The global success of the Tesla Model Y as the best-selling car of 2023 proves what we already know. Midsize premium SUVs are extremely popular right now (especially in America), and many shoppers in this class are interested and ready to make the switch to EVs. The new Audi Q6 e-tron and its sport-tuned SQ6 variant are aimed at the heart of this competitive segment and debut with a flurry of new technologies.
The Q6 is the first Audi model built on the new PPE electric vehicle platform shared with Porsche's next Macan EV, boasting faster charging and improved efficiency. This EV's dashboard features the automaker's latest generation technology and three OLED displays powered by Android and AI. Taillights are also breaking new ground with unique features that improve safety and style. Audi has pulled out all the stops for what could be the most important model in its battery-powered lineup and a significant step on the brand's path to full electrification.
Sitting between the three-row Audi Q8 e-tron and the compact Q4 e-tron in Audi's e-tron family, the Q6 measures 187.8 inches in overall length and has a wheelbase of 114.1 inches, competing precisely with the Model Y and VW It's a premium alternative to other midsize EV SUVs like the ID 4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Kia EV6. There is approximately 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the power liftgate. Up front, there's an additional 2.2 cubic feet of flank storage space for small carry-on-sized bags and charging cables. The interior of the car is spacious and can accommodate five passengers on a flat floor with no bumps. Audi also claims that the medium-sized E-tron SUV's towing capacity will exceed 2 tons (US).
EV performance and range
Underpinning the Q6 e-tron is the Volkswagen Group's new Premium Platform Electric Architecture, which is shared with the upcoming Porsche Macan EV. At launch, this SUV will be offered in two specifications, Q6 and SQ6, each with dual motor all-wheel drive. The front motor is an asynchronous (ASM) unit that provides on-demand torque to the front axle as needed. The rear permanent magnet (PSM) motor, on the other hand, is a bit more powerful and runs full-time. Both motors are designed to reduce the amount of heavy rare earth metals used in their construction and have identical rotor and stator diameters, allowing many components to be shared, saving cost and complexity. can. One notable shared component is each motor's integrated dry sump lubrication and cooling system. It takes inspiration from internal combustion engines in motorsport and injects oil directly into the electric motor's rotating components to improve thermal performance, efficiency and ultimately range.
The Q6 debuts in an all-wheel-drive SUV configuration, but rear-wheel-drive and Sportback models will join the family after launch.
In the US, the Q6 e-tron quattro has a total output of 315 kilowatts (or approximately 422 hp), but launch control bursts boost it to 340 kW (456 hp) for an estimated 5.0-second 0-60 mph sprint can. Meanwhile, the more powerful SQ6 e-tron reaches 60 mph in up to 4.2 seconds with a combined launch control sprint of 360 kW (483 hp) and 380 kW (510 hp). The SQ6's top speed of 143 mph is slightly higher than the Q6's 130 mph speed limit.
I was able to experience the SQ6's power firsthand by getting behind the wheel of a European-spec prototype for a very short first drive around the parking lot handling course at the Audi Brand Experience Center at Munich Airport. Dynamic Drive Mode is quick and extremely responsive, keeping both motors active while adding weight to the steering for a more precise feel. Efficiency mode, on the other hand, shuts down the front motor to increase range and maintain enough power for around town. I need more time to do more detailed driving impressions, so I'll return to the Q6 e-tron once the North American version arrives.
Both the Q6 and SQ6 configurations use a new 100 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack (94.9 kWh considering reserve), which requires less cobalt to produce and 50% more energy than the previous generation. It features a new chemical reaction that achieves density. Audi says this makes the Q6's pack 15% lighter than previous-generation EVs of the same capacity, reducing range by “more than 300 miles” between charges. (Actual EPA estimates have not yet been released.) The SQ6's performance upgrades, larger wheels and wider tires sacrifice a little range, but as of this article's publication, Audi did not say how much it would cost.
One battery works like two
Audi also claims that the new Q6's 800-volt architecture allows it to charge 30% faster than traditional EVs. At 800 volts, if you can find a DC fast charging station, the EV can charge up to 270 kW, rocketing the state of charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes. However, most of his DCFC stations found today operate on 400 volts. To address this, Audi's 800-volt battery can be split into two “virtual batteries” that charge in parallel at 400 volts each. In this mode, the maximum charging speed is reduced to 135 kW, but less energy is lost in voltage conversion, potentially saving charging time and costs.
When connected to a low-voltage DC fast charger, the Q6 e-tron's 800-volt battery can be split into two 400-volt banks.
One thing I've always liked about Audi's e-tron models is the availability of dual charging ports. This port is located on the rear fender of his Q6, giving him a little more flexibility when parking and charging at home. And the destination charger. Her CCS combo port on the driver's side supports DC fast charging and AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging. The passenger side port is AC only and accepts up to 9.6 kW/40A of North American single phase 240 volt power. Although Audi has promised to switch to the NACS standard, the Q6 e-tron will not be equipped with Tesla Port at launch.
Like most EVs, the Q6 can recover and recharge brake energy. Added his 5 regeneration modes that the user can select. These include a new one-pedal driving mode that initiates full regeneration when you lift off the accelerator, allowing you to stop the SUV without touching the brake pedal. With up to 220 kW of regeneration available in all modes, up to 95% of the braking energy is recovered at every stop, automatically balancing friction braking and regeneration as needed.
Active OLED technology
This wouldn't be an Audi debut without some new lighting technology that's too advanced for vehicle regulations here in the United States. The new Q6 e-tron is the first to use new generation LED and OLED technology. The front daytime running lights each feature 61 white LED segments, while the rear lights share 360 triangular digital OLED segments with an animated sequence that welcomes the driver when approaching or locking the vehicle. can be displayed. This feature also powers 11 user-selectable themes that customize the look and shape of the SUV's light signature. One theme also features animations that play while driving, using algorithms to ensure that the overall light output of the animation remains constant, reducing distraction for other drivers. . US regulations prohibit the use of moving lights in passenger cars, so you only get a static theme.
Next-generation OLED matrix rear lights feature user-selectable themes and driver aid icons.
Audi is thinking about how to use lighting technology to not just look cool, but to improve safety. For example, when the hazard lights are activated or the automatic emergency braking system is activated, the OLED taillight changes shape to form a triangular icon (similar to the shape of the hazard light button in most cars). , warns other drivers of danger. Audi also demonstrated a taillight configuration that lets pedestrians and other drivers know that the Q6 is performing an automatic parking maneuver or that a door to a bike lane is about to open. In either case, the impact is minimal and does not seem to affect visibility.
audi digital stage
Sit in the driver's seat and you'll be greeted by Audi's new triple-display digital stage MMI infotainment suite. This setup combines two flexible OLED displays, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 14.5-inch main touchscreen, into a single glass panel that curves around the steering wheel. This hardware runs the latest generation of Audi's Multimedia Interface (MMI) software, which is based on the Android Automotive OS. However, without Google Built-In, users would be using Audi's own curated marketplace instead of Google Play Services to download apps like Spotify, PlugShare, YouTube, and Beach Buggy Racing. Become. (By the way, video apps and games are restricted to use while parked and charging.)
Downloadable “functions on demand” features are also available in the Audi marketplace, including improved surround sound processing and cool-sounding alternative light signature themes. But mostly, this opens up the possibility of microtransactions and paywall features, but ultimately I'm not all that excited about it.
Completing this triple-screen rig is a 10.9-inch passenger display on the right edge of the dashboard. This is a full-featured infotainment interface that allows the front passenger to search for and send destinations to the main navigation screen, as well as select audio sources. Passengers can also watch video sources such as YouTube while the vehicle is in motion, thanks to an active privacy mode that prevents the driver from seeing or being distracted by the auxiliary screen.
The Q6 e-tron's cabin has fewer physical controls and more screens, but a new AI voice assistant system will (hopefully) reduce distractions.
This generation of MMI has fewer physical and tactile controls than before, but unfortunately more controls have moved to the touch screen and voice controls. To this end, the Q6 will be equipped with Audi's new AI voice assistant, which combines cloud-based and offline natural language recognition and has more than 800 functions, many with up to 100 variations. . The system can also answer knowledge-based questions about the vehicle itself (such as “How much pressure is in the tires?”) and general topics.
Directional microphones prevent a child in the backseat from yelling, “Hey Audi, navigate to Coldstone” to change your route. Only the driver can do that. If the vehicle detects that the driver is alone in the car, the hotword “Hey Audi” is not needed. Just speak out loud and the car will answer.
The Q6 e-tron also features a large augmented reality head-up display that projects speed, navigation and driver assistance information into the driver's field of vision. According to Audi, this HUD can also be used to play one of two games using the steering wheel controls when the e-tron is parked. Along the edge of the dashboard at the base of the windshield, users also notice the Audi interaction lights. This is a strip of 84 full-color LEDs that illuminate and animate to communicate various functions such as turn signals, driver assistance alerts, and traffic lights. AI assistant voice commands. This strip is visible from the outside of the vehicle and also acts as a charging indicator when plugged in. We've seen similar technology used in the Q6 e-tron's older cousin, the Volkswagen ID 4.
The SQ6 e-tron's more aggressive design and larger wheels visually demonstrate the increased power.
What’s next for the Audi Q6 e-tron?
Having reviewed the technology and taken a very short first drive in the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron SUVs, we are excited about this new addition to the EV world and look forward to spending more time behind the wheel. , I really want to experience and experience performance in real-life situations. See how Audi's unique approach to dashboard technology is deployed on the road.
The first Audi Q6 e-tron will be available to European customers this summer, with orders starting this month (March 2024) and prices starting at €74,700 (approximately $81,203). Prices in North America will almost certainly be considerably lower between the smaller Q4 ($56,395) and larger Q8 ($75,595) e-tron models, but the final MSRP has not been announced. More information will be released when reservations open on AudiUSA.com in the coming weeks.
After launch, we expect Audi to add a Sportback variant and two rear-wheel-drive configurations to the mix, including one long-range model and an entry-level model that's likely to use a smaller 83 kWh battery pack. specification). There may eventually be an even hotter RS Q6 e-tron version, but a representative for the automaker smiled and declined to confirm.
