Audi today unveiled their Q6 e-tron, an all-new model and the first to be built on Audi's next-generation electric platform which Audi calls Premium Platform Electric, or PPE. That means this Q6 represents an entirely new generation of electrification technology for Audi, developed jointly with Porsche, and brings with it meaningful changes in efficiency, range, and charge speed... the stuff that makes EVs easy to live with. This Audi Q6 e-tron is siblings with Porsche's impressive new Macan EV, setting expectations high out of the gate.
This PPE platform will offer Audi the flexibility to make many vehicle types, and it will soon make its way to other Audi vehicles. Audi is saying they'll offer an EV in all "core" segments by 2027.
One of the biggest improvements of this PPE platform will be the charge speed, thanks to an 800V system that can charge up to 270 kW on a charger of equal power. That can fill this rather large 100 kWh battery to 80% in about 21 minutes, and adapt to charge at lesser-powered 400V chargers by splitting the pack internally and charging in parallel. It's clever stuff that should mean this thing is quite speedy at the plug.
While we do expect Audi to adopt the NACS (Tesla) charge plug by 2025, this Q6 e-tron will remain with a CCS port for now, requiring adapters to eventually use Tesla's network.
Audi estimates range to be up to 388 miles, though we believe that to be more optimistic European estimates. EPA estimated range is not yet available, but the Q6 e-tron seems poised to offer over 300 miles by their standards.
On the outside, the Q6 is an evolution of Audi's design language that's freshened and streamlined but certainly not a departure from what Audi customers have come to expect. One area that's all new is the lighting, which Audi calls "Active Digital Signature", which is a sort of matrix of OLED pixels that refresh every ten milliseconds, and can produce changing light patterns and other motion effects. Drivers will be able to choose from 8 different patterns in their daytime running lights. While the lights are programmed to change, the total output of the lights doesn't. Clever.
In standard trim, the Q6 will have 456 hp and reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with the SQ 6 jumping to 510 horsepower and sprinting to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Both models will feature new high-efficiency dual motors and Audi's Quattro AWD. Audi is considering future RWD versions with more range, but details on these models is not solidified at this time.
Inside, the Q6 introduces a new interior design philosophy featuring an Audi MMI panoramic display, an MMI passenger display (which together Audi calls their "Digital Stage"), greater separation of elements between foreground and background tailored to each occupant, and flowing ambient interior lighting "Softwrap" that extends from the doors across the dash. Audi has always been stellar at making interiors with high quality materials, and that focus continues here. The new PPE platform allows for a more generous use of interior space as well.
In case two large interior displays isn't enough, Audi also offers an augmented reality heads-up display, showing speed, traffic signs, assistance and navigation symbols overlaid on the windshield glass. The plane of the image is tilted to enhance the AR effect, giving the impression that some digital elements are placed into the landscape in front of you, floating up to 200 meters away.
Speaking of digital elements, Audi is introducing a new infotainment system powered by Android Automotive (and still featuring Apple CarPlay) that is able to receive over-the-air updates, has an enhanced route planner, and offers a bunch of third-party apps including music, video, gaming, navigation, parking, charging, productivity, weather, and services.
The Q6 e-tron quattro and performance variant SQ6 e-tron will be available to order starting this month, but prices for the North American markets have not yet been announced.
