Final summer season, we had a short probability to drive the brand new Audi Q6 e-tron within the Faroe Islands. It was tease of what to anticipate, although particulars and technological developments have been considerably scarce. After attending a deep dive into these elements in Munich, it is clear this newest EV from Audi is a strong all-electric SUV, although it would not actually break a lot new floor. As an alternative, it will increase efficiencies all through the drivetrain whereas including some notable tech enhancements.Â
Initially, the Q6 e-tron is the primary Audi car to trip on the brand new PPE platform (for Premium Platform Electrical) that’s shared with the all-electric Porsche Macan. Not like a number of the earlier Audi EVs, it should largely be produced in-house as in comparison with the Porsche-sourced e-tron GT and VW-sourced This autumn e-tron.
The lithium-ion battery pack has a capability of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh is usable), although different markets can even get a smaller 83 kWh capability battery. The bodily distinction between the 2 comes right down to a 12-module pack and 10 modules for the 83-kWh battery. These modules are pulled from the middle sections of the identical pack to take care of a constant weight distribution. This modularity permits Audi to provide them on the identical meeting line, saving cash on account of this flexibility.
Preliminary fashions within the U.S. may have two electrical motors that energy the entrance and rear axles. A single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant will doubtless comply with the Quattro all-wheel-drive to market — probably within the first mannequin yr. Efficiencies additionally enable for value financial savings because the motors fluctuate in stator size, quite than diameter, and tremendously simplify manufacturing. A single-gear transmission mated to the rear motor makes use of a dry-sump oil system, which reduces friction losses. Mixed energy output is 422 horsepower (456 hp in launch mode), which is potent sufficient to speed up the Q6 e-tron Quattro to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, in response to Audi. Different markets have a barely decreased output of 382 hp, so yay America! The SQ6, pictured under, will increase output to 483 hp (510 hp in launch mode) and chops acceleration time right down to 4.2 seconds.
The rear motor is the primary to activate when accelerating from a cease, with the entrance motor contributing extra energy shortly thereafter. When lifting off the accelerator, brake regeneration can be a two-step course of, with the rear motor switching over first. When extra aggressive braking is required, the entrance brake pads activate first for max stopping energy. Most often, 95 % of braking could be achieved with out ever utilizing the bodily brake pads, relying tremendously on regeneration and additional enhancing effectivity. For the primary time in Audi’s EV lineup, the Q6 e-tron is able to one-pedal driving.
It sounds pretty sophisticated, however in observe, you’d by no means know what was occurring behind the scenes, since these actions really feel seamless from behind the wheel. The one-pedal mode is not as aggressive as different EVs so you will both have to start deceleration earlier or faucet the brake pedal in the previous couple of toes. In our temporary drive on an autocross course, dealing with is extra succesful than most drivers will want, with some noticeable physique roll when cornering. The SQ6 e-tron would be the decide for individuals who want a sportier trip.
Getting again to efficiencies, protecting parts cool is one other contributor. The motors are saved from overheating with circulating fluid, permitting for fewer rare-earth parts and serving to to maintain prices decrease. The battery employs complicated plumbing that pushes coolant although the ground of the pack, making certain optimum working temperatures for improved vary and charging. It additionally ends in an extended battery life. Audi estimates the Q6 e-tron Quattro will return greater than 300 miles of vary on a single cost, which ought to beat the This autumn e-tron’s 265-mile estimate and meet or beat the Q8 e-tron’s 300-mile ranking. Estimates for the SQ6 aren’t but obtainable.Â
Talking of charging, the Q6 e-tron is able to DC fast-charging at charges as much as 270 kW, which ought to get the battery from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes. For those who’re on a 400-volt charger, you possibly can make the most of financial institution charging, the place the 800-volt battery is break up into two 400-volt batteries that may cost in parallel. On a typical AC dwelling charger, the e-tron has a most fee of 9.6 kW. At the very least for the primary mannequin yr, the Q6 will include a standard CCS port on either side of the car. The DC fast-charge receptacle is barely on the motive force’s facet, although. There are plans to modify to the NACS Tesla-type cost ports by 2026 on the earliest. An adapter will probably be obtainable to homeowners with the CCS ports to allow them to make the most of the NACS infrastructure at a later date.
As acknowledged on the prime, the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron would not rewrite the EV ebook with any enormous improvements. As an alternative, it makes regular progress with all kinds of smaller enhancements all through the drivetrain that add as much as a bigger cumulative improve. Effectivity is certainly the secret right here, each by way of vary and value, although official U.S. pricing hasn’t been introduced but. In Europe, the Q6 e-tron Quattro will begin at 74,700 Euros whereas the SQ6 e-tron will sticker at 93,800 Euros after they go on sale this summer season. They’re going to make their approach stateside on the finish of 2024.
