2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Is a Porsche in Disguise, But Is it a Winning Bet? (Spy Video)

As part of this electric shift, every model in Audi's traditional lineup will have an electric counterpart, eventually leading to a lineup consisting solely of battery-powered vehicles in less than a decade from now. Although achieving this will take a few more years, the plan is already in motion.

Perfectly aligning with this strategy, Audi is introducing the Q6 e-tron. This electric SUV will be the first vehicle in the Volkswagen Group to adopt the new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture unless the second-generation Porsche Macan EV, which shares many similarities, is launched first.

Since traditional Audi models will have electric counterparts without replacing them in the beginning, a new nomenclature decision was made. Going forward, Audi will name all future electric vehicles with a letter, followed by an even number and the recognizable 'e-tron' particle. Consequently, the e-tron SUV has been renamed the Q8 e-tron earlier this year, while the coupe-SUV version is now called the Q8 Sportback e-tron.

Following this naming convention, the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron serves as the all-electric counterpart to the ICE-powered Audi Q5, which will eventually be phased out in a couple of years if the original plan is supported by sales.

Design

Design-wise, the Q6 e-tron will be available in a 'Sportback coupe-SUV' and a typical SUV configuration. In recent years, Audi has released several electric concepts previewing its new EV design language.

Notable design changes from the concepts to the production Q6 e-tron include an air duct behind the front wheel, similar to the Audi RS 3, new dual-headlights, and distinct front and rear bumper designs. More aggressively designed pre-production prototypes potentially indicate the presence of a high-performance RS Q6 e-tron variant as well.

Both the standard Q6 e-tron, the Sportback, and the S and RS models will feature a closed-off textured front grille accompanied by dual LED headlights.

Side air intakes with strakes will complement the overall bulbous appearance. At the rear, a full-width light bar, similar to the e-tron GT, will define the Q6 e-tron's identity.

The Sportback version, with its more aerodynamic silhouette, is expected to offer slightly better range than the standard SUV. However, the trunk space will be compromised. Unlike the Q8 e-tron, which features a small 1.76 cu-ft (50 liters) front trunk, the Q6 e-tron, built on the PPE architecture, will provide a significantly larger front luggage compartment akin to a Porsche 911.

Technology

Regarding size, the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron will occupy a position between the Q4 e-tron and the recently updated Q8 e-tron SUV. It will compete with electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, and Nissan Ariya while also trying to steal sales from models like the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the BMW iX.

The Q6 model is expected to have similar external dimensions to the combustion-engined Q5 but with a longer wheelbase and enhanced passenger space made possible by the new platform.

The model's interior will likely adopt the new 11.6-inch central touchscreen found in the Q4 e-tron. However, the design might vary due to the platform differences and to differentiate the models in pricing and positioning.

The Q6 e-tron will share the PPE architecture with the upcoming next-generation Porsche Macan, set to be launched as a fully electric vehicle alongside the existing ICE-powered Macan at the end of 2023.

Despite the shared hardware and software, the two SUVs will have distinct visual identities inside and out, just like the current Macan looks nothing like the first-generation Audi Q5, whose platform it uses.

The PPE architecture is a highly modular evolution of the J1 platform used in the e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan. It features an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing ultra-fast DC charging of up to 350kW.

Audi claims the Q6 e-tron's battery pack can charge from 5 to 80 percent capacity in approximately 25 minutes using the fastest DC rapid charger. A 10-minute charge on the same charger can add 186 miles (300 km) of range.

While the specific battery pack details for the Q6 e-tron are yet to be revealed, rumors suggest a capacity of 100 kWh. Audi states that the PPE platform can achieve a range of over 430 miles (700 km) in the more aerodynamic A6 e-tron concept. The SUV's slightly less streamlined design will reduce the range, but a WLTP figure of over 380 miles (610 km) is expected.

Considering its connection to the e-tron GT, the Q6 e-tron will likely feature a two-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with 469 hp (476 PS) available. Lower-powered single-motor variants may be offered as a more affordable option, while the S or RS version will use a three-motor setup.

At the same time, Audi's quattro division  could introduce a high-performance model utilizing the same 636 hp (646 PS) powertrain found in the RS e-tron GT, which only features two motors.

The Q6 e-tron will be produced at Audi's Ingolstadt factory, which is being transformed into an all-electric assembly line. The existing equipment manufacturing the A3 family hatch will be replaced with production facilities to accommodate the PPE architecture. Audi is also planning to establish an in-house battery assembly facility as part of this endeavor.

To secure the necessary raw materials and development processes for its future battery packs until 2030, the Volkswagen Group has formed new partnerships with three companies.

The Future

Looking ahead, following the Q6 e-tron, Audi has confirmed the launch of its first "Project Artemis" model in 2025. This vehicle will target the luxury segment and pioneer Audi's development of future electric vehicle architectures and technology. This of it as an electric A8 lineup.

An electric replacement for the Audi A6 is also scheduled for release in 2024. It will also utilize the PPE architecture and include a liftback sedan and a station wagon version.

The success of the switch to an all-electric lineup will depend on sales, which initially seemed promising but have yet to become certain, as indicated by Porsche's recent statement expressing reduced confidence in the discontinuation of the ICE-powered Macan. Only time will reveal the outcome.