First Drive: 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron

For discerning luxury EV crossover consumers seeking more practicality than the Audi Q4 e-tron can offer, but possessing a smaller footprint than the Q8, there’s a new player in town: the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron.

“This is the start of something new for us … it’s all new interior exterior design language, new user friendly interface in terms of the MMI, up to 321 miles of range on the car, fast charging, the 800-volt system, continued lighting leadership — you’ll see that with all of the lights being able to be programmed for eight different settings that you can use on the front and then also on the rear on the SQ6,” said Mark Dahncke, Audi of America communications director, during a media briefing at a drive event held two hours north of San Francisco.

“Excellent safety, compelling driving dynamics. This is something that was dialed up on the car, maybe versus what was previously a Q5 for example. And then the last thing: new levels of personalization across the board, whether it be in the digital space, or whether it be in the lighting space or even in Drive Select modes and things of that nature.”

Think of the new model as a sort of zero emissions Q5, but built on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings shared with the Porsche Macan EV. Measuring 4,771 millimetres long, 1,939 wide and 1,658 tall, the 2,899-millimetre wheelbase provides the mid-size SUV plenty of interior space and a well-proportioned overall look.

The e-tron-exclusive solid Singleframe grille gives the otherwise I.C.E.-esque exterior a slightly futuristic appearance, especially in the Glacier white metallic colour press vehicles we piloted. Digital daytime running lights are stacked on top of the sleek matrix LED headlights plus (Technik trim), boasting customizable effects as mentioned above, complementing the muscular “quattro blisters” found on the body panels and sporty slightly sloping roof.

Audi has always been on the forefront of in-car technology, releasing the virtual cockpit in the TT way back in 2014. Now in 2024, the Q6 debuts the E3 (End-to-End Electronic architecture) software powering the Digital Stage infotainment system.

Comprised of a stunning curved 11.9-inch OLED virtual cockpit joined to a 14.5-inch centre display, buyers can add a 10.9-inch passenger screen (Technik) allowing the right seat occupant to stream his or her own content or access any of the native Android Automotive OS apps. A second-gen augmented reality head-up display (Progressiv and Technik) projects speed limits, GPS arrows and other useful information right onto the windshield.

Our top-of-the-line pressers had the sport seats, which unlock the 20-speaker, 830-watt Bang & Olufsen $500 option bundling the headrest speakers. Having turn-by-turn navigation audio emitted at ear-level certainly ensures you won’t miss any directions, and also doesn’t disturb other people in the cabin enjoying their music or podcasts. Behind the second row is 767 litres of cargo space, or fold down the 40:20:40 bench to open up a total of 1,529 litres.

Currently, the Q6 is offered in quattro all-wheel drive format (i.e., no RWD model), utilizing dual electric motors generating 422 horsepower, or 456 horsepower when launch control mode engaged. Acceleration is quick and instant — no surprise — and never once broke traction even in a downpour during the long and windy prescribed driving route around northern California. The classic sharp Audi handling is courtesy here of five-link independent front/rear suspension. Towing capacity is rated at 1,996 kg (4,400 lbs).

The high 94-kilowatt-hour net capacity battery operating at 800 volts yields up to 494 kilometres of range. If connected to a DC fast charger outputting a maximum of 270 kilowatts, getting the e-tron from 10 to 80 per cent takes only about 21 minutes. A full top-up via standard Level 2, 240-volt charging at 9.6-kilowatts takes around 10 hours.

In addition to the regular Q6, a factory souped-up SQ6 variant is available as well bumping performance to 483 horsepower (509 with launch control), and featuring bigger 20 or 21-inch wheels, red brake calipers, adaptive air suspension and more.

Both zero emissions crossovers are the first EVs to be produced at the brand’s plant in Ingolstadt, Germany. The former is sold in three trims (quattro, Progressiv and Technik) and prices start at MSRP $83,895, while the latter has just Progressiv and Technik starting at $100,045. Finally, coupé-style crossover enthusiasts should be on the lookout for a Sportback version to join the lineup shortly.