Between the 4.59 m of the Q4 e-tron and the 4.92 m of the Q8 e-tron, there was room to slip in a new model. Even though it arrives two years late due to development issues with essential software at the VW group, this 4.71 m Q6 e-tron is not outdated. In fact, it is the opposite since, developed on the group’s new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform, which it shares with the Porsche Macan, This large SUV with rings benefits from a technical choice that is still rare: a battery operating at 800V.
800V battery = fast full
Which allows very fast full charges since it accepts charging powers of up to 270 kW in direct current (11 kW in alternating current on a wallbox) when all the conditions are met, i.e. a temperature of around 20-25°C, as well as a battery between 8% and 30% charge. In these ideal conditions, Audi announces that it can go from 10 to 80% in 21 minutes, and recover up to 255 km of autonomy in just 10 minutes, always in ideal conditions. A real plus for those wishing to do long journeys, especially since this 100 kWh battery (94.9 kWh usable for 570 kg on the scale), promises up to 623 km of autonomy on the WLTP cycle, that is to say a good 400-450 km in real life depending on use.
Two electric motor technologies
To achieve such a result, this PPE platform takes up an idea already used by Tesla, namely a rear permanent magnet electric motor (the best power/size ratio) and an asynchronous induction front motor, i.e. the technology which, unlike permanent magnets, does not consume electricity or brake when not in use. To further improve efficiency, the rear electric motor benefits from power electronics incorporating silicon carbide, an expensive technology but capable of limiting losses through heating, thus improving efficiency. Enough to control electricity consumption on a daily basis when only the rear motor is used, while delivering up to 387 hp in total when both electric units are used, when overtaking for example. On our route around Bilbao (Spain), the on-board computer fluctuated between 19 and 23 kWh/100 km on a route that often involved hills.
Performance and dynamism are there
Slopes which did not prevent this Q6 e-tron to demonstrate a real dynamism thanks to the 580 Nm of instant torque from its two electric motors. Whether you’re going uphill or not, overtaking is a formality despite the 2,350 kg announced. On these mountainous roads, which are rarely favourable to heavy machinery, It is even possible to play with the turns thanks to a really efficient chassis, equipped with a sharp front end – thanks to the variable ratio steering – and a rear end with impeccable stability. You just have to remember that in this case, adopt a smooth driving style even if it is fast, because otherwise the front tires will scream their disapproval at the same time as the trajectory will widen with a large understeer. And then you will have to keep this even more in mind on slippery roads (rain, snow, etc.), because although the anti-skid ESP keeps an eye on things efficiently, with such a mass it will not be able to do much against the laws of physics.
Air suspension – optional – for comfort
With this in mind, the driver, despite the steering being a little too assisted to really feel the limits of grip approaching (it’s a little better by activating the Sport mode of this steering) will be able to so have fun if the route is winding, all without shaking your passengers thanks to the beautiful progressiveness of the suspensions, including on degraded roads. But it must be said that we had the air suspension with controlled damping option on our test model (€2,260 in Pack), and that the classic suspension, equipped with metal springs and FSD shock absorbers – passive with two laws depending on the stress – will obviously provide much less softness. If the comfort on board is taken care of with the most sophisticated suspension, including choosing the Sport mode which remains entirely usable on a daily basis, we also appreciate the beautiful habitability in the second row, with a seat not too close to the ground despite the presence of the battery under the floor.
A warm welcome on board
Satisfaction also for the very spacious hold, announced at 526 Dm3. Audi has even provided a 64 l trunk under the front hood to accommodate the charging cables, but it is an option at €270! In the front seats, this Q6 e-tron offers a neat dashboard, which accommodates two screens, one 11.9 inches for the counters, the other 14.5 inches touch screen for infotainment, These two are complemented, on the S Line finish, by a third 10.9-inch dedicated to the passenger. Equipped with beautiful graphics and very responsive, These screens are unfortunately surrounded by a “black lacquered” plastic, a material that attracts dust and where fingerprints remain too visible. And then if the central screen allows you to program certain shortcuts, The very large number of functions and the fact that some are scattered across several menus and submenus makes daily use a little complicated. This is the case, for example, when choosing between the many regenerative braking modes, or when removing its Auto mode, which is rather well managed, except in town where it disrupts the dosage of the ends of braking. Fortunately, The efficient voice command allows you to control a number of functions, such as GPS, music, heating/air conditioning, etc., without taking your eyes off the road or taking your hands off the steering wheel.
At a high price, as is often the case with Audi
A set of qualities that This Q6 e-tron unfortunately charges a high price, as is often the case with Audi, starting at €83,450 (€87,550 in our S Line finish). A 326 hp and 440 Nm rear-wheel drive variant, oddly named Performance, starts at €77,400 (deliveries at the start of the school year), before a entry-level model with 84 kWh battery not coming next yearAt the other end of the range, the 516 hp SQ6 e-tron version starts at €99,870.
