2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron and SQ6 E-Tron revealed
After several postponements, Audi's Q6 E-Tron has finally arrived. It will be available in two versions: the regular SQ6 E-Tron and the sporty SQ6 E-Tron. The car is confirmed to go on sale in the U.S. later this year as a 2025 model, and specifications for that market will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
The Q6 E-Tron is a more upscale electric compact crossover that will replace top sellers in the segment such as the Tesla Model Y. Audi has not revealed U.S. pricing for the Q6 E-Tron, but it is expected to be slightly discounted from the Macan's pricing.
Both vehicles will ride on the new PPE modular platform designed for the Volkswagen Group's premium brand of mass-produced vehicles. Volkswagen has an older MEB platform for its mainstream brands. The standard battery for the U.S. market is 100 kwh (94.4 kwh total capacity), and dual-motor all-wheel drive will also be standard on all models.
The Q6 E-Tron will have 422 hp and a boost mode that temporarily increases output to 456 hp; the SQ6 E-Tron will have 483 hp and 510 hp. Audi estimates 0-60 mph times of 5 seconds for the Q6 E-Tron and 4.2 seconds for the SQ6 E-Tron. Top speeds are 130 mph and 143 mph, respectively.
Like the Macan, the Q6 E-Tron has an 800-volt electrical system. This allows for charging of up to 270 kw. Additionally, the system is designed to provide so-called bank charging when only 400-volt charging stations are available. This process splits an 800-volt battery into two 400-volt segments to speed up charging. Under optimal conditions, Audi says, a 10-80% charge can be achieved in 21 minutes.
The CCS connector and Plug & Charge will be used, and eventually the Q6 E-Tron will use Tesla's NACS connector for North America and be part of Tesla's charging network; EPA range estimates are not yet available, according to Audi, that the most efficient version will achieve over 300 miles.
The Q6 E-Tron measures 187.8 inches in length, slightly longer than the Model Y.
The Q6 E-Tron's rear seats are also longer than the Model Y's. It can expand to 53.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat. The front trunk adds another 2.2 cubic feet.
The dash features a curved panel that slants toward the driver and integrates an 11.9-inch digital meter cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen; a heads-up display with augmented reality (AR) is also available, and buyers can choose a 10.9-inch screen facing the passenger seat. They can also opt for a 9-inch screen. The passenger screen will allow for movie streaming and access to navigation.
The infotainment system is a new Android-based design developed by Cariad, the software division of the VW Group. Featuring its own app store, Cariad also developed a feature for the Q6 E-Tron that allows owners to change the light signature of the daytime running lights, both headlights and taillights.
Production of the Q6 E-Tron takes place at a factory in Ingolstadt, Germany. A more coupe-like variant is also planned, although not for the first year. The latter, like the larger Q8 Sportback E-Tron, will have the Sportback designation.