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Pros: Impressively refined to drive, excellent interior quality
Cons: Many options drive up the price
Audi Q6 e-tron Design
The Audi Q6 e-tron is a design evolution of the smaller Q4 e-tron and points in the direction of how the next generation of models from the German marque will be styled. Even though the Q6 e-tron comes only as an electric vehicle, it retains the brand’s signature ‘singleframe’ grille, with a painted inner section to match the exterior bodywork.
The ultra-slim lights are part of some design subterfuge, as only the daytime running lights, which can be programmed to show different designs, are housed here. The main headlight units are nestled beneath these and form part of the bumper detail that’s finished in a high-gloss black. When these aren’t active, they blend into the panel to go almost unnoticed.
Around the rear of the car, there are nods to the curvaceous Audi e-tron GT. The blistered rear haunches and the shape of the rear light clusters, joined by an illuminated light bar, create a link to the flagship saloon.
Audi Q6 e-tron Interior
Audi has long had a good reputation for producing high-quality interiors, and it raises its own bar with the Q6 e-tron. It has a much more modern look than any of the other models in Audi’s lineup, primarily due to the dashboard layout. It consists of a free-standing curved panel combining an 11.9-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ instrument display and a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment.
This package is angled towards the driver, who sits behind a squared-off steering wheel. Additionally, there is an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen that can be added to the dashboard for the front passenger. Besides offering control of the infotainment system, this display can handle video streaming during a journey and cleverly features a privacy mode so the driver cannot see it if the vehicle is moving.
The centre console between the front seats is primarily for storage, with two cupholders and more space beneath the central armrest. Its glossy black coating is the only part of the Q6’s interior that looks cheap and could easily be scratched. The front seats can be electrically adjusted in numerous ways and are comfortable.
The Q6’s rear has a reasonably good amount of passenger space and the boot holds up to 526 litres. An additional storage area under the bonnet has a 64-litre capacity.
Audi Q6 e-tron Performance & Drive
What sets the Q6 e-tron apart from other electric Audis before it is the new platform architecture it uses, something shared with the latest generation electric Porsche Macan. This new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) – as it is called - will underpin future models and uses the latest battery technology and an 800-volt electrical system. This means increased driving ranges and faster charging times.
With 270kW DC charging, the Q6 e-tron can add as much as 255 kilometres of range in ten minutes, while going from 10 to 80 per cent can be done in as little as 21 minutes, meaning you’ll spend less time stopped if you need to recharge during a journey.
The Q6 e-tron uses a 94.9kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 625 kilometres. Its dual-motor setup produces a maximum output of 387hp, which makes the Audi feel more than brisk enough for everyday use. Better still is the substantial torque output of the two motors, with 275Nm on the front axle and 580Nm on the rear. So long as you’re modest with your right foot, the power delivery is buttery smooth, even on the 21-inch wheels.
For those seeking more performance, the SQ6 e-tron feels noticeably more potent in almost every setting. With a peak power output of 489hp, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds and generally feels that little bit sharper in terms of overall handling.
Our test cars were equipped with the optional adaptive air suspension, which is part of the €6,060 Tech Pro package. During motorway driving, the Q6 floats along nicely, easily suppressing harsh impacts such as expansion joints. This setup also regulates the body lean and ride height of the car according to speed, driving style and selected drive mode.
Audi makes energy recuperation a significant part of the Q6’s driving characteristics, with as much as 95 per cent of all braking being done through the electric motors rather than the friction brakes. Crucially, the integration between the two is excellent, resulting in a consistent feel from the brake pedal.
Audi Q6 e-tron Pricing
The Audi Q6 e-tron starts at €81,000 for the Advance model. It has a good level of equipment, but you will need to add some optional packages to get the more advanced tech. A sportier-looking S line version costs from €86,555, while the Launch Edition is priced from €87,600. There is also a higher-performance SQ6 e-tron, which has a starting price of €107,235.
Carzone Verdict
Audi has made enormous strides with the Q6 e-tron, both in terms of its design and interior quality, the technology it offers and, most importantly, how it drives. It has refinement by the bucket load and an electric powertrain that is significantly better than previous offerings from the brand. While its arrival is bad news for the slightly larger Q8 e-tron, which now looks outdated in comparison, it’s sure to be a sales success for Audi as it reclaims its reputation for producing high-quality, premium cars.