They had to wait longer than they would have liked for this moment. Much longer even. Because of internal quarrels and problems with the new group electronics, the start has been delayed again and again. But because at some point even the most patient developer will run out of patience, Audi has now lifted the veil and asked them to take the new Q6 out for the first time. After all, the Bavarians urgently need good news and, above all, a new car – and they come in the slipstream of the Q6 some. Most recently, they were only allowed to convert group models and had to keep their feet still for two years. Now – admittedly: together with Porsche – they have developed their own electric platform for the first time. In addition to the Q6, three other models are to come next year.
Before the end of the year, the Q6 will also take off the last covers and then start in early 2024 for estimated prices of initially a good 70,000 euros against cars such as the Mercedes EQE, Volvo EX90, Tesla Model X and the many new electric SUVs from China.
No surprise with the shape and format
There is an off-road vehicle with a common format and pleasing shape. Because even if the Q6 is supposed to be a liberation for Audi, the Bavarians don’t want to do any experiments.
The design therefore looks familiar – from the closed single-frame grille, which has been a feature of Audi for around 20 years, to the flared fenders over the rear axle. And only the headlights set new accents. For the first time there are dynamic light signatures at the front, which the driver can choose freely.
And in the future, the next generation of organic light-emitting diodes will flicker and shimmer at the rear, which now even communicates with the person behind using simple graphics.
The dimensions are also standard: With a length of around 4.80 meters, it fits in well between the e-tron models Q4 and Q8, but with a wheelbase of almost three meters it offers an above-average amount of space, especially for the backbenchers. It also has almost as much boot space as an electric Q8, which offers 569 litres. Then there is the compartment under the front hood (“Frunk”).
Digital revolution in the interior
The developers promise that there will be a lot more to do inside, with a view to the new electronic architecture. However, they still prevent concrete insights with the usual camouflage mats. However, a large, free-standing screen is already emerging underneath, which bends over the center console.
There is said to be a major advance in the head-up display. And everything you can already see is emphatically clean and largely devoid of switches, which are bundled with a new control island in the door handle.
But what is really important is the technical basis, for which Audi has turned the wheel quite a bit. As previously only in the niche of the e-tron GT, there is now also an 800-volt architecture for the masses, which enables charging capacities of up to 270 kW.
In the best-case scenario, the electricity for 250 kilometers flows in ten minutes. And in order to close the gap between theory and practice in terms of range, Audi is installing a new, intelligent heat pump and regulating the comfortable temperature of the battery even more intelligently.
Up to 600 kilometers range and over 500 hp to start with
In the medium term there will be at least four engine and probably two battery variants. So far, however, Audi has only confirmed the 100 kWh battery, for a range of over 600 kilometers and a Q6 55 Quattro with two engines and 295 kW/402 hp or an SQ6, in which the machines come to 380 kW/517 hp. This enables a sprint value of less than 4.5 seconds and should be enough for 200 km/h.
Speed is particularly important this time. Because while the first e-tron, like the Q4 constructed from the Wolfsburg parts kit, drove a wedge of listless randomness between the driver and the road, the Q6 is as committed to business as it was in Audi’s wildest years. A steering with increasing sharpness, a particularly tight chassis with steel or air springs and a Quattro drive, which gives the rear a little more emphasis, drive the corners of the mouth upwards with every curve. See, it works!
Conclusion: Finally back in the premier league
Apparently he looks and drives well. If the interior is even half as advanced as it suggests under the camouflage, it makes a big leap, especially inside. And with its 800-volt architecture and a range of more than 600 kilometers, it is state-of-the-art.
The Q6 is a bit too late for Vorsprung durch Technik. But after Audi was last traded as a relegation candidate, Bayern have again qualified permanently for the first division.
More: The new normal – Audi Q4 E-Tron in the Handelsblatt auto test