With a claimed range of 625 km – so yes, Durban is in sight – the new Audi Q6 e-tron that could be introduced locally towards the end of the year or early next year, is a joint development with Porsche and, what is more, offers a 10 minute charging time for 255 kilometres of travel.
It is the first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), and underpins Audi’s promise to offer electric vehicles in all core segments by 2027.
“Built on the new PPE platform, the Audi Q6 e-tron is the next technological leap in premium electric mobility for our customers," says Gernot Döllner, chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG.
"The PPE shows how we are pooling expertise within the Volkswagen Group and thus making electric mobility scalable. Thanks to the PPE, we can launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments and thus further electrify our portfolio."
The lithium-ion battery is composed of 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells, has a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94,9 net). System output is 285 kW, while the SQ6 e-tron, when the extra function is engaged, pushes this to 380 kW.
At the time of its market launch, the Audi Q6 e-tron will be available in two all-wheel-drive model variants but, more efficient models designed for range and featuring rear-wheel drive will be introduced, marking the entry into the Q6 e-tron series.
The Audi Q6 e-tron quattro boasts an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,9 seconds, while the SQ6 e-tron accomplishes the same in just 4,3 seconds. The top speeds for these vehicles are 210 and 230 km/h, respectively.
The Q6 e-tron takes advantage of 800-volt technology and a maximum charging capacity of 270 kW as standard, enabling short charging stops. At a suitable High Power Charging (HPC) station, up to 255 km can be recharged in 10 minutes. The state-of-charge (SoC) can increase from 10% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes, thanks to intelligent, high-performance, and predictive thermal management.
The Q6 e-tron comes equipped with Plug & Charge, which allows the vehicle to authorise itself at compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in, initiating the charging process automatically. AC charging with up to 11 kW is possible at standard home chargers.
Yes. We do have pre-owned Audi e-tron models available - click here
In terms of design, the Audi Q6 e-tron is positioned in the premium midsize segment. The SUV, with its length of 4 771 millimetres, width of 1 993 millimetres, and height of 1 648 millimetres, offers space, comfort, and practicality for everyday use.
The Audi Q6 e-tron has high-positioned digital daytime running lights and the vehicle’s greenhouse is stretched low and taut over the body, tapering slightly towards the rear. The gently sloping D pillars merge into the shoulders of the bodywork, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance and making the cabin appear elongated.
With the Q6 e-tron, Audi is not only ushering in a new era of electric mobility but also making strides in an essential part of Audi’s DNA – lighting technology. The world’s first active digital light signature driven by a software module in one of the five domain computers of the Audi Q6 e-tron enables this form of light signature.
In the case of the second-generation digital OLED rear lights, six OLED panels with a total of 360 segments generate a new image every 10 milliseconds using a specially developed algorithm. This makes the light in the new Audi Q6 e-tron appear more vibrant and intelligent than ever before.
At the front, the active digital light signature is created by the algorithm interacting with 12 segments that dim up and down. At the rear, all digital OLED segments are used for this purpose. The individual light segments interact in such a way that the total light intensity of the light signature remains constant.
The optional Augmented Reality Head-Up Display reflects a large, tilted image plane across the windshield towards the driver and shows relevant information such as speed, traffic signs, assistance, and navigation symbols. The image plane is tilted forwards and the focus of the human eye moves with it. This process and the far virtual distance of the image create the impression the elements shown are floating up to 200 metres away.
The new infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system for the first time so content is always up to date thanks to over-the-air updates. The latest Audi connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner, included as standard, are always up to date. Apps such as YouTube are available via the store for third-party apps, which is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone.
The store gives customers access to a wide range of apps. Applications from categories including the following are available at launch: Music, video, gaming, navigation, parking & charging, productivity, weather, and news services. The store is constantly being expanded and the app portfolio is market specific.
Feel the need to do some head-banging – The Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system drives 20 loudspeakers with 830 watts of power. Four of these are integrated into the headrests of the front seats, for the first time enabling sound zones in an Audi.
Materials prepared using recycling processes reduce the use of primary resources in the production of the Q6 e-tron and ensure a closed and therefore efficient and sustainable material cycle. In addition to materials made from recycled polyester, the plastic components typical of electric models such as the frunk and the adjacent covers in the front section of the Q6 e-tron are also made from recycled material.
More information will be provided when Audi South Africa decides on a launch date.
Colin Windell
Proudly CHANGECARS
