FAROE ISLANDS — It’s a bit much less punctual than its German heritage would recommend: Audi blew via a number of proposed launch dates with the brand new Q6 E-Tron, and it is going to be subsequent yr earlier than it hits dealerships, probably as a 2025 mannequin. Will it’s well worth the wait? We traveled to the Faroe Islands, midway between Scotland and Iceland, to search out out. Audi invited us right here for a “take a look at drive” with two variations of this upcoming, absolutely electrical SUV: the Q6 55 E-Tron, with 396 horsepower, and the SQ6, which makes a whopping 510 horsepower.
The form of the automobile is clearly seen, as are many particulars, because the prototype disguise is proscribed to white foil with crimson, pink and purple accents. Standing on 21-inch wheels, shod with 255-section-width-front and 285-rear rubber, the Q6 E-Tron shows sportily chiseled, however in the end unremarkable traces, with headlights break up into an higher and decrease half, flanking an octagonal grille. Smaller wheel sizes, from 18 inches upwards, will probably be out there. From behind, the Q6 E-Tron seems like the massive brother of the This autumn E-Tron that it truly is. The aspect view, with a D pillar that resembles a shark fin, seems considerably coupe-like – though we’re advised {that a} Sportback model with a extra swoopy roofline will ultimately be a part of the common Q6.
At first look, this automobile seems prefer it was conceived round 2016 and will have been in the marketplace two years in the past. However a better look reveals loads of sensible particulars. For instance, the lighting models: The optionally available entrance matrix LEDs don’t simply put an icy, routinely adjusted glow onto the street, they will also be configured to indicate eight totally different daytime operating gentle patterns. The identical variety of patterns could be displayed by the rear gentle clusters, which characteristic OLED expertise. And it may be chosen not simply on the MMI system, but additionally on Audi’s cellphone app, so you may admire your aesthetic decisions whereas standing proper subsequent to the automobile. Audi is understandably proud to reaffirm the management it has lengthy loved in lighting expertise, with a bitter tablet for U.S. clients: Regulation right here is so strict that the majority options won’t be out there on our shores. You’ll probably must cope with one factory-selected sample.
However we’ll benefit from the trendy inside shared with European fashions. On our take a look at drive, it’s largely hidden beneath a plastic veil, however voice instructions gave us a touch of next-gen ambient lighting, and the position of the buttons and controls is as excellent because the tactile suggestions. The Q6 encompasses a futuristic four-spoke steering wheel, whereas the SQ6 comes with a extra typical three-spoke wheel.
However this drive is all in regards to the chassis and powertrain, the precise driving really feel of the Q6 E-Tron. It stands on the brand-new PPE structure, shared with Porsche’s upcoming electrical Macan. With a multi-link rear axle and torque vectoring functionality, this SUV focuses on dynamics. The steering is fast and exact, the facility supply is rear-biased, the automobile is remarkably comfortable to show into corners and it’s even attainable to play a bit with the tail on exit. The Q6 E-Tron feels lots lighter than it truly is, and it is well-connected and communicates the street floor to the driving force. Plus, the brakes could be simply modulated. It’s just about unattainable to detect the change from recuperation to hydraulic braking – in marked distinction to many EVs in the marketplace in the present day. The SQ mannequin is noticeably sportier than the Q6 E-Tron; each variations provide a pleasant unfold between the “Consolation” and the “Dynamic” setting, with out transferring an excessive amount of to the extremes.
We respect the sheer energy and straight-line efficiency of the Q6 E-Tron, a lot so that you simply would possibly end up not needing the additional energy of the SQ6 model. In each fashions, that are ultra-quiet and vibration-free, accelerator response is fast however (fortunately) not as brutal and obnoxious as in a BMW iX. Relying on the mannequin and market, we anticipate the vary to exceed 350 miles – a perform of the environment friendly powertrain and the superb aerodynamics. There’s a setting for one-pedal driving, and the Q6 is well-prepared for critical off-roading, too.
Its aggressive set contains the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV; in Audi’s personal lineup, the Q6 E-Tron matches precisely between the compact This autumn E-Tron, a twin of the Volkswagen ID.4, and the marginally bigger Q8 E-Tron. It’s the most harmonious, satisfying electrical SUV now we have pushed up to now, and this bodes effectively for its Porsche Macan sister mannequin, which each Audi and Porsche engineers insist will characteristic noticeably totally different driving traits. Down the street, there will probably be an entry-level model with rear-wheel drive solely, and on the opposite finish of the market, we anticipate to see an ultra-powerful RS Q6 E-Tron. Quick is nice – particularly if Audi lastly manages to fast-track this solely German-built SUV to the markets as quickly as attainable.
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