The Porsche co-developed Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron electric Junior Executive SUVs go big on tech, by way of the new Android Automotive OS

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Photos: Audi & Clifford Chow

SINGAPORE

In-line with pushing their electrification agenda, Audi globally unveils their new Junior Executive electric Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron SUVs. For those who are unfamiliar, Audi is moving to a new naming convention for their SUV range (for now the SUVs first) – SUVs with even numbers will be EVs (eg: Q4 e-tron, Q8 e-tron), while odd-numbered SUVs (eg: Q3, Q5, SQ7) will be powered by internal combustion engines. Which will then make the oddballs here the Q8 series (minus the e-tron tag) and the Q2.

Their new SUV, which is built upon the group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, is co-developed with Porsche, to which Audi shares familial ties. Other vehicles currently utilising the said architecture include the forthcoming Audi A6 e-tron (click on the blue stuff for a story about the concept), and the recently-unveiled Porsche Macan EV.

In news somewhat related, here are some pictures of the China only Audi Q6, which is based on the MLB-EVO architecture; which I stumbled upon in Shanghai late in 2023. While it does share some design cues with the Q6 e-tron, both cars are unrelated.

Alright, back to our subject matter, note that like in the Q4 e-tron, the design of the Q6 e-tron has leaned to more mellowed lines; which points to Audi adopting a more rounded design language for (at least) their near-future SUVs… This is a common trait with auto manufacturers who tend to rotate between round to sharp designs, and back, much like how neckties go from broad to slim and back over time. Size-wise, the electric SUV is 4,771mm long, 1,993mm wide, and has a height of 1,648mm; which is similar to the ICE-powered Q5’s respective 4,629mm, by 2089mm, by1,653mm.

New to the Q6 e-tron is the world’s first active digital light signature. At the front, twelve segments dim up and down, with interaction of a specially developed algorithm. At the rear, the tail lights consist of six second-generation OLED panels, which in-turn contain a total of 360 segments. The latter generates a new image every ten milliseconds, and for the first time in lighting design, the digital OLED rear lights can communicate with its surroundings in a targeted manner. Individualisation of the light design is also possible, with a total of up to eight digital light signatures, where six can be found in the DRLs and the OLED rear lights.

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Under the skin, the Q6 e-tron quattro gets its power from a newly developed lithium-ion battery, consisting of 12 modules, and 180 prismatic cells. In-all they have a gross capacity of 100kWh, which for the Q6 e-tron quattro translates to a lab-tested range of 625km. 

System power is rated at 285kW, with acceleration to 100km/h pegged officially at 5.9 seconds. Dive is distributed in a rear-biased fashion. WLTP consumption figures stand at 19.4-17.0kWh/100km. The higher performing SQ6 e-tron, on the other hand, produces up to 380kW, which in-turn gets the SUV to 100km/h in more brisk fashion, at 4.3 seconds. Its WLTP power consumption is rated at 18.4-17.5kWh/100km. Audi will also produce two more solely RWD variants of the Q6 e-tron, down the line; where they say, “one model will be designed for efficiency and range, the other will mark the entry into the Q6 e-tron series”.

Across the board, all Q6 e-tron cars boast a maximum charging capacity of 270kW as standard, which translates to quick charging times. Audi say that 255km of range can be added to the battery in just ten minutes, wherever High Power Charging (HPC) is available. In a sign that technology has improved, it only takes 21 minutes to go from 10-percent to 80-percent, with Audi’s new battery.

To improve on range, the Q6 e-tron’s new advanced recuperation system is now a two-step process. Firstly, with lifting-off on the accelerator, the rear motor kicks in to slow the vehicle down, but when more stopping power is required, the front brakes then activate. According to Audi, about 95-percent of braking can be handled by the system, while the brakes do the rest. In all, Audi claims that the Q6 e-tron can recuperate up to 220kW.

What is also new is the infotainment system, which is powered by Android Automotive OS. This will be a refreshing and welcome change, since Audi has fallen behind its German peers in this aspect. Updates to the system can be done over-the-air, while the system also allows applications like YouTube and other third-party add-ons to be installed directly into the MMI. As standard, all Q6 e-tron vehicles are equipped with the enhanced e-tron route planner, and to enhance the user experience, the infotainment unit also supports voice inputs, via the self-learning Audi Assistant; which understands over 800 voice commands. The infotainment is fronted by a 14.5-inch MMI touch display which sits proud on a single-piece curved panoramic display panel, which also houses the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit. For the front passenger, there is also a 10.9-inch MMI display, complete with Active Privacy Mode, which prevents the driver from being distracted. The additional display is a plus, as the front passenger is able to stream content, or even assist with navigation.

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In keeping with the green theme, the Q6 e-tron range, where possible, is produced using recycled materials. This includes components made from polyester, as-well-as plastics for the frunk and the adjacent covers in the front section. Also, up to 15-percent of the steel used is derived from scrap steel. Additionally, Audi has also gone further in reducing its carbon footprint, by integrating production of the Q6 e-tron range on existing production lines, rather than building new facilities to accommodate the Q6 e-tron line-up.

“Built on the new PPE platform, the Audi Q6 e-tron is the next technological leap in premium electric mobility for our customers,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, at the world premiere at the main plant in Ingolstadt. “The PPE shows how we are pooling expertise within the Volkswagen Group and thus making electric mobility scalable. Thanks to the PPE, we are able to launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments and thus further electrify our portfolio,” the Audi CEO added.

At time of publication, Audi has not provided us with an indicative pricing, however we know that the Q6 e-tron will reach our shores between the fourth quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2025.

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