As the German luxury company looks to revamp its product line, the Q6 e-tron is more than just another Audi SUV; it heralds a new wave of electric vehicles built on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) scalable architecture.
The new Porsche Macan, which was just launched, is the first of the premium EVs in the Volkswagen Group, and the PPE architecture, which was developed with Porsche, is essential to it.
Returning to the design of the Q6 e-tron, it is larger than the Q5 but also has a more angular appearance with a good measure of swagger in those precise dimensions. The single-frame grille and the smaller headlamps, together with their short overhangs and sharp creases, give the vehicle an aggressive appearance while being bordered by some classic Audi design elements.
Increased perceived breadth of the car is further enhanced by wider rear tires and wraparound OLED tail lamps joined by an LED light bar. Its measurements are as follows: it is 4,771 mm long, 2,193 mm wide (mirrors included), and 1,702 mm tall. The modular design also guarantees a lengthy 2,899 mm wheelbase.
The interior of this SUV is packed with technology, with even more screens being added, making the dashboard design less somber than in some of the current Audi SUVs.
With a programmable 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen—along with a 10.9-inch screen for the passenger—Audi’s design philosophy is all about trying for a more “digital” appearance. Audi has restricted the usage of haptic feedback buttons in addition to reducing the number of physical buttons to simply the volume knob in other places.
A digital key, an augmented reality Head-Up Display, an AI-powered digital assistant, and a new Android Automotive OS for the infotainment system are some more inside highlights.
Like with all new luxury vehicles, this one has some sustainability features built in. Recycled materials are used for some of the plastic parts, such as the cloth seats and the trunk. Along with a host of driver assistance features, there’s also a strong focus on luxury, featuring a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
For the time being, Audi is aiming for maximum power with the Q6 e-tron, which has a dual-motor architecture and a newly built 100 kWh lithium-ion battery made up of 180 prismatic cells and 12 modules. This translates to a more than sufficient range of more than 600 kilometers.
Power is also plenty, with the’standard’ Q6 e-tron producing 380PS and the range-topping SQ6 producing over 500bhp in addition to a sneaky launch control feature. Naturally, it also has a maximum charging capacity of 270 kW and 800-volt technology.
“Built on the new PPE platform, the Audi Q6 e-tron is the next technological leap in premium electric mobility for our customers,” stated AUDI AG Chairman of the Board of Management Gernot Döllner. This statement highlights the importance of the new SUV for the company, as a lot is riding on it.