The Volkswagen Group wants to forget the start-up problems of its first EVs as quickly as possible. The new PPE platform is an important element in this. With it, the Audi Q6 e-tron goes far and charges very quickly.
The Audi e-tron (then without the Q8 in front of it) suffered a bit from the slowing lead. Drivers complained about the disappointing range, problems with fast charging and a temperamental app. The ID models of Volkswagen in turn experienced many software issues and were faced with recalls and necessary updates.
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Of Audi Q4 e-tron fortunately had less trouble with this, but the new PPE platform should erase all bad memories once and for all. At least, for future drivers of electric Audis and Porsches. Because whether it is together with Porsche developed Platform Premium Electric will ever be available for Volkswagens is the question. After all, there has to be a difference.
Audi Q6 E-tron: ‘technical leap forward’
Audi is convinced of its case and calls the Q6 e-tron with its 800 volt architecture the ‘next technological leap forward in electric mobility’. The specifications are indeed not bad: a net battery capacity of 94 kWh and a fast charging capacity of 270 kW. In addition, the manufacturer claims that the new electric motors are 30 percent lighter and 20 percent more compact than before.
Price and charging times Audi Q6 e-tron
What do you get out of this as a customer? Well, for starters, it delivers a range that will take you from Den Helder to Paris (589 km) – without charging stops. At least, that’s what Aunt WLTP promises for the fastest version, the 490 hp SQ6 e-tron (from 101,400 euros). The Q6 e-tron quattro (77,950 euros, 388 hp) goes 625 km and the rear-wheel drive Q6 e-tron Performance (71,950 euros, 306 hp) even has a WLTP range of 641 kilometers. The first Audi e-tron (411 km) pales in comparison.
255 km in 10 minutes
Yeah, yeah, we hear you thinking, paper is patient. Indeed, the WLTP figures are usually more beautiful than reality. Certainly for impatient drivers with a chronic itch on their right big toe. But even such types are left speechless after 10 minutes and a battery that can go another 255 kilometers. That’s how fast charging goes with 270 kW.
If you don’t like your coffee piping hot or want to type a few extra emails, leave your Q6 e-tron at the charging station for 22 minutes. In that time, the battery pack goes from 10 to 80 percent and you can go a lot further. The fact that the 94 kWh battery is full again so quickly is also because the on-board charger maintains peak power for a very long time. According to Audi, the charging curve only takes its first real dive at 35 percent.
Audi Q6 e-tron appearance is more of the same
When a brand announces a car as a ‘major new milestone’, you expect it to show. Recent examples include the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5With the Q6 e-tron, however, Audi simply continues in the same vein.
The technical revolution is only accompanied by a mild evolution of the design, so that the Q6 e-tron simply looks like the umpteenth SUV of the brand. In short, it is so much of the same that we have to suppress a yawn. We have all seen the trapezoidal grille, the pinched LED lights, the extended fenders and the light bar at the rear.
How much does a new set of lights cost?
There are also subtle differences with the Q4 and Q8, such as the narrow black grille frame and the placement of the additional lighting. Speaking of lighting: this new EV is also making progress in that area. The LED lights have numerous welcome and farewell signatures, and even special warning signals. Given the reactions of our Asian colleagues to the Q6 light show, this will be a hit in some countries. We down-to-earth Dutch people mainly wonder what it will cost if a set of lights breaks …
Impressive widescreen dashboard
Another new feature of the Q6 e-tron is the dashboard. Well, ‘dashboard’, Audi has to call it the ‘MMI panoramic display’. We thought that was a bit exaggerated, but when we got to know it live, it really does make an impression. The dashboard and touchscreen are more beautifully integrated than in any other car we’ve driven. The middle section is subtly bent towards the driver, yet it is not as intrusively present as the latest dashboards from Mercedes, for example.
Passenger’s own screen
The screen changes quickly and the image is razor-sharp. For those who want even more on-board information, Audi has also installed a head-up display that keeps you focused with arrows and symbols projected onto the road surface. Jealous co-drivers can get their own built-in screen for an additional fee. To avoid distracting the driver, he cannot see what is displayed on it. Unfaithful partners and naughty teenagers will be happy with it.
Huge bak lawaai in Audi Q6 e-tron
Although we tend to keep staring at the panoramic display, we really have to start driving now. Unlike some other EVs, the Q6 e-tron still has an ‘old-fashioned’ start button and we like that. It must be the age. We choose the soft button with the D on the center tunnel and the car starts moving silently and jolt-free.
That silence is consistently maintained; no matter what type of surface you’re driving on or which way the wind blows, you can hear a pin drop on board. Unless you put the 20 speakers of the Bang & Olufsen audio system (840 W) to work, of course. Then the Q6 e-tron makes a huge amount of noise.
Performance Audi Q6 e-tron
The performance of the 388 hp Audi Q6 e-tron quattro can certainly be called very smooth (0-100 km/h in 5.9 s), but the SQ6 e-tron does a lot better with its 490 hp. With a hundred-sprint of 4.3 seconds, you can keep up with the premier league among sports cars.
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 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 – as far as we are concerned, there is no better way.
Family car with scrubbing potential
This SUV doesn’t have to be ashamed of its road holding either. The SQ6 in particular has a cornering stability that is hard to beat, thanks to the adaptive air suspension. Audi has also adjusted the software of the power steering in the SQ6, so that the car can be positioned even more precisely and directly. On the other hand, you are on the road with a 2300 kg heavy and 1.94 meter wide monster. As a result, the car does not necessarily invite you to go scrubbing, but it can do it. At the same time, it is a nice family car. The headroom in the back is generous, the space for knees and feet is okay.
Can the Audi Q6 e-tron tow a caravan?
The boot holds 526 litres, but unfortunately the luggage compartment cover does not run in guide rails. To pull it neatly towards you and hook it in place, you actually have to guide it with both hands. Fortunately, you don’t have to do that to hide the charging cable from potential copper thieves, because you can easily store it in the spacious, lidless frunk (64 l). Caravan enthusiasts are served with a towing capacity of 2000 to 2400 kg.
Not everything is premium on board the Audi Q6 e-tron
Audi likes to pride itself on its premium status, finish and quality. In many respects, the Audi Q6 e-tron meets these expectations. For example, the materials of the seat covers and the upper part of the dashboard and the doors are beyond doubt. But if you touch the panels ‘below the belt’, such as the door pockets and the lid of the glove compartment, you will encounter ordinary, hard plastics. The fragile-feeling roller shutter in the tunnel console does not improve the impression of quality. Even some Chinese brands have done better. These are details, but still.
The ideal EV for diesel fans?
The Audi Q6 e-tron is an impressive car that may well persuade wealthy diesel drivers to cross the EV threshold. The large range and lightning-fast charging times are strong assets. Of course, you can also wait for the Audi A6 e-tron Avant. After all, it is already in the starting blocks. With the same technology in a more streamlined and distinctive station wagon body, it can go up to 700 kilometers.
Source: www.autoreview.nl
