Audi’s forthcoming electric offering, the 2025 Q6 E-Tron SUV alongside its more potent variant, the SQ6, is positioned squarely between Audi’s current electric SUV range, finding its place amidst the Q8 E-Tron and the compact Q4 E-Tron.
While the official release date of the vehicle is slated for the year’s end, my experience was limited to navigating prototypes on a test track within a parking lot.
This preliminary encounter, while restricting our capacity for a comprehensive review, offers promise as it allows the Q6 more development time. This is particularly significant considering Audi’s assertion that the Q6 represents its most digitally advanced vehicle to date. The model is built on a fresh platform, addressing previous concerns surrounding the digital interface and handling noted in the Q4 E-Tron.
Audi extended an invitation for an exclusive preview of the Q6 E-Tron at its center in Munich, covering accommodations and meals during my visit.
Unlike its Q4 sibling, which shares Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the Q6 adopts the newly developed Audi-Porsche collaborative PPE architecture (Premium Platform Electric), first introduced in the Porsche Macan EV.
This platform transition instills confidence in the Q6’s potential to deliver a compelling electric crossover experience, notwithstanding initial reservations about embracing a novel electric platform. Despite the limited exposure during my time with the Q6, it was evident that this platform encapsulates the hallmark Audi characteristics and performance drivers I have come to expect.
Performance figures for the Q6 E-Tron boast 422 horsepower, with an additional 456 hp unleashed during launch control, propelling the Q6 from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated sub-five seconds and achieving a top speed of 130 mph under full acceleration.
Meanwhile, the SQ6 variant promises a formidable 483 hp during regular driving and an impressive 510 hp in launch control mode, facilitating a brisk 0-to-60 time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph.
While European markets may offer a smaller battery variant, the U.S. will exclusively receive the 100-kWh, 800-volt lithium-ion battery pack, expected to provide over 300 miles of range.
Advanced battery cooling systems enable rapid charging, with the Q6 reaching 80 percent charge in just 21 minutes and adding 158 miles of range within 10 minutes of plugging in. Furthermore, Audi’s innovative charging infrastructure integration optimizes battery performance and longevity.
The Q6 incorporates regenerative braking technology, enhancing energy recuperation during deceleration. Notably, Audi’s standardization efforts streamline production, reducing complexity and costs.
The vehicle’s rear axle features a potent motor, generating 280 kW, complemented by a front motor capable of 140 kW output, delivering a balanced Quattro driving experience.
Among the standout features are the multipixel OLED array lights, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Although regulatory constraints limit the full utilization of this feature in the U.S., potential software updates offer hope for future integration.
Moreover, the interior impresses with a comprehensive MMI system, including a driver-centric wrap-around display and passenger-oriented screens. Audi’s meticulous attention to detail extends to sustainable materials usage, reinforcing the Q6’s eco-friendly ethos.
Despite its brief test drive, the Q6 exemplifies Audi’s commitment to technological innovation and driving dynamics, offering substantial advancements over preceding models.
While challenges such as charging infrastructure compatibility persist, the Q6 E-Tron represents a significant leap forward in the electric vehicle landscape, poised to address key consumer concerns while delivering a compelling driving experience.
Also read: Audi Q9: Flagship Crossover Testing and Future Innovations Revealed
