Q6 e-tron slots-in between the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron. Image: Audi
Teased last week as being readied for imminent reveal, Audi, overnight, officially unveiled its third dedicated electric SUV in the shape of the Q6 e-tron.
Completely different to the Chinese variant that uses a selection of petrol engines, and which rides on the MQB Evo platform, the Q6 e-tron becomes the first Four Rings model to ride on the Porsche developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE), as well as the latest to usher-in Audi’s latest e-tron styling language.
ALSO READ: South Africa being investigated for incoming Audi Q6 e-tron
Shown in concept guise at the IAA in Munich last year, the e-tron also becomes the twin of the new Porsche Macan, although with a number of obvious differences in spite of riding on the same architecture.
Positioned below the Q4 e-tron and renamed Q8 e-tron in Ingolstadt’s EV SUV range, the Q6 e-tron provides seating for five and measures 4 771 mm long, 1 993 mm wide and 1 648 mm tall while sporting a wheelbase of 2 899 mm.
In terms of practicality, boot space is set at 526-litres, or as much as 1 529-litres with the rear seats folded down. The lack of an engine means more space underneath the bonnet in the shape of a 64-litre hold.
As a comparison, the Macan’s dimensions amount to an overall length of 4 784 mm long, width of 1 938 mm, height of 1 622 mm and wheelbase of 2 893 mm.
Debuting though as the first model to receive a digital active LED headlight setup as part of the optional Matrix LED diodes, the rear clusters also incorporate Audi’s latest OLED design comprising six individual panels capable of generating a new graphic every 10 milliseconds.
Previewed before its showing in Munich, the Q6 e-tron’s interior places emphasis on what Audi calls a “digital stage” as the entire dashboard comprises three displays and devoid of physical buttons or dials.
As such, the trio of screens comprises a 14.5-inch MMI infotainment system, the 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster and a 10.9-inch on the passenger’s side.
Also available with an optional augmented reality Head-Up Display projected onto the windscreen, the cabin sports the option of a contoured ambient lighting system extending to the base of the screen itself, and a 20-speaker, 830-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with an Audi first sound zone setting.
The interior itself being constructed out of recycled materials, the Q6 e-tron’s body also incorporates reusable materials, namely the steel for the outer edges of the roof and the actual bonnet.
Underneath, the PPE platform not only boasts voltage of 800-volts, but also a new battery pack containing 12 modules with 180 cells Audi says has been designed to disperse heat better. Total otherwise lost energy recouperation amounts to 220 kW.
The same 95-kWh module as in the Macan, in the Q6 e-tron, the battery drives a pair of electric motors on each axle, and comes in two states of tune; 285 kW in the entry-level 55 quattro and 380 kW in the flagship SQ6 e-tron.
As for performance, the 55 will get from 0-100 km/h 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h, whereas the SQ6 e-tron will dispatch the benchmark sprint in 4.3 seconds before topping-out at 230 km/h.
Supporting DC charging up to 270 kW, with AC capability of 135 kW, using the former will result in a range of 255 km after 10 minutes, with the wait expanding to 21 minutes from 10-80%. The claimed range is 625 km, although it wasn’t specified if this applied to both variants.
Going on-sale in first in the United Kingdom and then from the third quarter of the year, Germany, priced from £68 975 (R1 664 085) and €74 700 (R1 540 074) respectively, Audi South Africa has confirmed it is considering the Q6 e-tron for the local market, should approval be given, only from the final quarter of the year or in early 2025.
NOW READ: Renamed and revised Audi Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron debuts
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
