2024 Audi Q6 e-tron debuts with up to 625 km EV range

Q6 e-tron is first Audi production EV using new PPE platform

It’s been a lengthy development phase for Audi and its next-generation EVs, but finally, the first model underpinned by the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) has made its global debut.

Audi has revealed the all-new Q6 e-tron. And yes, the model represents the new wave of EVs and hybrids of the Ingolstadt brand.

Now, what’s so special about the Q6 e-tron? Well, with the new Premium Platform Electric architecture, it features an 800-volt system that charges faster and uses smaller batteries to reduce curb weight. Furthermore, fewer precious metals are required which reduces production costs.

Size-wise, the Q6 e-tron measures 4771mm long, 1993mm wide, and 1648mm tall with a 2899mm wheelbase. Audi calls the Q6 e-tron’s design language as “sporty, progressive, and perfectly proportioned” as it features dynamic character lines and creases all throughout the bodywork of the electric SUV.

The Q6 e-tron is also the first Audi model to have the brand’s improved LED technology that is found on both the front and the rear of the car. Apart from providing better visibility on the road, the LED’s active digital light signatures can also be configured for better personalization.

Inside, the Q6 e-tron features a high-contrast interior design with the use of beige, gray, and black elements while the layout emphasizes ergonomics. The new Audi MMI panoramic display combines an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The latter uses Android Automotive OS, but at the same time supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Meanwhile, the front passenger also gets a 10.9-inch display with an active privacy mode to prevent driver distraction. As part of the optional package, there’s an augmented reality heads-up display that integrates road signs, speed, distance, and navigation symbols on a large tinted image plane on the windshield. For your listening pleasure, there’s a 20-speaker Bang&Olufsen premium sound system with 830 watts of power.

As for its powertrain, Audi is initially offering the Q6 e-tron in two variants, which come standard with quattro all-wheel-drive. Depending on the market, rear-wheel-drive versions designed for range are also set to follow.

The standard version in particular puts out 387 PS, propelling the all-wheel-drive EV from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/h. Meanwhile, the SQ6 e-tron bumps up power to the tune of 517 PS, sending the EV to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds. The SQ6 e-tron has a higher top speed, reaching 230 km/h.

Under the WLTP cycle, Audi says the Q6 e-tron can reach up to 625 km on a single charge while the SQ6 can travel up to 598 km. Thanks to the new 800-volt technology, the Q6 e-tron gets a maximum charging capacity of 270 kW. This makes the EV capable of short charging stops, adding up to 255 km of range in just 10 minutes at an appropriate DC high-power charging station.

If a charging station works with 400‑volt technology, the Audi Q6 e-tron has a feature called bank charging. The 800‑volt battery is automatically divided into two batteries at equal voltage, which can then be charged in parallel with up to 135 kW. Depending on the state of charge, both halves of the battery are first equalized and then charged simultaneously. AC charging with up to 11 kW is possible at standard home chargers.

Audi says the Q6 e-tron and the SQ6 e-tron are now available to order in the EU market, with deliveries set to start by Q3 2024. Philippine launch, on the other hand, is yet to be confirmed. But considering the timelines, the Q6 e-tron could arrive by late 2024 or even 2025.