The new Q6 E-Tron from Audi has faced delays in its launch, pushing the release to next year. However, the wait may be worthwhile. We traveled to the Faroe Islands, located between Scotland and Iceland, to test drive two versions of this highly anticipated fully electric SUV: the Q6 55 E-Tron with 396 horsepower, and the SQ6 with a whopping 510 horsepower.
The prototype disguise of the car is limited to white foil with red, pink, and purple accents, allowing the shape and many details to be clearly visible. With sportily chiseled lines and headlights split into an upper and lower part flanking an octagonal grille, the Q6 E-Tron displays an unremarkable but aesthetically pleasing design. Smaller wheel sizes will also be available, starting from 18 inches.
The Q6 E-Tron resembles the larger counterpart of the Q4 E-Tron from behind. The side view features a D pillar resembling a shark fin and exhibits a somewhat coupe-like appearance. However, Audi plans to introduce a Sportback version with a more swoopy roofline in addition to the regular Q6.
Upon initial inspection, the car may seem outdated, appearing as if it was designed in 2016 and should have been available two years ago. However, upon closer observation, the Q6 E-Tron reveals numerous intelligent features. The optional front matrix LEDs not only provide an adjusted glow on the road but can also be configured to display eight different daytime running light patterns.
The rear light clusters feature OLED technology and also offer the same number of patterns. These can be selected on both the MMI system and Audi’s phone app, allowing users to appreciate their aesthetic choices while standing next to the car. Audi takes pride in its long-standing leadership in lighting technology, but unfortunately, due to strict regulations in the U.S., most of these features will not be available on American shores.
Despite this, American customers will still enjoy the modern interior shared with European models. Although hidden beneath a plastic veil during our test drive, the Q6 E-Tron gives a glimpse of next-gen ambient lighting through voice commands. The placement of buttons and controls is precise, with satisfying tactile feedback. The Q6 features a futuristic four-spoke steering wheel, while the SQ6 comes with a more conventional three-spoke wheel.
Chassis and Powertrain
However, the main focus of this drive is the chassis and powertrain, evaluating the driving experience of the Q6 E-Tron. Built on the brand-new PPE architecture, which it shares with Porsche’s upcoming electric Macan, this SUV prioritizes dynamics with a multi-link rear axle and torque vectoring capability. The steering is quick and precise, power delivery favors the rear, and the car exhibits exceptional agility when turning corners, even allowing some playfulness with the tail on exit. Despite its weight, the Q6 E-Tron feels remarkably light and maintains a strong connection with the road surface, providing feedback to the driver. The brakes offer easy modulation, seamlessly transitioning from recuperation to hydraulic braking, unlike many other electric vehicles on the market. The SQ model offers a sportier driving experience compared to the Q6 E-Tron, but both versions strike a nice balance between comfort and dynamics.
The Q6 E-Tron impresses with its sheer power and performance, making the extra power of the SQ6 version potentially unnecessary. Both models provide a quiet and vibration-free driving experience, with quick accelerator response that is thankfully not as aggressive as in a BMW iX. Depending on the model and market, the range is expected to exceed 350 miles, thanks to the efficient powertrain and excellent aerodynamics. The car also offers a one-pedal driving setting and is well-prepared for off-roading.
Conclusion
In terms of competition, the Q6 E-Tron competes with the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Within Audi’s lineup, it fits between the compact Q4 E-Tron (a sibling of the Volkswagen ID.4) and the slightly larger Q8 E-Tron. The Q6 E-Tron is the most well-balanced and satisfying electric SUV we have driven thus far, which bodes well for the upcoming Porsche Macan, as both Audi and Porsche engineers assure that it will have noticeably distinct driving characteristics. In the future, there will be an entry-level version with rear-wheel drive only, as well as an ultra-powerful RS Q6 E-Tron. Fast is always desirable, especially if Audi succeeds in expediting the release of this exclusively German-built SUV to the market.