The Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron premiered last month, boasting multiple goodies and plenty of grunt, especially in the latter configuration, which is the current range-topping flavor of the series. However, the SQ6 e-tron won't be the top-of-the-line offering for much longer, as the company based in Ingolstadt is also working on the RS Q6 e-tron.
Believed to have been caught in prototype form recently, the upcoming Audi RS Q6 e-tron Sportback has a different face than the SQ6 e-tron. We can see a sizeable central air intake in the new front bumper and a pair of vertical side vents towards the sides.
Unsurprisingly, it has the same split headlamp arrangement and a closed-off grille decorated with the company's logo and the license plate holder. The visual upgrades continue at the back with the more aggressive diffuser attached to the rear bumper. This tester also has a discreet spoiler with an integrated third brake light.
The wheels look nothing like the ones fitted to the SQ6 e-tron and seem slightly bigger. Look behind them, and you will see a set of uprated brakes with red calipers. We also expect the RS Q6 e-tron, if this is indeed the range-topping model scooped here, to feature a re-tuned chassis. The vehicle should ride closer to the asphalt and be stiffer than the SQ6 e-tron for improved high-speed cornering.
Photo: SH Proshots
There is no reason to believe the cockpit won't retain the 14.5-inch infotainment and 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, alongside the 10.9-inch front passenger screen and a head-up display with augmented reality. Audi's RS Q6 e-tron will likely feature a pair of bucket seats up front and will further differentiate itself by getting special upholstery, trim, and maybe a few other bits and bobs.
Audi's Q6 e-tron lineup builds on the PPE platform, shared with the Porsche Macan Electric. The SQ6 e-tron puts 510 hp (517 ps/380 kW) under the driver's right foot, enabling the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) in 4.2 seconds and a 143 mph (230 kph) top speed. Naturally, the RS Q6 will boast even more power, and it might exceed 600 horses combined.
Do you know what other model that uses this construction boasts 600+ hp? Yep, that would be the Porsche Macan Turbo Electric. This BEV enjoys 630 horsepower (639 ps/470 kW) in total and takes only 3.1 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 kph) from naught. As a result, it is quicker than some previous-generation supercars.
Some say the Audi RS Q6 e-tron will be just as punchy as the Porsche Macan Turbo Electric. Nonetheless, we reckon it might pack less than 630 hp, on paper at least, for marketing reasons, as it shouldn't step on its superior sibling's toes. The power question should be answered when the sporty battery-electric crossover launches, presumably in the coming months.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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