The success of the Tesla Model Y globally as the best-selling car of 2023 proves what we already know. Midsize premium SUVs are very popular right now (especially in the U.S.), and many shoppers in the class are curious and ready to make the EV switch. The new Audi Q6 e-tron and its sports-tuned SQ6 variant are a shot at the heart of this highly competitive segment, marking their debut with a salvo of new technology.
The Q6 is the first Audi model built on the new PPE electric vehicle platform shared with Porsche’s upcoming Macan EV, boasting faster charging and improved efficiency. The EV fills the dashboard with the latest generation of the automaker’s technology and three OLED displays powered by Android and AI. Taillights also break new ground with unique features that improve safety and style. Audi has pulled out all the stops to make this the most important model in its battery-powered lineup and an important step on the brand’s path toward full electrification.
Part of the Audi e-tron family between the three-row Audi Q8 e-tron and the compact Q4 e-tron, the Q6 is sized to compete squarely with the Model Y, with a length of 187.8 inches and a wheelbase of 114.1 inches. It is a premium alternative to other midsize EV SUVs such as the VW ID 4, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. There’s about 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the power liftgate. In the front, there’s an additional 2.2 cubic feet of frunk storage space that can accommodate a small carry-on size bag or a charging cable. Inside, it has a flat, hump-free floor and a spacious cabin that can accommodate five passengers. Audi also claims the midsize e-tron SUV has a towing capacity of more than 2 tons (US).
EV performance and range
Underpinning the Q6 e-tron is the Volkswagen Group’s new premium platform electric architecture, shared with the upcoming Porsche Macan EV. At launch, the SUV will be available in two specifications – Q6 and SQ6, each with dual-motor four-wheel drive. The front motors are asynchronous (ASM) units that provide on-demand torque to the front axle as needed, while the rear permanent magnet (PSM) motors are more powerful and run full-time. Both motors are designed to use fewer heavy rare earth metals in their construction and have identical rotor and stator diameters, allowing them to share many components, reducing cost and complexity. One notable shared component is each motor’s independent dry sump lubrication and cooling system, inspired by motorsport combustion engines. This system injects oil directly into the rotating components of the e-motor, improving thermal performance, efficiency and ultimately driving range.
The Q6 will debut in an all-wheel drive SUV configuration, but rear-wheel drive and Sportback models will join the range after launch.
In the US, the Q6 e-tron quattro puts out a total of 315 kW (or about 422 hp), but can be boosted to 340 kW (456 hp) for launch control bursts, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint of about 5.0 seconds. Meanwhile, the more powerful SQ6 e-tron delivers up to 360 kW (483 hp) of power and 380 kW (510 hp) of launch-controlled sprint to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The SQ6’s top speed of 143 mph is slightly higher than the Q6’s 130 mph speed limit.
I was able to experience the power of the SQ6 first-hand when I drove the European-spec prototype for a very short first drive around the car park handling course at the Audi Brand Experience Center at Munich Airport. It’s fast and extremely responsive in Dynamic Drive mode, which keeps both motors active while adjusting the weight of the steering for a more precise feel. Efficiency mode, on the other hand, maintains enough power for city driving by disabling the front motors for improved range. We’ll need more time behind the wheel to get a more detailed driving feel, so we’ll take another look at the Q6 e-tron once North American specs are released.
Both the Q6 and SQ6 configurations use a new 100 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack (or 94.9 kWh when accounting for reserves) with a new chemistry that requires 50 percent more energy density than the previous generation while requiring less cobalt to produce. . Audi says this makes the Q6 pack 15 percent lighter than the previous EV generation of the same capacity, giving it “more than 300 miles” of range between charges. (Actual EPA estimates have not yet been released.) The SQ6’s performance upgrades, larger wheels and wider tires will require a bit more mileage, but at the time of publication, Audi hasn’t said how much it will cost.
One battery that acts like two batteries
Audi also claims that the new Q6’s 800V architecture charges 30% faster than the previous EV. If you can find an 800-volt DC fast charging station, your EV can accommodate up to 270 kW and go from 10% to 80% charge in just 21 minutes. However, most DCFC stations today operate at 400V. To solve this, Audi’s 800-volt battery can be split into two “virtual batteries” each charged in parallel at 400 volts. In this mode, the maximum charging rate drops to 135 kW, but less energy is lost in voltage conversion, potentially saving charging time and money.
When connected to a low-voltage DC fast charger, the Q6 e-tron’s 800V battery can be split into two 400V banks.
One of the things I’ve always liked about Audi’s e-tron models is the availability of dual charging ports. The Q6 now has this port on the rear fender, giving you more flexibility when parking and charging at home. And destination charger. On the driver’s side, a CCS combo port accepts DC fast charging and AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging. The passenger side port is AC only and accepts up to 9.6kW/40A from North American single-phase 240V power. Audi has committed to switching to the NACS standard, but the Q6 e-tron will not feature a “Tesla port” at launch.
Like most EVs, the Q6 can recharge itself with recovered braking energy. There are now five regeneration modes for users to choose from, including a new one-pedal driving mode that launches full regeneration when you press the accelerator and stops the SUV without touching the brake pedal. All modes offer up to 220kW of recuperation, recovering up to 95% of braking energy at every stop and automatically balancing friction braking and regeneration as needed.
Active OLED technology
This wouldn’t be an Audi debut without new lighting technology that’s too advanced for vehicle regulations here in the United States. The new Q6 e-tron introduces next-generation LED and OLED technology. The daytime running lights at the front feature 61 white LED segments each, while the rear lights share 360 triangular digital OLED segments that can display an animated sequence that greets the driver when approaching or locking the vehicle. The feature also supports 11 user-selectable themes that customize the look and appearance of the SUV’s light signature. One theme even includes an animation that plays while driving, and uses an algorithm to ensure that the overall light output of the animation remains constant so as not to distract other drivers. Since US regulations prohibit the use of moving lights in passenger cars, we will only use a static theme.
The next-generation OLED matrix rear lights feature user-selectable themes and driver assistance icons.
In addition to looking cool, Audi is thinking about ways to use lighting technology to improve safety. For example, when the hazard lights are activated or the automatic emergency braking system is engaged, the shape of the OLED taillights changes to a triangular icon (similar to the shape of most car hazard light buttons) to alert other drivers of the hazard. Audi also demonstrated a taillight configuration that alerts pedestrians and other drivers that the Q6 is performing an automatic parking maneuver or that the door into the bike lane is about to open. In all cases, the effect is subtle and does not seem to affect visibility.
audi digital stage
Sit in the driver’s seat and discover Audi’s new triple-display digital stage MMI infotainment suite. This setup combines a pair of flexible OLED displays consisting of an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 14.5-inch main touchscreen into a single glass panel that curves around the steering wheel. The hardware runs the latest generation of Audi Multimedia Interface (MMI) software, which is currently based on the Android Automotive OS. But without “Google Built-in,” users will use Audi’s curated marketplace to download apps like Spotify, PlugShare, YouTube or Beach Buggy Racing instead of Google Play services. (However, use of video apps and games is restricted while parking and charging.)
Audi’s Marketplace also supports downloadable “features on demand” features, such as enhanced surround sound processing or alternative lighting signature themes. But mostly this opens up the possibility of microtransactions and paywall features, which ultimately aren’t that interesting.
Completing this triple-screen equipment is a 10.9-inch passenger display located on the far right side of the dashboard. This is a full-featured infotainment interface that allows front-seat passengers to search for destinations and transfer them to the main navigation screen, select audio sources, and more. Passengers can also watch video sources such as YouTube while the vehicle is in motion, thanks to Active Privacy Mode, which prevents the driver from looking at the secondary screen or being distracted.
The Q6 e-tron’s cabin has fewer physical controls and more screens, but a new AI voice assistant system reduces distractions.
This generation of MMIs has fewer physical and tactile controls than before, but unfortunately more controls have moved to touch screens and voice controls. To that end, the Q6 is equipped with Audi’s new AI voice assistant, which uses a mix of cloud-based and offline natural language recognition to deliver more than 800 functions, many of which are available in up to 100 variations. The system can also answer knowledge-based questions about the vehicle itself (e.g. “How much pressure is in the tires?”) and general topics.
Directional microphones ensure that children in the backseat cannot change course by shouting “Hello Audi, directions to Coldstone”. Only the driver can do this. If the car detects that the driver is alone in the cabin, the “Hey Audi” hotword is not even necessary. Speak loudly and the car will respond.
The Q6 e-tron is also available with a large augmented reality head-up display that projects speed, navigation and driver assistance information into the driver’s field of view. Audi says the HUD can also be used to play one of two games using steering wheel controls when the e-tron is parked. Along the edge of the dashboard at the bottom of the windshield, users can also see the Audi Interaction Light, a strip of 84 full-color LEDs that light and move to communicate turn signals, driver assistance warnings or various functions. AI assistant voice commands. The strip is visible from the outside of the vehicle and can also act as a charging indicator when plugged in. We’ve seen similar technology used in the Q6 e-tron’s older cousin, the Volkswagen ID 4.
The SQ6 e-tron’s more aggressive design and larger wheels visually demonstrate its increased power.
What is the next step for the Audi Q6 e-tron?
Having used the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron SUVs to check out the technology and for a very short first drive, I’m excited about this new addition to the EV landscape and am eager to spend more time behind the wheel and experience its performance under real-world conditions. . Find out how Audi’s unique approach to dashboard technology changes the road.
The first Audi Q6 e-tron will begin reaching European customers this summer, with orders starting this month (March 2024) starting at 74,700 euros (approximately $81,203). North American pricing will almost certainly drop significantly to fit between the smaller Q4 ($56,395) and larger Q8 ($75,595) e-tron models, but a final MSRP has not been announced. More details will be available when reservations open on AudiUSA.com in the coming weeks.
After launch, Audi is expected to add a Sportback variant and two rear-wheel drive configurations to the mix (one long-range model and the entry-level spec are thought to use a smaller 83kWh battery pack). When we finally got to see the much hotter-running RS Q6 e-tron variant, the automaker’s representative smiled and declined to confirm.