Fresh off being ranked 56th on Forbes’ 2024 Best Brands for Social Impact, Audi’s push into the electric vehicle market deepens with the arrival of the Q6 e-tron, a sleek, mid-size electric SUV designed to sit comfortably between the brand’s compact Q4 and full-size Q8 e-trons.
The 2025 lineup
Slated for an early 2025 release in Australia, the Q6 e-tron lineup arrives with three distinct models: the rear-wheel-drive Q6 e-tron Performance, the all-wheel-drive Q6 e-tron quattro, and the performance-focused SQ6 e-tron.
With a starting price of $115,500, the Q6 e-tron Performance is Audi’s most affordable entry into the luxury electric SUV category, setting a strong benchmark for performance, design, and tech. The mid-range Q6 e-tron quattro adds Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive for an extra $7,000, while the high-performance SQ6 e-tron quattro tops the line at $151,400.
Each variant is powered by a 100 kWh battery, with charging times that are impressively short—a 10-80% charge in just 21 minutes at 270 kW.
Audi has ensured each model in the Q6 e-tron range has its unique appeal, from the base model’s balanced rear-wheel drive to the quattro’s added traction and power. The Q6 e-tron Performance generates 225 kW (240 kW with boost mode) and 485 Nm, translating to a swift 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
The Q6 e-tron quattro delivers 285 kW and 580 Nm, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, the SQ6 e-tron quattro steals the show with a dual-motor setup producing 380 kW, hitting 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds—serious acceleration for a luxury SUV.
Inside the Q6 e-tron
The Q6 e-tron’s interior design is a showcase of Audi’s commitment to high-tech luxury. Each model comes standard with a panoramic display that includes a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, and an additional 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger—a first for Audi. This setup not only delivers essential driver information but also allows passengers to control entertainment and navigation independently.
The interior extends Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” philosophy with details like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker audio system, and ambient lighting. Higher trims add features like a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, adaptive air suspension, and ventilated Nappa leather sport seats with massage functions in the SQ6, enhancing the luxurious feel of the cabin.
What about the range?
Range remains a top concern for EV buyers, and the Q6 e-tron addresses this with estimates ranging from 528 km in the SQ6 to 641 km in the Q6 e-tron Performance, depending on conditions and driving style.
The 800-volt electrical architecture not only speeds up charging but also ensures efficient power management. Audi’s innovative recuperation system allows for regenerative braking up to 220 kW, helping to boost range by recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost.
Safety is also a priority across the Q6 e-tron range, with each model featuring Audi’s full suite of advanced driver assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and intersection assist.
The Matrix LED headlights with customisable light signatures enhance visibility, while the augmented reality head-up display (standard on the SQ6, optional on other trims) projects critical driving information onto the windshield, helping drivers keep their focus on the road.
Exterior styling
Visually, the Q6 e-tron stands out with Audi’s signature Singleframe grille and muscular design elements that reflect the brand’s sporty aesthetic.
The SQ6 adds a more aggressive stance with its 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, red brake callipers, privacy glass, and OLED tail lights, lending it a menacing, road-ready presence.
For those seeking further customisation, Audi offers optional packages such as the Tech Pro Package, which includes adaptive air suspension and digital OLED tail lights, and the Premium Package with a panoramic sunroof and upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio.
An ownership experience that feels considered
Audi’s packaging of the Q6 e-tron is rounded out with thoughtful ownership perks, including a five-year warranty, a year’s subscription to Chargefox, and membership to the Audi Experience program. These inclusions suggest Audi is taking the practicalities of EV ownership seriously, acknowledging that premium buyers expect seamless service as part of the deal.
The Q6 e-tron isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and perhaps that’s its greatest strength. It’s a premium SUV for those who appreciate balance over excess, for drivers who want style, performance, and efficiency in equal measure.
Specs Snapshot
- Battery: 100 kWh (94.9 kWh usable), 800-volt architecture
- Charging: 10-80% in 21 minutes at 270 kW
- Range (WLTP): Q6 e-tron Performance – up to 641 km, Q6 e-tron quattro – up to 625 km, SQ6 e-tron – up to 528 km
- Power & Torque:
- Q6 e-tron Performance: 225 kW (240 kW boost) / 485 Nm
- Q6 e-tron quattro: 285 kW / 580 Nm
- SQ6 e-tron: 380 kW / 580 Nm
- 0-100 km/h:
- Q6 e-tron Performance: 6.6 seconds
- Q6 e-tron quattro: 5.9 seconds
- SQ6 e-tron: 4.3 seconds
- Interior: 14.5-inch infotainment display, 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, 10.9-inch passenger screen, optional Bang & Olufsen audio
- Safety: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection assist, Matrix LED headlights
- Price (before on-road costs):
- Q6 e-tron Performance: $115,500
- Q6 e-tron quattro: $122,500
- SQ6 e-tron: $151,400
