The new Q6 E-tron represents a "technological leap" for Audi, boss Gernot Döllner has claimed, as the brand's first model built on a high-tech new platform.
The BMW iX3 and Jaguar I-Pace rival will be launched with a choice of dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains, including a range-topping SQ6 E-tron with up to 510bhp.
It will sit between the Q4 E-tron and Q8 E-tron in Audi's bespoke electric SUV line-up. But while the new SUV's exterior styling is a relatively conservative development of those existing models, the technology it features promises a significant step forward from the firm's previous EVs.
The Q6 E-tron uses the advanced new Premium Performance Electric (PPE) platform that Audi has co-developed with Porsche.
Also employed on the new Porsche Macan Electric, the platform will underpin a host of performance-focused Audis in the coming years -- such as the A6 E-tron saloon due later this year. It will also be used for EVs from other Volkswagen Group premium brands, including Bentley.
Top-rung SQ6 E-tron: 0-100kph in 4.3sec and 600km range.
Powertrains and performance
The PPE architecture is designed to be highly scalable for medium-sized to large vehicles and can be offered with both rear-drive single-motor and four-wheel-drive dual-motor powertrains. The main power unit is a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle with up to 375bhp. To optimise efficiency, an asynchronous motor that produces up to 188bhp is used on the front axle of the dual-motor models.
Audi claims the new motors offer 62% more power density and 33% greater performance than the first-generation units on the Q8 E-tron, while also reducing overall vehicle energy consumption by 30%.
Power for the motors comes from a 94.9kWh usable capacity (100kWh total) lithium ion battery that features a new design comprising 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells, which are now larger and feature less cobalt. The new design means the battery is claimed to offer 5% higher energy content with 30% greater energy density, while also being 15% lighter than the previous generation.
The battery also features a new thermal management system to better control the temperature and therefore improve efficiency.
The Q6 E-tron Quattro offered at launch will produce 382bhp and 590Nm of torque from its dual-motor set-up, giving a 0-100kph time of 5.9sec. It will be capable of travelling at up to 3.6mpkWh, says Audi, giving an official range of 625km.
The initial range-topper will be the hot SQ6 E-tron, which has its motors tuned to offer 483bhp, rising to 510bhp when the launch control system is deployed. It takes just 4.3sec to complete the 0-100kph sprint and has a top speed of 228kph, although its official range is trimmed to 600km.
The PPE platform uses an 800V architecture, like the Porsche Taycan and the Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, and this allows for ultra-rapid charging. Q6 E-tron owners will be able to charge their cars at speeds of up to 270kW, allowing for 254km of range to be added in 10 minutes. On slower, 400V chargers at speeds of up to 135kW, the battery splits itself into two banks that can be charged in parallel, which, says Audi, optimises the charging speed and efficiency.
Home charging can be conducted at speeds of up to 11kWh and, as with the Q8 E-tron, the new model will feature an AC charging port on each side -- although this time on the rear flanks, rather than the front wings.
The Q6 E-tron launch range will be expanded by the arrival of two single-motor models. One will use the 100kWh battery to offer the longest possible range. The other will be an entry-level model with an 83kWh (total) battery.
The dual-motor powertrain features a rear-biased torque distribution system and the different front and rear motor sizes means that varying amounts of power can be sent to each axle even under full load. The car also gains wider rear wheels to better deploy the extra power on the road.
The Q6 E-tron has a redesigned front drive axle, with the control arms positioned in front of the suspension arms, which, claims Audi, allows for better packaging of the battery and improved dynamic performance. The firm also says the new front axle improves the steering, especially with the steering rack now fixed to a subframe.
Augmented reality unit is designed to make images appear as though they are floating 60m — which provides a more natural field of vision.
Exterior design and lighting
At 4,771mm in length, the Q6 E-tron is nearly 200mm shorter than the Q8 E-tron -- although it is marginally taller -- and broadly the same length as the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. With the motors pushed to each axle and an underfloor battery, as is standard for EVs, the wheelbase has been stretched to 2,899mm to maximise interior space.
The new model gains a fresh, more upright interpretation of Audi's Singleframe grille. The front lights are separated into daytime-running lights positioned high up and the main beam lights further down in the bodywork. The bumper also features chunky air intakes, while the side profile is dominated by large "Quattro blisters" that run along the rear three-quarters of the car.
The rear has a full-width light strip, as well as new OLED rear lights comprising six panels and 360 segments that feature an "active digital light signature". A range of set patterns is available, including a design that subtly changes the pattern every 10 milliseconds and the ability to give information signals to other road users. For example, a warning triangle symbol will activate when the hazard lights are pressed and also when the driver is opening the door at the same time as the sensors detect a cyclist approaching.
Enhanced route planner, which calculates how to best optimise charging stops enroute, is now included as standard.
Interior, infotainment and software
The Q6 E-tron will be offered with five seats and has a boot of 526 litres complemented by a 64-litre "frunk". A so-called "softwrap" design concept extends from the doors around the main dashboard, along with the use of a large number of soft-feeling recycled and recyclable materials.
The cockpit has been much more radically redesigned than the exterior. The dashboard is now based around a large curved "digital stage" that is shaped like Audi's trademark grille design and has an 11.9in digital instrument display and a 14.5in curved infotainment touchscreen built into it. There is also a separate 10.9in display for the front passenger, which features technology to prevent the driver from seeing it while the car is moving.
A dynamic interaction light across the bottom of the windscreen lip can be used to convey information. The latest version of Audi's infotainment system is designed to be highly customisable and provides the ability to download and use third-party apps such as YouTube and various gaming and shopping platforms. The system will work with Audi's updated voice assistant system, which, claims the firm, can now understand more than 800 voice commands.
The infotainment benefits from Audi's advanced new E3 1.2 electronic architecture, which was co-developed with the Volkswagen Group's Cariad software arm and will be used on all PPE-platform models.
The new software underpins the entire car's architecture and is designed to be scalable and upgradable. It features five high-performance computers, which power the drive system, suspension and lateral dynamics; driver assistance systems; infotainment; comfort functions; and internal networking and external communication. It can support both over-the-air updates and downloadable services -- which also means that Audi can offer certain functions as paid-for optional extras.
Reinterpreted grille and advanced lighting tech are key features
Production
The Q6 E-tron will be the first electric model built at Audi's main Ingolstadt factory, where it will be integrated into existing production lines alongside combustion-engined models. The batteries will be built in a new battery assembly plant, and the bodywork is also manufactured on site. The electric motors will be built at Audi's plant in Gyor, Hungary. Autocar
