It's difficult to find a place in the family electric SUV segment when a certain Tesla Model Y transforms any competitive desire into a simple anecdote.
Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX3 and others are forced to live in the shadow of this bulky, lonely American at the top of sales thanks in particular to a very competitive price.
However, this does not prevent Audi from entering the dance, with its Q6 e-tron. However, the manufacturer's sales objectives remain modest: 2,220 units per year in France, once the range is fully deployed. The new player will not overshadow the Model Y reference which sold 37,127 units in 2023 here.
Its more upscale positioning and its much higher prices, for equivalent services, partly explain this realism. Behind a conservative style with an air of déjà vu at Audi, the newcomer gives himself the technical means to achieve his ambitions.
By borrowing the so-called “PPE” platform, launched by the Porsche Macan, it refuses nothing: 800 volt architecture, charging power of 270 kW and theoretical autonomy set between 547 and 639 km depending on the model chosen. With such an arsenal, the battery with a net capacity of 94.9 kWh recovers 10 to 80% of its electrons in 21 minutes.
Pending the arrival of an accumulator with a more modest capacity of 83 kWh and a fastback body called according to the house tradition “Sportback”, the Q6 e-tron is available in three versions: e-tron Performance Propulsion 306 hp, e-tron Quattro 387 hp and “our” SQ6 e-tron of the day with 489 hp.
This S version, which slots in between the 408 hp of the Macan 4 and the 639 hp of the Macan Turbo, promises sport behind the wheel while avoiding overshadowing the noble cousin.
Audi SQ6 E-tron (2024): incomparable softness
From the first laps of the wheels, our SQ6 exudes that incomparable smoothness that makes these battery-powered vehicles so pleasant on a daily basis. Its braking feels perfectly natural for an electric model and is particularly easy to control, promoting smooth driving.
Its five regeneration modes when you take your foot off the accelerator also allow you to do without it if necessary. Ranging from freewheel to one pedal, including a rather well-inspired automatic function, they adapt to all types of driving.
Its 4.77 m long, 1.97 m wide and massive hood obviously do not make the machine an accomplished city dweller and still do not allow it to park in a mouse hole, but its cameras 360° and parking assistance make the task easier.
At the same time, the air suspension fitted as standard on our S version filters urban bumps with enough tact to provide very good comfort, even with the imposing optional 21-inch rims. This SQ6 also reveals its talents on long journeys where its careful soundproofing works wonders.
Only a few rolling noises disturb a quiet environment. While waiting to carry out our own measurements, we noted a consumption of 21.7 kWh/100 km on a motorway journey. At this rate, the 569 to 590 km of autonomy promised on the technical sheet appears very optimistic.
Audi SQ6 E-tron (2024): a range of between 400 and 450 km
It will be more necessary to count on a range of action between 400 and 450 km in real life: an overall average value. It drops further by abusing the right pedal. The 489 hp, or even 516 hp in Boost mode, generate lightning accelerations and accelerations that would put many sports cars to shame.
This immediate availability, specific to electric models, goes well with a rather dynamic chassis, despite the absence of rear wheel steering offered as an option on the Macan cousin. The steering, which is both too light and uninformative, does not prevent the front train from being sufficiently solid on a more demanding route.
Especially since it combines with rigorous damping that well contains body movements in Dynamic mode. The brakes reassure with their ability to keep up the pace, but the complaints of the front tires tortured by the more than 2,400 kg of the assembly end up signaling the end of the recreation.
At a more peaceful pace, occupants then benefit from a fully digital cabin, including three screens, including one for the front passenger. These technologies impress more than their questionable integration on a dashboard where the presentation appears a little convoluted compared to what we have the right to expect from an Audi.
The rear passengers have a firm seat and a lower leg length than the benchmarks. However, it remains sufficient for large people to be able to extend them properly. The trunk announced at 514 dm3 on our S version is quite roomy, although a Tesla Model Y offers more volume.
It adds a small optional loading space of 64 dm3 at the front and some practical aspects to satisfy its family desires. The S version also offers a generous standard price, but at more than €100,000, with a few options, the bill turns out to be too steep. Far too much even.
Audi SQ6 E-tron: its pluses?
- Performances
- Comfort/dynamism
- Technology
Audi SQ6 E-tron: its minuses?
- Exaggerated price
- Excessive weight
- Complicated ergonomics
The balance sheet of the Auto-Journal : 3/5
The Audi Q6 e-tron meets what is expected of a family electric SUV: large battery, fast charging, performance, comfort, technology. But the price remains excessive, especially given the benefits of a Tesla Model Y, certainly less luxurious, but much more accessible.
Audi SQ6 E-tron: in figures
Find our first test of the Audi SQ6 E-tron in the Auto-Journal n°1166 you 05/09/2024.
