By Otsile Kadiege

Audi has officially lifted the veils of the all-new Q6 and SQ6 e-tron electric SUV. The newcomer ushers in a new design philosophy for Audi as well as a long list of new technologies, a new platform and architecture, extensive use of recycled materials, powerful motors and efficient battery packs with commendable range.

Unmistakably Audi

Audi is positioning the Q6 e-tron range as a premium mid-size electric SUV and it bears unmistakable Audi design cues. Some highlights include a closed three-dimensional Singleframe grille in selenite silver or gloss black, air intakes, slim and animated Matrix LED headlights, a contrasting gloss black panel on with “e-tron” badging on the doors, a slightly slopping D-pillar roofline, and a light strip connecting the second-generation OLED rear lights.

According to Audi, with the second-generation of digital OLED rear lights, the Audi Q6 e-tron takes lighting design, functionality, and therefore road safety to a new level. The second generation of innovative digital OLED technology not only shapes the appearance, but also increases the range of functions. The technology, which is debuting in the Audi Q6 e-tron, also sets new standards in terms of individualization: With a total of up to eight digital light signatures in the redesigned daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and in the digital OLED rear lights 2.0, owners can individualise their Q6 e-tron in a completely new way.

The exterior dimensions of the Audi Q6 e-tron is as follows: length of 4,771mm, a width of 2,193mm (including mirrors), a height of 1,702mm and a wheelbase of 2,899mm.

Roomy, high-tech interior

Inside, the interior of the Q6 e-tron has been designed with the users needs in mind. Audi says, the three-dimensional and high-contrast design of the interior deliberately places elements in the foreground or background, creating a spatial architecture that is tailored to the occupants in terms of design and ergonomics. Highlights include use of high-quality materials, some which are recycled, sports seats with quilted red stitching for the SQ6 e-tron, dashboard wrap-around ambient lighting, a flat-top and bottom multifunctional steering wheel, an augmented reality head-up display, an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch MMI touch display running on  Android Automotive OS, a 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display with Active Privacy Mode and a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system with 830 watts of power.

Thanks to the new PPE, which was developed specifically for e-mobility, the vehicle has a generous feeling of space and roominess as well as a high level of everyday practicality. The interior offers plenty of storage space and compartments. The increased comfort of the middle seat in the rear is typical of an electric car without a centre tunnel. The trunk offers 526 litres of storage space. If the rear seat bench is folded down, the storage space increases to up to 1,529 litres. The rear seats can be folded down separately (40:20:40). A further 64 litres of storage are optionally available in the frunk (front trunk) under the front hood – a convenient place to stow smaller travel bags, for example.

Advanced driver assistance systems

Relating to the driver assistance systems of the new Q6 e-tron, Audi provides a wide range of functions which are siad to significantly improve everyday driving and road safety for all road users.

Parking system plus with 360-degree display, 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, rear turn assist, and advanced driver attention and fatigue monitor system are all on board as standard from launch.

Park Assist Plus enables the vehicle to fully take over the entering and exiting parking manoeuvre for forwards and reverse parking in to kerbside and bay parking spaces between vehicles – the vehicle steers, accelerates, brakes and switches off the motor. Customers have the option of further assistance systems and a safety package as part of various equipment packages.

Performance

The electric Q6 e-tron range is powered by powerful, compact, and scalable electric motors. Currently there is a choice of two model derivatives, namely the base Q6 e-tron and the SQ6 e-tron. The former develops 285kW of power while the SQ6 e-tron has a system output of up to 380 kW when launch control is is engaged. Audi claims the all-wheel drive duo have zero to 100km/h sprint times of 5.9 and 4.3 seconds respectively. The Q6 e-tron has a top speed of 210km/h while the SQ6 e-tron will top out at 230km/h.

The Q6 e-tron range has a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 net). This battery pack avails a claimed range of 625km in the base model and 500km in the powerful version.

Availability

Audi South Africa says, the Q6 e-tron is under consideration for South Africa in Q4 2024 or Q1 2025.