New Audi Q6 e-tron Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

The new Q6 e-tron quattro and its high-performance SQ6 derivative are the latest fruits of a long-standing technical partnership between Audi and Porsche and, like the related new Macan, built on a fresh generation of shared batteries and motors. As with the e-tron GT and Taycan, both brands benefit from the shared resources and expertise, the new Q6 models slotting in above the mid-sized Q4 e-tron and, we’d speculate, ultimately designed to replace the aging Q8-badged e-trons.
• Two models to start with, comprising 388 horsepower Q6 e-tron quattro and 517 horsepower SQ6 • Best case range of 381 miles, with more efficient two-wheel drive models to follow • All-new 100kWh battery and motor tech uses cutting edge computing power to improve on-road performance and reduce charging times • New ‘Digital Stage’ combines driver’s display, central screen plus an additional one for the front seat passenger • Available to order from the end of April • Q6 e-tron starts at £68,950, with the SQ6 starting at £92,950

About as subtle and understated in its appearance as a Gladiator in their lycra onesie, the new Q6 maybe built on cutting edge technology but sticks to the Audi SUV formula with its big grille, piercing LED lights, looming stance and rippling bodywork. Peppered with words like ‘muscular’ and ‘masculine’, the press release announcing the car makes the Q6’s design philosophy crystal clear, the use of recycled materials and other more worthy attributes relegated to the small print at the end. While there will be more affordable rear-wheel drive versions available in due course the Q6 range launches with a high-performance quattro version and an even more powerful SQ6. Always a leader when it comes to fancy lighting the Q6 also promises the next level in digital lighting displays and adaptive head- and tail-lights lighting up your mirrors like a mobile disco.

The interior follows existing Audi design norms, which is to say lots of hard-edged surfaces and slick integration of tech. Being built on a dedicated electric platform increases the space between the front and rear wheels to the benefit of legroom, Audi also promising a flat floor and additional space for the middle seat passenger in the back. The Android Automotive powered infotainment can, in its fanciest form, meanwhile integrate the 11.9-inch Digital Cockpit, 14.5-inch central display and an additional screen for the front-seat passenger if required. This, says Audi, means the passenger can act as co-pilot and seek out the next charging stop. Or, if they prefer, sit and stream movies or other content with an Active Privacy Mode to prevent distracting the driver.

The e-tron GT and Taycan born of a previous collaboration between Audi and Porsche led the way with their battery tech, charging speeds and more, and the new foundations under this Q6 and the Porsche Macan are the same but more so. Techheads will find much to geek out over but the headlines are a new 100kWh battery (just shy of 95kWh usable) for a range of up to 381 miles, though Audi doesn’t specify which model this is for. The 800-volt electrical architecture is a carry-over from the e-tron GT and Taycan and means faster charging than most rivals, assuming you can find a suitably powerful public charging point. For now, though, the Q6 will be able to suck in the juice faster than most points can provide. But there’s a solution for that as well, the battery able to effectively split itself in two to charge in parallel to reduce waiting times. Clever stuff.

Starting prices for the Q6 e-tron quattro and SQ6 have been confirmed as £68,950 and £92,950 respectively, which fits the premium positioning and is a logical next step from the smaller Q4 e-tron. That pricing does seem to overlap with the supposedly higher grade Q8 e-tron range, the confusion increased by the fact they look pretty similar as well. The fact the Q8 is based on older technology and less impressive in range and performance begs the question of whether the Q6 is intended to fit between this and the Q4 or actually replace the bigger car entirely.

While there are doubtless more electric cars hot on the heels of the new Q6 Audi hasn’t forgotten its existing models, the A3 range getting an update while the formidable RS6 Avant looks to be facing retirement in style with the formidable, race-liveried Avant GT. Just 60 of the 660 planned production will make it to the UK, the price an equally formidable £176,975.

It might seem surprising to be comparing Audi and Kia as rivals but the premium SUV market is an open door for upwardly mobile brands of all types, the new EV9 striking for its bold looks and running on proven electric tech. It’s taken Mercedes a while but its electric EQE and EQS meanwhile look bang-on rivals for the Q6, BMW’s iX another tempting option in this sector