In the quest to go green, Audi's commitment to a 2026 deadline of zero internal combustion engines in new models coming of the the production line in their plants has taken a massive step in the right direction this week with the unveiling of the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron. The model is the first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), this firms Audi's strategy in becoming a provider of premium electric mobility. The model is defined not only by impressive driving and charging performance but also by increased efficiency and long range. The PPE, developed jointly with Porsche and E3 1.2 electronic architecture are important milestones in the expansion of Audi's global range of electrically powered models. The Q6 e-tron features a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh that gives the car an approximate range of up to 625km from a single charge. Performance wise, the cars electric motors produce 285kW with the SQ6 etron offering a total power output of up to 380kW when the extra function is engaged. 0-100km/h times clock in at 5.9 seconds for the normal Q6 while the SQ6 e-tron reaches that target in just 4.3 seconds. The vehicles top speeds are regulated to 210 and 230km/h respectively.
Charging wise, the cars come with 800-volt technology and a maximum charging capacity of 270kW as standard, this translates to shorter charging stops with the car being up to obtain 255km of range fro mjust 10 minutes of charging at an appropriate charging station (HPC). Currently South Africa has no High Power Charging stations but the Direct Current fast chargers are not far from those speeds. Alternatively, one can opt for AC charging up home with up to 11kW from normal home chargers. An important component in increasing the efficiency and therefore the range of the Audi Q6 e-tron is the advanced recuperation system. Around 95 percent of all everyday braking processes can be handled by this system. The Audi Q6 e-tron recuperates at up to 220kW.
The Q6 e-tron position in the market will be in the premium midsize segment as it measures 4.7 meters long and just under 2 meters wide. As with the other e-trons, luxury is not compromised in the Q6 with a full premium cabin adorned in quality materials and textures. A new infotainment system that uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system for the first time. The screen measures 14.5-inch and and is a MMI touch display. Content is always up to date thanks to over-the-air updates. The latest Audi connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner, included as standard, are therefore always up to date. Apps such as YouTube are available via the store for third-party apps, which is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone, Premium sound is a must and that is why the Q6 e-tron comes fitted with the Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, that consists of 20 loudspeakers with 830 watts of power. Four of these are integrated into the headrests.
Overall the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron models mark a significant placemark in Audi's future as this shows the plan in action for their future vision as a company. The stats on paper look truly remarkable and the complete product makes quite a statement in terms of an offering to the segment at a large. Audi South Africa say that the introduction of this model to our market is still under consideration and if they do decide to bring it in, the price tag would be interesting to see, as if priced well could see it give healthy competition to their rivals with ICE models.
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