The first Audis to be underpinned by the brand’s new electrical architecture in Australia, Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Q6 e-tron (from $115,500 plus on-road costs) and SQ6 e-tron (from $151,400 plus on-road costs) were unveiled in Sydney last week. We were there to check out the new electric vehicles before they arrive at dealerships in Australia in early 2025.
Quite simply, these are the brand’s newest cars, and that means more comfort, convenience, and customisation. They’ll sit between the highly-anticipated Q4 and Q8 e-tron in Audi’s electric SUV lineup and provide a sharply priced alternative to cars like the Porsche Macan (from AU$128,400 plus on-road costs), which shares the same basic architecture. Despite its stature, they could also pull a few more eyes away from the new Cadillac LYRIQ and the Genesis GV70 electrified.
“Audi’s commitment to electric mobility continues to push boundaries, with the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron standing as remarkable examples of efficient innovation,” said Jeff Mannering, Director of Audi Australia. “These models embody our vision of premium, fully electric performance, setting new standards for what Australian customers can expect from the newest additions to our e-tron range.”
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Like all EVs, we need to address the stats first, including the range, power, battery size, and charge speeds. We’re pleased to see that the Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron are both very good on paper, with large batteries, quick acceleration, and fast charge speeds that cement both models are truly competitive luxury electric SUVs. Here’s how they stack up:
Q6 e-tron SUV Performance (rear-wheel drive) – from AUD$115,500
- Power (kW): 225 kW (240 kW launch control)
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.6 seconds
- Range: N/A (not shared)
- Battery size (kWh): 100 kWh, 800-volt
- Max DC charge rate: 260 kW
- Charge time (10-80%): 21 minutes
Q6 e-tron SUV Performance (rear-wheel drive) – from AUD$122,500
- Power (kW): 285kW
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 5.9 seconds
- Range: N/A (not shared)
- Battery size (kWh): 100 kWh, 800-volt
- Max DC charge rate: 270kW
- Charge time (10-80%): 21 minutes
SQ6 e-tron SUV – from AUD$151,400
- Power (kW): 380 kW
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 4.3 seconds
- Range: N/A (not shared)
- Battery size (kWh):
- Max DC charge rate: 270 kW
- Charge time (10-80%): 21 minutes
Standard features across the range include Matrix LED headlights, a favourite of ours every time we’ve tested Audis, and this time they’re configurable with digital daytime running lights and light signatures that give the front of your new Q6 e-tron a unique identity that stands out from the crowd.
Look inside the new Q6 e-tron and you’ll find not one, but three screens, all of which come as standard across the range. The driver gets an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, while the centre of the car is dominated by a 14.5-inch MMI touch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Finally, there’s now a third screen for the passenger, a 10.9-inch Android-based unit that includes entertainment and functionality, including but not limited to Audi Connect, navigation, streaming and settings controls. Don’t worry, the driver can’t see it.
It doesn’t stop there because there’s an augmented reality head-up display (standard on the SQ6 and optional on the Q6) which uses real-world visuals to guide you with necessary information. This works in conjunction with the headrest speakers, which are part of the optional Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system, to give you an uninterrupted guide. There’s a 10-speaker Audi sound system with a subwoofer as standard.
Each model comes highly specified, and even the entry-point to the range, the Q6 e-tron Performance features 19-inch alloy wheels, a full body colour paint finish, heating, folding, auto-dimming and memory function exterior mirrors, and an electric tailgate with gesture control for ultimate driver convenience. The interior gets electric, memory (for the driver’s seat only), Sport front seats with leather-appointed upholstery throughout the cabin, 3-zone climate control with a heated steering wheel and front and outer rear seats, ambient lighting, and plenty of storage.
If you’re looking for a little more fruit and extra oomph, the Q6 e-tron quattro comes with all these standard features, as well as S line exterior styling, 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in a matt grey gloss turned finish, and S line interior features with S embossing and contrasting stitching, black headlining, illuminated features throughout and an S line multifunction steering wheel, flattened at the top and bottom with S emblem for a sporty look. Of course, it’s more powerful, and quicker in a straight line, too.
Then there’s the range-topping SQ6 e-tron, which adds metallic paint, S exterior styling, matt
aluminium features, 21-inch Audi Sport wheels in a black metallic gloss-turned finish, panoramic
electrically opening sunroof, red brake callipers and privacy glass for a menacing and stylish
presence on the road. Inside you get Sport seats in fine Nappa leather with lumbar support and pneumatic massage functionality, colour ambient lighting, augmented reality head-up display and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System. It’s also the quickest Q6 e-tron in a straight line.
Options for the Q6 e-tron series include several packages, they include a Style Package that comes with “distinctive styling elements,” a Tech Pro Package that adds adaptive air suspension and OLED rear lights, and a Premium Package, which adds colour ambient lighting, augmented reality head-up display, Bang & Olufsen audio, and a panoramic sunroof.
Like all new Audi’s sold in Australia, the Q6 e-tron comes with a competitive 5-year warranty and 12-year manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles. Finally, there’s an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
The Q6 e-tron (from $115,500 plus on-road costs) and SQ6 e-tron (from $151,400 plus on-road costs), will arrive at dealerships in Australia in early 2025. More information can be found on the brands below.
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