Photo: Baldauf
Audi is nearing the Q6 e-tron for its expected launch next year, two years later than planned. The all-electric crossover has been caught undisguised, revealing all the design details that were until now hidden. Strikingly, the Audi Q6 e-tron follows the Porsche Macan with classic door handles, defying the golden rules of aerodynamics.
The Audi Q6 e-tron was Audi's big bet on software-defined vehicles (SDV), as the first model to use the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. This was shared among Volkswagen brands, with the Audi A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, and the Porsche Macan EV being the first models. However, Volkswagen Group's plans backfired when its software division, Cariad, proved inept at developing the software.
Although the Porsche Macan's development was almost complete in 2022, the software was missing. The same issues delayed Audi's EV program and eventually got Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Group's CEO, fired. Instead of a state-of-the-art electric vehicle competing with the best in the industry, the four-ring brand was left with a rebadged Volkswagen ID.4 as the only electric offering. Things are moving to the fast lane now, as our photographers caught several prototypes almost undisguised during a last-minute test session in Germany.
As you know, Audi will offer a classic crossover shape for the Q6 e-tron, as well as a coupe SUV named Q6 Sportback e-tron. This marks a departure from the earlier naming convention, where the Sportback name signified a station wagon. Audi has also changed the main lettering, with the even numbers reserved for electric vehicles. Thus, the Q6 is the all-electric counterpart of the ICE-powered Audi Q5.
After so much development time, Audi finally gave us a taste of the upcoming Q6 e-tron in July when it revealed a prototype of the electric crossover. Despite the psychedelic paintwork, all the design details remained visible. This is probably why Audi felt confident enough to test the Q6 e-tron on public roads without the usual camo. Based on the latest set of photographs, the exterior design has been finalized.
We get to see both variants of the Q6 e-tron in these pictures, including a white prototype, which reveals more details. The design of the front bumper, the new headlights with their DRL signature, but also the uncamouflaged rear lights and the design of the rear bumper are clearly recognizable. Only the crossover-coupe Q6 Sportback e-tron seems to have something to hide, which is why Audi masked the C-pillar and the rear window line.
Any electric vehicle fan would be quick to point out one striking detail about these Q6 e-tron prototypes. They are all featured with protruding door handles, something you see on combustion-engine cars. Most electric vehicles, including the Volkswagen ID.4, feature recessed door handles for improved aerodynamics and efficiency. Audi doesn't seem to care, though, as all its electric models (and Porsche's) have classic door handles.
The Audi Q6 e-tron will use an 800-volt architecture with fast charging capabilities of up to 270 kW. Early information points to a 100-kWh battery pack and range estimated at up to 350 miles (560 km). Dual-motor configurations provide between 370 and 503 horsepower, the latter reserved for the SQ6 e-tron model. This should be enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in less than five seconds.
Although the Porsche Macan's development was almost complete in 2022, the software was missing. The same issues delayed Audi's EV program and eventually got Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Group's CEO, fired. Instead of a state-of-the-art electric vehicle competing with the best in the industry, the four-ring brand was left with a rebadged Volkswagen ID.4 as the only electric offering. Things are moving to the fast lane now, as our photographers caught several prototypes almost undisguised during a last-minute test session in Germany.
As you know, Audi will offer a classic crossover shape for the Q6 e-tron, as well as a coupe SUV named Q6 Sportback e-tron. This marks a departure from the earlier naming convention, where the Sportback name signified a station wagon. Audi has also changed the main lettering, with the even numbers reserved for electric vehicles. Thus, the Q6 is the all-electric counterpart of the ICE-powered Audi Q5.
After so much development time, Audi finally gave us a taste of the upcoming Q6 e-tron in July when it revealed a prototype of the electric crossover. Despite the psychedelic paintwork, all the design details remained visible. This is probably why Audi felt confident enough to test the Q6 e-tron on public roads without the usual camo. Based on the latest set of photographs, the exterior design has been finalized.
We get to see both variants of the Q6 e-tron in these pictures, including a white prototype, which reveals more details. The design of the front bumper, the new headlights with their DRL signature, but also the uncamouflaged rear lights and the design of the rear bumper are clearly recognizable. Only the crossover-coupe Q6 Sportback e-tron seems to have something to hide, which is why Audi masked the C-pillar and the rear window line.
Any electric vehicle fan would be quick to point out one striking detail about these Q6 e-tron prototypes. They are all featured with protruding door handles, something you see on combustion-engine cars. Most electric vehicles, including the Volkswagen ID.4, feature recessed door handles for improved aerodynamics and efficiency. Audi doesn't seem to care, though, as all its electric models (and Porsche's) have classic door handles.
The Audi Q6 e-tron will use an 800-volt architecture with fast charging capabilities of up to 270 kW. Early information points to a 100-kWh battery pack and range estimated at up to 350 miles (560 km). Dual-motor configurations provide between 370 and 503 horsepower, the latter reserved for the SQ6 e-tron model. This should be enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in less than five seconds.
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