New Audi SQ6 e-tron gets 517hp, costs £93k
First Audi based on co-developed Macan platform promises up to 381 miles and 'precisely tuned driving dynamics'
Expect to hear a heck of a lot about the Premium Platform Electric over the coming years, as Porsche and Audi’s co-developed platform is set to underpin a glut of new models. The collaboration most certainly bore fruit with the J1 toolkit the Taycan and e-tron GT were built on, so things are really scaling up now. We’ve already seen the new Macan; here’s Audi’s take on something similar, the new Q6 e-tron.
It’s a big deal for Audi, not least because it aims to have an EV in every single segment by 2027 and will hope that PPE can underpin some more competitive SUVs than earlier e-trons. ‘They mark the start of a comprehensive strengthening and rejuvenation of the model portfolio’, reads the press release, which is a pretty strong statement. To that end, the Q6 is chock full of the latest hardware and software, including a 94.9kWh battery, 270kW charging, 800-volt architecture (with the same ability as the Macan to split that into two banks of 400v for charging), E3 electronic architecture and an augmented reality head-up display.
“Built on the new PPE platform, the Audi Q6 e-tron is the next technological leap in premium electric mobility for our customers,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of Audi’s board. In the UK buyers will be offered a Q6 e-tron Quattro and SQ6 e-tron. The range-topper boasts 517 overboosted horsepower, meaning 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and 142mph. More affordable rear-drive models will follow in time. The super duper charging means, theoretically, a Q6 could go from 10-80 per cent in 21 minutes. An SQ6 is officially rated at 3.40-3.45 miles per kilowatt hour.
Plenty of the Audi’s features will be familiar from the Macan, perhaps ought to be encouraging so far as the chassis is concerned. For the first time ever, says Audi, here’s a series production model with rear tyres wider than the front (apparently forgetting the R8 already). A focus on rear-biased torque distribution, a new front axle benefitting agility and ‘noticeably increased driving dynamics’ are all welcome. Already tri-motor models like the SQ8 have shown that Audi SUVs can be fun, so we live in hope.
The greater focus, however, is inevitably on the in-car experience. The Q6 comes with the self-learning Audi Assistant to control ‘numerous vehicle functions’ as well as, interestingly, an Android Automotive operating system (like in a Polestar) for the very first time. Over-the-air updates will keep it fresh, and it operates through a 14.5-inch infotainment screen; the driver gets an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and even the passenger isn’t left out thanks to a 10.9-inch display ahead of them - they don’t call it a Digital Stage for nothing. A 22-speaker, 830-watt Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system will also be available - with sound zones for the first time, too - to ensure the very best sound quality of whichever third-party app takes your fancy today. The ‘dynamic interaction light’ spans the interior and ‘offers a variety of communication features’.
There’s plenty more besides, of course, because the Q6 is underpinned by End-to-End Electronic Architecture (E3), which comprises five high-performance computers controlling pretty much every function of the car. And that’s about as much we understand - expect a slick user interface befitting of an Audi (which perhaps hasn’t always been the case in recent years).
Audi will know better than anyone, however, that exterior styling is just as important as the interior vibe - probably more so. The Q6 is described as a ‘striking SUV’ with an ‘impressive and sporty appearance’. It has ‘quattro blisters’, because it wouldn’t be an all-wheel drive Audi without them’, and a rear light bar - because it wouldn’t be an EV without one. Audi is especially proud of its digital active light signature, which it says is a world first. It's controlled by one software module of one of the E3 computers (for some idea of how much they’re doing) and means the six organic LED panels can generate a new image every 10 milliseconds. Be sure to show interest when your neighbour shows it off.
Predictably, the Q6’s dimensions closely resemble that of the Macan, at 4,771mm long, 2,193mm wide (including the mirrors) and 1,702mm tall. A big old wheelbase (2,899mm) and short overhangs should benefit both the look and the interior space. Officially the Q6 boasts up to 1,529 litres of boot space (526 with the seats up), plus a 64-litre frunk.
“The PPE shows how we are pooling expertise within the Volkswagen Group and thus making electric mobility scalable. Thanks to the PPE, we are able to launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments and thus further electrify our portfolio”, added Döllner. So as well as not being the first PPE car, the Q6 will be very far from the last. UK sales kick off at the end of April, with prices from £68,975 for the standard 388hp e-tron and £92,950 for the SQ6 - full specification will come next month as well. A 408hp Macan 4 is £69,800, with a 639hp Turbo starting at £95,000. Given how popular previous ICE SUVs from both manufacturers have been, don’t be surprised to see plenty of their EV successors on the road soon.
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