The new Q6 e-tron is a great-looking SUV from every angle. The new PPE platform gives it ideal proportions, with short overhangs and a long wheelbase delivering plenty of space inside. At the front, the signature single-frame grille is upright with a surround in Selenite silver or gloss black. The flanks are sculpted to reduce any visual impression of bulk, while the rear wheel arches – quattro blisters, in Audi speak – remind you of Audi’s distinguished competition history back when quattro ruled the rally world. The glasshouse is stretched long and low over the body and tapers slightly towards the rear, though there’s ample headroom inside for adult passengers in the second row. On the practical side, the boot offers 526 litres of space, the second row of seats folds 40:20:40 for maximum versatility, and with all seats folded there’s a cavernous 1,529 litres of space in the back. Not forgetting a handy 64-litres of ‘frunk’ storage space under the bonnet.
FEATURES
The Audi Q6 e-tron features the world’s first active digital light signature via the daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED rear lights. With up to eight digital light signatures owners can customise the lights of their Audi – and the rear lights can even convey safety warnings and information to following traffic. Inside, Audi’s Digital Stage, which consists of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display, is thoughtfully integrated into the dash, giving the interior a generous and airy feeling of space. An additional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display with Active Privacy Mode allows the front passenger to stream video content, assist with navigation, or even find a charging station without distracting the driver. Audi's self-learning voice assistant, the Audi Assistant, is displayed as an avatar in the central touch display and understands more than 800 voice commands. Over the air updates ensure content is always up to date and a wide range of apps are available, including music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging, productivity, weather, and news services.
PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY
The new PPE platform puts a newly developed lithium-ion battery with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 net) low down in the floor for safety and a low centre of gravity. Different size electric motors on the rear and front axles deliver a rear-biased torque distribution as part of a highly variable all-wheel drive system, for enhanced dynamic driving characteristics. The Q6 e-tron quattro accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds while its sportier stablemate the SQ6 e-tron takes just 4.3 seconds (using launch control). Total range is up to 381 miles, and up to 158 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes at a suitably high-powered DC charging station. At launch, the Q6 e-tron will only be available with quattro all-wheel drive, though there will be further rear-drive models in due course.
SAFETY
Audi’s proximity detection system has been taken a step further in the new Q6 e-tron to include a rear communication light that can warn other road users in advance of accidents and breakdowns ahead. Other standard safety features include a 360° display parking system, swerve assist and turn assist, top-view camera, traffic-sign-based speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking in front and rear, camera-based traffic sign recognition, intersection assist, lane departure warning, lane change assistant and exit warning system, rear cross traffic assist, and rear turn assist. The Q6 e-tron will even monitor the driver’s attention levels and fatigue.
