The Audi Q6 e-tron is too fast for Porsche. The electric SUV is the first car from the Volkswagen Group on the new electric premium platform. Is that really so revolutionary?
What stands out about the Audi Q6 e-tron?
When a brand announces a car as a ‘major new milestone’, you expect it to show. As was the case with the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Not so with the Audi Q6 e-tron. Although it is truly brand new, it just looks like yet another SUV from the brand.
That Audi wants to create a recognizable family face, we understand, but the Q6 e-tron is very much the same on the outside. The trapezoidal grille, the pinched LED lights, the extended fenders and the widening light bar at the rear … Yawn, we’ve seen that all before. There are also subtle differences with the more compact Q4 and the larger Q8, such as the narrow black frame of the grille and the placement of the additional lighting.
The interior of the Audi Q6 e-tron is completely new. The digital dashboard and the multimedia screen merge nicely, with the middle section slightly turned towards the driver. For an additional fee, the front passenger gets their own screen, which the driver cannot see, which will please growing teenagers.
The most important news of the Audi Q6 e-tron can be found under the impressive looks. There hides the Premium Platform Electric, which together with Porsche has been developed. The new electric Porsche 911 is on this new PPE. Thanks to the 800 volt architecture, fast charging up to 270 kW is possible, and the on-board charger can keep up for a long time. The lithium-ion battery pack in the belly of the new Audi Q6 e-tron consists of 180 cells, with a combined net capacity of over 94 kWh.
The permanent magnet electric motors used are of a new generation, which are 30 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than before. The range varies from 589 for the SQ6 e-tron to 641 kilometers for the rear-wheel drive Q6 e-tron Performance. The Q6 e-tron Quattro is in between with 625 kilometers.
Gadget lovers can have fun with the groundbreaking LED technology, because the lighting of the Audi Q6 e-tron has numerous welcome and farewell signatures, as well as special warning signals.
What’s good about the Audi Q6 e-tron?
Audi gives the 388 hp Q6 e-tron Quattro a WLTP consumption of 17 to 19.4 kWh/100 km. Not a bad figure for a two-meter wide and 1.65-meter high SUV. According to Audi, this is partly due to an above-average efficient method of regeneration. One pedal driving is possible and with paddles on the steering wheel you can quickly and easily vary the intensity of the engine braking.
An EV with a large battery capacity and high fast charging capacity offers almost the same ease of use as a car with a combustion engine. However, many EVs only maintain the highest charging capacity for a short time. According to Audi, this is very well done in the Q6 e-tron.
Only when the battery is charged to 35 percent does the charging curve show a clear downward line. Despite the large battery capacity of 94 kWh net, charging from 10 to 80 percent only takes 21 minutes. If you don’t have to go that far, you can pull the plug after 10 minutes, because then you have already increased your range by 255 kilometers.
Behind the wheel of the Audi Q6 e-tron, you are firmly gripped by the comfortable seat and impressed by the new dashboard. We found Audi’s term ‘MMI panoramic display’ to be a bit exaggerated, but when we got to know it live, it really does make an impression. It looks beautiful and high-tech at the same time, but it is not as omnipresent as the latest dashboards from Mercedes. For those who want even more on-board information, Audi has also installed a head-up display that keeps you focused with large arrows and symbols.
Whatever the terrain, whatever the direction the wind is blowing, you can hear a game being played on board. Unless you’ve got the 20 speakers of the Bang & Olufsen sound system working, of course.
The performance of the 388 hp Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro can certainly be called very fast (0-100 km/h in 5.9 s), the SQ6 e-tron does a lot better with its 490 hp. With a hundred sprint of 4.3 seconds you can still keep up with the premier league among sports cars.
Audi’s latest SUV doesn’t have to be ashamed of its road behaviour either. The SQ6 in particular has a cornering stability that is hard to beat, thanks to the adaptive, air-sprung chassis. At the same time, it is a fine family car, with enough space on the back seat and in the boot (526 litres). There is also a spacious frunk of 64 litres present.
While many EVs disappoint with a towing capacity that at most allows you to hook up a handcart, caravan enthusiasts will go crazy when they hear what the Audi Q6 e-tron can tow. The basic version with only rear-wheel drive can tow 2000 kilos on the hook, the Quattros even 2400 kilos. Do take into account a few extra (fast) charging stops.
What could be improved about the Audi Q6 e-tron?
Audi likes to pride itself on its premium status, finish and quality. In many ways, the Audi Q6 e-tron does indeed meet those expectations. But if you touch the door pockets and the glove compartment lid, you will encounter ordinary, hard plastics.
Even some Chinese brands have it better. Also, the roller shutter in the tunnel console feels fragile and the luggage compartment cover does not run in a set of sturdy guide rails, but actually has to be guided with two hands if you want to hook it neatly. These are details, but exactly the kind of details with which you could distinguish yourself as a premium brand.
When will the Audi Q6 e-tron be released and what will it cost?
The Audi Q6 etron Quattro and the SQ6 e-tron can be ordered now. The first customers will then be able to receive their car in the third quarter of 2024. Prices start at 71,950 euros.
- Audi Q6 e-tron Performance – 306 pk – 642 km mileage – 71,950 euros
- Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro – 388 hp – 625 km range – 77,950 euros
- Audi SQ6 e-tron – 490 hp – 589 km range – 101,400 euros
What do I think of the Audi Q6 e-tron?
In many ways, the Audi Q6 e-tron is an impressive car. A car, moreover, that might just pull the still hesitant ICE fans over the EV threshold with its long range and lightning-fast charging times. But if I myself felt 70 grand burning in my pocket and was ready for a new EV, I would quickly find a tap to put out the fire.
I’d rather wait until this fall, when the Audi A6 e-tron Avant makes its official debut. With the same technology in a lower and therefore more streamlined station wagon body, that A6 is much more beautiful in my eyes. The Q6 looks too much like its brothers to me and I expect the electric A6 Avant to take me almost as far on a full battery as my current diesel. Now all I have to do is find that hypothetical 70 grand somewhere. Furthermore, Audi can store those – probably very expensive – LED lighting tricks in a very dark filing cabinet as far as I’m concerned. That kind of funfair is not for me – and most adult drivers.
Source: www.autoreview.nl
