Audi Q6 E-Tron Off-Road Concept Teases Wild EV
Audi took advantage of the Ski World Cup event in Kitzbühel, Austria, last week to premiere its Q6 E-Tron off-road concept. The concept is a wild off-roader based on the Q6 E-Tron electric compact crossover with a custom suspension that incorporates a portal axle.
The portal axle gives the vehicle a tall and wide stance. Unlike conventional axles, the wheels are not at axle center height, but much lower on the axle hubs, separated by portal gears.
Mercedes-Benz has famously used portal axles on some of its G-Class models in recent years, and like those models, the Q6 E-Tron Off-Road's portal axle increases the concept's ride height (by 6.3 inches) and track width (by 9.8 inches).
According to Audi, the portal axle also increases wheel torque by 50%, reducing the vehicle's top speed to 108 mph but allowing it to climb gradients of up to 45 degrees. Audi also states that the new hardware allows the vehicle to handle gradients of up to 100%.
Audi said it built the concept to demonstrate the potential of the Q6 E-Tron's PPE-specific EV platform, and while no production plans have been announced, Audi noted that the concept offers a taste of potential vehicles in the off-road segment.
Audi was seen testing a camouflaged version of this concept last fall, and there are rumors that the company is planning a rugged SUV targeting the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
The Q6 E-Tron off-road will make its official debut on February 1 at the 2025 F.A.T. Ice Race, an annual event held at Austria's Zell am See airport and traditionally attended by one or more Volkswagen Group brands.
The Q6 E-Tron off-road concept is based on the more refined Q6 Sportback E-Tron body style. Only the regular Q6 E-Tron is currently available for order in the U.S. It will be available for the 2025 model year, with prices starting at $65,095 including a $1,295 destination charge.
The Q6 E-Tron comes standard with a 100 kwh battery and one rear motor rated at 302 hp (322 hp with launch control). Adding all-wheel drive costs $2,000 and increases output to 422 hp (456 hp with launch control) due to the additional motor in the front.
Buyers seeking higher performance can opt for the SQ6 E-Tron, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and starts at $74,195 including destination; the SQ6 E-Tron has a maximum output of 483 hp (509 hp with launch control) and 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph.
