The unveiling of Audi’s new Q6 e-tron premium electric SUV marks a new beginning for Audi’s electrification drive. It’s their first production model built atop the brand’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, developed jointly with sister brand, Porsche. It’s a bigger deal than it might seem, featuring a newly developed lithium-ion battery, with a total gross capacity of 100kWh. For the UK market, in particular, the new Audi Q6 e-tron, once it launches in April, boasts an impressive range of 381 miles.
And, thanks to its 800-volt architecture and a maximum charging capacity of 270kW, a short 10-minute charge is enough to top up the battery pack by another 158 miles. Meanwhile, a 10% to 80% charge cycle takes a mere 21 minutes. Although, depending on how exuberant you’re going to be behind the wheel, you might be inclined to charge it more often. When it comes to market, the new Audi Q6 e-tron family will launch in multiple variants, including a sporty and performance-oriented SQ6 e-tron.
Rapid-Fast Charging, Super-Speed Performance
The default Q6 e-tron, at launch, will feature a total output of 388PS, allowing it to sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds, before topping out at 130mph. Additionally, the speedier SQ6 e-tron has a meaty total system output of 517PS, and thanks to the magic of launch control, it’ll accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds and tops out at 142mph. Both the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, at launch, will come with all-wheel drive. But, if you’d rather have more range, Audi will launch, further down the line, and a more efficient rear-wheel drive model.
What is impressive though, is that despite having to lug around a big battery and mega-huge electric motors, Audi has managed to package the Q6’s form factor pretty efficiently. It comes with a large rear boot for all your weekly groceries and an abundance of interior space for two rows of luxurious seating. Speaking of, the Audi Q6 e-tron’s interior is a tech onslaught, as you might expect out of an Audi, featuring a massive wrap-around central display. Surrounded by an array of ambient lights, it makes for a pretty cyberpunk-y atmosphere.
A Delectable Feast For Tech Enthusiasts
Two gigantic screens, the 11.9-inch virtual dashboard and the 14.5-inch infotainment system, both dominate your peripheral view. Yet, as far as Audi is concerned, two displays are basically yesterday’s tech, which is why in the Q6 e-tron, there’s a third screen just for the passenger. A 10.9-inch display with a privacy filter on top and angled just for the front passenger, this one screen mostly serves to assist with the satnav, and multimedia functions, and if you’re bored, you might as well stream some movies on it.
A new voice assistant ought to make interacting with the bevvy of electronics in the new Q6 e-tron a lot easier, as is the updated and revised heads-up display unit. As you’re powering down your local village, it’s fair to also point out the sporting dynamics of the new Q6 e-tron. A lot of suspension, chassis, and steering tuning has been done to it, in addition to a rearward torque distribution from the all-wheel drive system. Altogether, while luxurious cruising and comfort are the key focal points for the Q6 e-tron, I reckon it’d be fun to drive, too.
