The decisive progress Audi is making in premium sustainable mobility is embodied by the new Q6 SUV e-tron quattro and SQ6 SUV e-tron quattro, which are open for UK order today and priced at £68,975 (MDP) and £92,950 (MDP) respectively.
Notable as the first Audi production models to be built on the advanced new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron move the needle for the Vorsprung durch Technik brand in virtually every area, from performance, driving range, and charging to design, dynamics, and technological sophistication.
Among the headline attributes for the first phase of launch models are a driving range of up to 381 miles, superfast charging at up to 270kW courtesy of 800-volt technology, and exceptional connectivity, infotainment, and driver assistance systems facilitated by the increased computing power of new E3 1.2 electronic architecture.
“The Audi Q6 e-tron represents the true embodiment of Vorsprung durch Technik as we take the next step in our transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility,” commented Andrew Doyle, Director Audi UK. “It’s arrival not only brings huge advancements in battery recharging, on-board technology, and driving dynamics, but also signals the start of Audi’s most ambitious product initiative in history.”
From launch in the UK, two models will initially be available to order: the Q6 SUV e-tron quattro and SQ6 SUV e-tron quattro. The former is available with a choice of Sport, S line or Edition 1 specification options, with the flagship S model available in Edition 1 specification.
Later in 2024, the model line-up will expand to include an entry-level variant called the Q6 SUV e-tron (£59,975 MDP). This rear-wheel drive version uses a smaller 83kWh (gross) battery pack. It will be joined by an additional rear-wheel model called the Q6 SUV e-tron performance (£63,475 MDP), which will use the larger 100kWh (gross) battery.
New powertrain naming structure
The launch of this pivotal new electrified Audi will also herald the introduction of a simplified naming convention for the powertrain-related element of the brand’s model classifications, replacing the existing tiered numerical structure.
The entry-level, rear-wheel version of Audi’s mid-size electric SUV will simply be designated as Q6 e-tron Sport, S line, or Edition 1. The more powerful rear-wheel drive version will be classified as Q6 e-tron performance Sport, performance S line or performance Edition 1.
The Q6 SUV e-tron quattro drivetrain will power the first phase of UK launch models. With motors mounted on the front and rear axles driving all four wheels, they will be fittingly named Q6 e-tron quattro Sport, quattro S line, or quattro Edition 1.
The SQ6 e-tron quattro
With 490PS, a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.4 seconds and all-wheel-driven agility courtesy of its twin-motor configuration, the SQ6 SUV e-tron quattro is another worthy standard bearer for the time-honoured Audi S badge in its transition to the electrified age. Engaging launch control unlocks the maximum power output of 517PS, reducing the 0-62mph sprint to 4.3 seconds. As the second variant to spearhead the new SUV’s UK introduction, it will be available as the SQ6 SUV e-tron quattro Edition 1. Additional equipment for the flagship S model includes adaptive air suspension, a panoramic roof and OLED taillights.
