It was almost six years ago to the day. In Paris, at the 2018 Mondial de l’Auto, Audi unveiled its very first mass-produced electric car, the Audi e-tron. In a few days, again at the Mondial de l’Auto (October 14 to 20, 2024), Audi will present, among many new features, the Q6 e-tron, a 100% electric SUV, which is the “technical cousin” of the Porsche Macan. Here is our test drive of the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro with a power of 285 kW/387 hp, in the “S Line” finish and announced, in mixed WLTP, at a range of 387 miles (623 km).
With the new Q6 e-tron, Audi continues to expand its 100% electric catalog under the “e-tron” label. As mentioned in the introduction, this SUV is the “technical cousin” of the Porsche Macan, which recently switched to 100% electric. The two German SUVs share the same new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform. Let’s start our test drive of the Audi Q6 e-tron by introducing the design of the 100% electric SUV.
4,771 m (15.65 ft) in length, 1,939 m (6.36 ft) in width, 1,648 m (5.41 ft) in height, such are the dimensions of the new 100% electric SUV Audi Q6 e-tron whose wheelbase is 2,899 m (9.51 ft). Sharp optics and a very elaborate front bumper with large side openings make the Audi Q6 e-tron a resolutely modern and attractive 100% electric SUV.
The Audi design office has worked on many details of the Audi Q6 e-tron to make it more aggressive and “less 100% electric,” if you allow us this last expression. In this regard, a rare thing at Audi, the front optics of the Q6 e-tron are two-tier. Lower down, we find the essential Singleframe grille, the latter being full, as on all electric cars with rings.
As for the front bumper, it is far from that of the Audi e-tron of 2018 (pictured above at the Mondial de l’Auto). Indeed, with the new Q6 e-tron, Audi goes much further in terms of style, with the addition of numerous sharp elements. Audi has clearly found the perfect compromise between aerodynamic optimization, intrinsically linked to the range of an electric car, and an aggressive, even sporty style.
However, for its sides, it is more classic but no less attractive, knowing that our test Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, in the “S line” finish, is equipped with Audi Sport “Aero” 5-spoke wheels measuring 21 inches (option). As for the “Magnetic Gray” color with a deep rendering of our attractive test Q6 e-tron, it is free of charge.
From the rear, the Audi Q6 e-tron reveals, as at the front, a rather sporty design and always significant work on aerodynamics. Observe the cut of the rear bumper which could almost fit higher, under the rear lights. This gives the 100% electric German SUV a nice balance of design and a certain homogeneity. The transition is perfect to talk about the optics of the Audi Q6 e-tron.
What is not visible in the photos illustrating this article is represented by the possibility of being able to choose, via the central “MMI” screen, one of the 8 digital light signatures for the “Matrix LED” front optics and “Digital OLED 2.0” rear lights. Moreover, the Q6 e-tron is the very first Audi model to be equipped with these Digital OLED 2.0 rear lights with “smart” light signatures capable, thanks to Car-to-X technology, of communicating with its environment. For example, a luminous triangle, like a “warning,” can be displayed to inform other road users of a potential danger.
Let’s move on to the interior of the 100% electric Q6 e-tron SUV, which inaugurates the new Audi trend in terms of cabin, namely immersive, high-tech serving the driver and their passenger.
The interior of the Audi Q6 e-tron gives pride of place to advanced onboard technologies, mainly thanks to a digital driver instrumentation (11.9 inches) and a large touchscreen (14.5 inches), all integrated into a curved panel. An optional third screen is available for the passenger, standard on the SQ6 e-tron. These three screens have impressive display quality. On this point, and on the multitude of functionalities and applications (YouTube, Spotify, video games, etc…) that this new infotainment system makes available to the driver and passenger of the new Q6 e-tron, Audi has nothing to envy the competition. The passenger can, for example, enjoy the YouTube platform without disturbing the 100% electric SUV driver, who will not see anything to avoid being distracted.
Immersive is therefore the Audi driving experience, as a head-up display with augmented reality is on the program of the new Q6 e-tron. This device generates numerous animations that “pop up” to the driver, such as blue arrows to indicate the direction to take or traffic signs. Some will be annoyed by the information projected on the windshield, others will love it, especially the “Tron generation” (1982 film), for those in the know, or the older ones. For us, it is both fun and highly informative to miss nothing of the road environment.
However, even though it is very rewarding and successful, we would have appreciated an even more innovative treatment for the dashboard and interior architecture of the Q6 e-tron, with Peugeot doing significantly better on the 3008/e-3008and 5008/e-5008. Additionally, in terms of perceived quality, we expected much more from Audi.
Let’s look at the bright side with a grandiose cabin for the 100% electric German SUV, offering numerous storage options and perfect ergonomics. The trunk’s loading volume of 526 liters (with the rear bench in place) is the best example, with an additional 64 liters offered under the front hood. However, it’s the arm space that really impressed us at the front, as well as the generosity offered to the rear passengers. Now let’s get to the “road” test of the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro with 285 kW/387 hp.
Before hitting the road with the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, featuring front and rear electric motors, it’s essential to present the electric advancements developed by Audi. Indeed, it’s no coincidence that we used the terms “maturity” and “electric” in the title of this Audi Q6 e-tron test. This brings us back, by way of comparison, to the 2018 Audi e-tron. In numbers, the Q6 e-tron’s latest generation PPE electric motors are 62% more powerful, 66% more torque-rich, all while consuming 50% less energy.
The same applies to the lighter battery of the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, with a 100 kWh gross capacity (94.9 kWh net) operating under 800 V. Note that on the 489 hp SQ6 e-tron, the rear motor of the SUV is more powerful.
Here we are, behind the wheel of the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro. From the very first miles driven, you feel a sense of serenity, in total silence, without any interior or exterior noise. Let’s admit that it’s quite impressive and, above all, a sign of advanced development in soundproofing and assembly. Our Audi Q6 e-tron quattro “S line” is also equipped, as standard, with the “Sport Chassis” and, optionally, with adaptive suspension.
On the small roads of the Luberon, the SUV’s imposing size must be taken into account. However, the Q6 e-tron quattrois rather dynamic and, above all, very comfortable. Besides, everything is comfort-oriented on the Q6 e-tron quattro, especially its steering, which is still precise enough. In the curves, the high weight of 5,291 lbs (2,400 kg) (empty) is felt, but only at high speed, without too much degrading the agility capabilities of the electric SUV. Therefore, you will need to adopt a “smooth” driving style to appreciate the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro.
The 100% electric German SUV is not lacking in strengths, its power is not capped, unlike other automakers who are forced to “slow down” their SUVs for the benefit of autonomy. When you press the right pedal, you immediately feel the “boost” typical of electric cars. Therefore, the Q6 e-tron quattro is very dynamic for a 100% electric SUV, thanks to its adaptive suspension that handles all curves to offer very good stability. It’s both reassuring and pleasant.
Where Audi excels is in the braking system. Finally, a 100% electric SUV whose left pedal offers an informal and precise feel, with impact as soon as you hit the brakes a little. It brakes hard, very hard, well done Audi. At this moment, the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, excuse the expression, “doesn’t move all over the place,” staying stable despite its weight of over 2 tons. In tight turns, at a very high pace, the body movements are limited. We then understand why Audi took the risk of having us test the Q6 e-tron on particularly winding roads, starting from Bonnieux, passing through Gordes, among other places, to reach Carpentras.
Let’s move on to the electric consumption of the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro. In “balanced” driving mode, which, for us, offers optimal comfort without too much lightness felt in the steering and suspension, we played the game of electric driving without going as far as eco-driving. Simply by completely lifting off the accelerator in descents and, for the rest, driving at a normal and, at times, more sustained pace, we recorded an average consumption of 16.8 kWh/100 km (62 miles) on a route of 49.7 miles (80 km), partly very hilly and ending with approximately 12.4 miles (20 km) of fast roads to reach Avignon. This gives a real range of 370.07 miles compared to 387 miles of WLTP mixed range, not bad at all!
Regarding charging, Audi communicates on 158.45 miles (255 km) recovered in 10 minutes, on a supercharger with a power equal to or greater than 270 kW (DC). In AC (alternating current), the charging power of the Audi Q6 e-tron is 11 kW, enough to recharge the Q6 e-tron battery in 9 hours. This changes to 21 minutes on a supercharger. In other numbers, before concluding our test of the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, the performance figures are 130.5 mph (210 km/h)top speed and 5.9 seconds for the 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h).
Finally, the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro is an electric success. Despite a slight lack of risk-taking regarding the screens and dashboard architecture, which we would have liked to be more “Wow,” this 100% electric SUV raises the bar. Visually accomplished, welcoming for its interior, very pleasant to drive, ultra-secure, and comfortable, the Audi Q6 e-tron will also make its future owners forget the risk of running out of electricity. All this at a price, that of the German premium, with the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro (2 motors – 100 kWh battery) with 387 hp starting at $90,450 (€83,450) in the “Design” finish. Our test model reaches, in the “S line” finish, $94,850 (€87,550) (starting from). To be comprehensive, at the top of the Q6 e-tron range, there is the SQ6 quattro (2 motors – 100 kWh battery) with 489 hp starting at $108,320 (€99,870). At the opposite end, the Q6 e-tron with 251 hp (1 motor), entry-level, the only one with a smaller 83 kWhcapacity battery, is priced in the “Design” finish at $78,140 (€72,170) (starting from). Between our test model Q6 e-tron quattro (2 motors – 100 kWh battery) with 387 hp and the entry-level Q6 e-tron with 251 hp (1 motor – 83 kWh battery), there is the Q6 e-tron performance (1 electric motor) with 306 hp, but equipped with the 100 kWh battery, starting at $83,900 (€77,400) in the “Design” finish. There you have it, you know everything about the Audi Q6 e-tron.
Text and test: Frédéric Lagadec
Photos: Audi (Tibo – The Good Click)
