The next level

Hot on the heels of the Audi Q4 e-tron’s official release Down Under, the all-new Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron models have likewise made their antipodean debut, bringing an impressive arsenal of performance, drivability and the very latest in technology to the hotly contested mid-sized luxury segment.

But far from simply being a larger version of the Q4 e-tron models, the Q6 e-tron is the first Audi to be built on its Premium Platform Electric (PPE) developed in partnership with sister brand Porsche and represents a completely new vehicle from the ground up.

Measuring in at 4771mm long, 1939mm wide (not counting the wing mirrors) and 1648mm high, the Q6 e-tron slots perfectly into the mid-sized luxury ranks where its ICE (internal combustion engine) sibling, the Audi Q5, has long been heralded as the ‘sweet spot’ in terms of size, appointment and practicality. 

The Q6 e-tron’s 2899mm wheelbase allows for outstanding interior space for up to five adult passengers, with 526 litres of luggage space in the rear with all of the seats in use and another 64 litres under the bonnet. It perfectly fulfils the brief of being a vehicle that can deal with all that daily life throws at it, but also one that is equally at home in city driving or taking on long trips fully laden with the family and all of their gear.

It represents state-of-the-art across electric drive and battery technology, as well as in-car technology and infotainment, and of course, safety, with more than 30 leading-edge safety and driver assistance systems quietly going about their business in the background, monitoring the vehicle and its surrounds for potential threats and situations that might require lightening intervention.

When it comes to powertrains, customers can choose from three variants, with the Q6 Sportback e-tron models set to join the line-up towards the end of the year. 

The range kicks off with the rear-wheel drive Q6 e-tron performance model at $115,500* which produces 225kW of power (240kW using launch control) and 485Nm of torque. With up to 558 kilometres of range on a single charge and with fast charging up to 270 kW, it resolves any issue of range anxiety while giving nothing away in terms of performance.

The Q6 e-tron quattro ($122, 500*) adds a second motor to the equation for an output of 285kW and up to 580Nm of torque, but even with the significant step up in terms of performance, still comfortably delivers over 500 kilometres on a single charge (542km).

Topping the range is the SQ6 e-tron quattro which brings all of the performance and additional luxury attributes for which the S models are known. Twin electric motors output 360kW of power in ‘normal’ operating mode, but boost up to 380kW using the launch control. Maximum torque is 580Nm, but despite this, the SQ6 e-tron can still deliver up to 568 kilometres of range on one full charge.

All three variants use the very latest 100 kWh (94.9 kWh net) lithium-ion battery with 800 V architecture and capacity to charge at up to 270kW. This unit represents a quantum leap in terms of battery technology, weighing 15 percent less than the first batteries on the original Audi e-tron models just five years ago, and taking 30 percent less time to charge. 

In fact with its 270kW charging performance, 255km of range can be added in just 10 minutes, while increasing charge from 10 percent to 80 percent is accomplished in 21 minutes. 

Regardless of the variant you choose, the Q6 e-tron is fast. With all four wheels putting the power down to the road on the quattro models, burying the right foot into the firewall sees you firmly pushed back into the sports seats as it races from standstill to hit 100km/h 5.9 seconds (in the Q6 e-tron quattro). 

That number drops dramatically to 4.3 seconds when you get behind the wheel of the SQ6 e-tron and employ the launch control, but both variants feel fast and responsive, both in a straight line and when the roads become more interesting (the rear-wheel drive Q6 e-tron performance was not available to drive on launch).

That instantaneous acceleration is perhaps best employed on winding roads and out of bends on faster, flowing country blacktop where both models deliver an engaging driving experience that is going to satisfy those who like to push on when the roads and the situation allows. 

For the most part, both of these models will see the bulk of their driving around town or on freeways, where they are super smooth and comfortable, particularly with the adaptive air suspension. This delivers a silky ride on decent roads through to the great Australian B roads and even manages to iron out badly broken surfaces.

The ability to adjust the regeneration allows one pedal driving which quickly becomes second nature, or the use of the steering panels to wash off speed is nothing short of addictive over time.

Driving the Q6 e-tron is effortless in all day- to-day conditions, and on long distance drives. On shorter, more spirited outings, it feels planted and unflappable at speed, making for a great getaway vehicle – that’s holiday not heist.

Regardless of the driving conditions, inside the Q6 e-tron is a great place to be. The interior takes Audi’s reputation for producing outstanding luxury cabins to a new level. All of the traditional aspects of an Audi interior you’ve come to know are there in terms of quality and execution, but the design and integration of next level technology is fresh and exciting. Materials are of the highest order and the finish is impeccable, while the design adheres to the idea of clean lines and a distinct lack of clutter, but that clean aesthetic has certainly not been produced at the expense of practicality.

Placement of the screens has been carefully thought out to maximise their usability by the driver and front passenger, yet they form part of the digital stage rather than being a succession of screens ‘stuck on’ to the dash. The addition of the passenger screen has likewise been carefully considered and the masking system, used to shield it from the driver and stop it causing distraction once underway, is another practical solution elegantly handled.

The cabin is of course supremely comfortable, quiet and roomy, the PPE having been used to good effect to maximise interior space for passengers and provide plenty of storage as well. Rear seat passengers are well catered for and the absence of a transmission tunnel means extra leg room for the middle passenger as well.

From the driver’s seat, there is an immediate familiarity, despite the new design. There is no doubting you are behind the wheel of an Audi, even if that wheel features the flattened top and bottom first seen in the Q4 e-tron recently. 

Some of the controls too feature a new treatment, with touch panels on the door arm rests for example, featuring touch pads with haptic feedback. There is nonetheless that familiar placement and intuitive usage you would expect from Audi – and there is no hunting around to find anything.

As the driver, this of course allows you to keep your eyes on the road, and to that effect, the augmented head-up display is outstanding. Quite aside from the enhanced navigation directions which literally place turn arrows right over the appropriate street, the numbers indicating speed actually stretch as you accelerate and seem to bunch up as you brake, enhancing the feeling of speed and deceleration. Likewise, the system highlights as you drive from one speed zone into another, the new speed limit displayed larger as you transition from one to another, just incase you missed the physical sign outside the car.

The system is again, carefully considered and designed to enhance the driving experience, and this completely new approach to head-up displays quickly becomes familiar and after a relatively short drive you wonder how you ever managed without it.

The augmented head-up display is just one of the highlights that can be found as standard equipment on the top-spec SQ6 e-tron. Other standard inclusions include adaptive air suspension, 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels with red brake calipers, and OLED rear tail lights. An electric panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsoen sound system and colour ambient lighting package are likewise on the inclusions list, while S sport seats in fine Nappa leather with massage function, elevate the the ‘in house’ experience even further.

The augmented head-up display and other key items can also be added to other models in the line-up with four additional packages available to Q6 e-tron owners looking to tailor their vehicle to suit specific lifestyle needs. 

The augmented head-up display is part of the Premium package ($8,900*) which includes a panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen sound system, colour ambient interior lighting package and high charging capacity USB ports and acoustic glazing for the front windows.

There is also a Style package for Q6 e-tron performance ($5,500*) which adds S line exterior, 20-inch Audi Sport alloys and black exterior package. Or the Style package forQ6 e-tron quattro ($3,600*) which upgrades wheels to 21-inch Audi Sport alloys among with the black exterior package and privacy glass.

There is also a Tech pro package ($4,900*) which adds adaptive air suspension, electric steering wheel column and digital OLED tail lights.

The Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron land in a segment of the market that perhaps asks the most of its entrants. Vehicles are expected rise to the occasion – every occasion – and to hit the mark in terms of size, appointment and luxury finish, but also offer up practicality and drivability as and when the situation arises. Both the Q6 e-tron and the SQ6 e-tron impress with their arsenal of performance, ride and handling coupled with serious range and ease of use. They represent vehicles that are well sorted in every respect and effectively boast all of the ingredients that have endeared the Q5 to a legion of fans in the internal combustion ranks.

This is mid-sized luxury vehicle that nails the brief and then some. Whether you are a driver, a technophile or just looking for a supremely competent and comfortable luxury SUV, look no further.

Visit the Audi Australia website for more information on the Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron models.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)