Audi is replenishing its range with new models, including this Q6 SUV. Or more precisely, the Q6 e-tron, thanks to its electric powertrain. Now’s the perfect time for the brand to wake up at 800 V with an enhanced battery.
Having quickly jumped into the electrification race with its Q e-tron models, Audi overlooked one detail: real-world range—especially considering the price tag. The brand with the rings took its time to revamp itself, introducing few new models before 2023. Among them, the one making a strong comeback is the Q6 e-tron SUV. This time, it’s serious: a new architecture and a new battery. The result is a recipe born from close collaboration with Porsche, yet remaining unmistakably Audi in both spirit and design. Nevertheless, one early clue indicates the Ingolstadt teams have done their homework: the frunk! You know, the storage compartment under the bonnet for cables, freeing up the main boot. What’s more, the Q6’s frunk is big enough for a small bag as well. And this, despite the fact that I tested the all-wheel-drive version—with two motors, including one up front and another at the rear. Let’s temper our excitement, though: the frunk is an optional extra!
Quattro
Our model boasts a combined output of 388hp (285kW) from two electric motors, each powering an axle. The Samsung SDI lithium-ion battery has a charging capacity of 100kWh (94.9 kWh usable). This hefty battery promises a WLTP range of 621km and 480 km in real conditions (mixed cycle). Thanks to its 800 V system (as opposed to the more common 400 V), the Audi can handle ultra-fast DC charging up to 270kW at roadside points. That means a solid top-up in under 25 minutes. At home, though, it’s 11kW, so at least 9 hours on a wall socket. On paper this is enticing, but what about on the road?
Learning from Mistakes
There’s no question, it’s delightfully reassuring to experience good range. Even with the battery at 70%, there’s still a 300km buffer according to the trip computer after a motorway journey. This was borne out over the miles, with a solid 200km remaining on a little under 50% state of charge. All this while cruising the motorway at 120km/h, in mild 16° temperatures. This is a change from the Q8… Another improvement with the Q6 is charging speed. In short, you can now enjoy the comfort of a German SUV and glide along the roads, without excessive stops. Plus, a quick getaway can turn into a spontaneous scenic drive if the mood strikes.
Space
Measuring 4.77m long, the Audi Q6 offers passengers a truly spacious cabin. Rear occupants not only have plenty of legroom, they can even slide their feet — particularly those with long legs — under the front seats. The seat backs retain a fixed incline, but the rear bench splits three ways to further expand the already generous 526-litre boot.
No loose cable bags either, as those are stowed in the front. The front passenger can opt for a personal display (as an extra), sparing the driver from unwanted interference with the main 14.5-inch central display that runs the MMI infotainment module on Android Automotive OS or via smartphone pairing.
Behind the Wheel
Inside this classic, well-finished cabin, driving the Audi Q6 is a delightful blend of poise and power. Acceleration matches expectations: 0 to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds. The suspension feels connected to the road, absorbing cobbles with ease and never jarring your spine. The steering, with variable ratio, is reassuringly firm, ensuring you feel in control. It can adapt to both pace and your selected drive mode via the Drive Select touch button between the seats.
On this console, you’ll also find the gear selector, a button for quick access to the driver assistance menu, a button to deactivate traction control, and another to launch automated parking. Radio volume is adjusted via a rotary control, which is more efficient than the touchpads on the steering wheel. Those pads can make both multimedia and instrument cluster navigation a trial (and sometimes a frustration). Our test car didn’t have the optional augmented reality head-up display. A welcome touch: adaptive cruise control is managed by a stalk to the left of the steering wheel.
Audi Connect
To keep your seat and vehicle settings stored for the long haul, you must set up a profile using your smartphone. This is your entry into the ultra-connected modern world—convenient, but only if you want to take that step. Honestly, would it make any difference if the Q6 simply saved guest mode settings without requiring a QR code or profile creation?
True, the app lets you operate some features remotely and monitor charging progress, for example. But you’ll need to complete the registration for each occasional user in a family with multiple drivers. It’s a small point, I admit, but perhaps it subconsciously encourages us to be even more paranoid about losing our smartphones.
The Price of Indulgence
The Audi Q6 e-tron starts at just under €65,000 in Belgium for the 185 kW (252 hp) rear-wheel drive version with the “small” 83 kWh battery. Our Audi Q6 S-Line e-tron Quattro 285 kW (388 hp) with the large battery and standard kit starts at €80,000. But being an Audi, it’s a bit spartan on equipment.
To kit it out as shown in the photos—with 21-inch wheels, metallic paint, flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, the frunk (€310), various packs and 270kW charging (€960)—you’d need to spend €108,000. And you’re still not maxed out. Options still absent included the panoramic sunroof (€1,810) and a head-up display with augmented reality in the MMI Experience Pro Pack (a €4,400 option). I even saw an Edition One Pro configuration of this model at €125,000.
In France, prices start at €72,000 for the 185 kW rear-wheel drive variant and from €87,550 for the Q6 S-Line Quattro. In Switzerland, you automatically get the larger battery, starting at CHF 80,000 and CHF 86,000 in all-wheel-drive Quattro trim. For comparison, in Belgium an Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro 285 kW costs at least €77,550 (Advanced trim), €83,500 in France (Design trim), €78,000 in the Netherlands, €75,000 in Germany, £69,000 in the UK, and CA$83,000 in Canada.
(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Audi – Pictures: © Olivier Duquesne)
