safety and Driver Assistance

    The Q6 E-Tron will come with a full suite of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, rear parking assistance, and driver attention monitoring. Other features will be available, including an assistance package that combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance, with detailed map data and data collected from other vehicles. The automaker explains this would allow the Q6 E-Tron to follow a virtual route through a broad speed range and in traffic jams.

    Change Vehicle