Audi Q6 e-tron 2024 Review – International

Audi Australia hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron, which will be delivered to customers in Europe during the third quarter but isn’t scheduled to arrive Down Under until the first half of next year.

In Europe, the Q6 e-tron kicks off at €68,800 ($A110,700) for the entry-level single-motor/rear-drive Q6 e-tron performance, €74,700 ($A120,000) for the dual-motor quattro (all-wheel drive) version and €93,800 ($A151,000) for the flagship SQ6 e-tron.

Later on, more affordable single-motor/RWD Q6 e-tron models will join the range, including a base-grade EV with a smaller 83kWh battery in place of the standard 100kWh power pack. Prices for the entry model could kick off at around €60,000 ($A97,000).

There will also be a more rakish Sportback four-door coupe body style that in some markets will command a price premium of around $5000.

In Australia, the Audi Q6 e-tron is expected undercut the related Porsche Macan EV, which will also offer more affordable single-motor variants but for now is dual-motor only with the Macan 4 starting from $133,700 and the faster, better-equipped Macan Turbo opening at $180,100 plus ORCs.

Among key rivals will be the incoming Polestar 4 that starts from $81,500 plus ORCs for the Long Range Single Motor (RWD) model, and from $93,050 for the Long Range Dual Motor (AWD).

The 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard in Europe, but expect Australian models to ride on 19s with the option of larger 21-inch rims.

The sportiest SQ6 e-tron will come with 20-inch wheels as standard.

Aussie specs are still to be confirmed, but all models should come with a 360-degree camera, three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a heat pump, smart key entry, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, adaptive dampers, a powered tailgate, electric adjustment for the steering column and power-adjustable heated front seats with position memory.

LED front and rear lighting should also be standard, with the option of Audi’s next-generation OLED tail-lights set to be available across the range. LED Matrix headlights will also be in the mix, offering the choice of up to eight different graphics for the daylight running lamps.

All models should have the option of adaptive height-adjustable air suspension, while the SQ6 e-tron is expected to come with a panoramic glass roof and more supportive sports seats up front with massaging function and Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery.

Other equipment highlights on the Q6 e-tron include an augmented reality head-up display, 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a large 14.5-inch OLED touch-screen infotainment system, a separate 10.9-inch display for the front passenger and four USB-C charging ports across the cabin.

Audiophiles will also steer towards the optional 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen 830-watt premium sound system that incorporates two speakers in the front head restraints.

The Q6 e-tron will be backed by Audi Australia’s standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while six years’ complimentary roadside assist should also be available.

As per other Audi EVs, complimentary servicing (based on 24-month/30,000km intervals) and free public charging via the Chargefox national network are anticipated for the first six years ownership.

The 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron is based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture developed in conjunction with Porsche, and should meet the requirements for a maximum five-star safety rating under the latest European and Australasian NCAP assessment protocols.

Eight airbags are fitted, while advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), intersection assist, rear cross traffic assist, rear turn assist, swerve assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, exit warning, lane change assist and lane departure warning that can self-steer if the car thinks you haven’t reacted to a hazard.

Thanks to the PPE platform, Audi was able to bypass the infotainment system and software found in other Volkswagen Group products and embed its next-generation E3 1.2 architecture that ultimately delayed the launch of the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron by almost a year.

The system is capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates and heralds a switch to Android Automotive, which offers class-leading responsiveness and is intuitive to use.

It also allows users to download third-party apps like YouTube and Spotify, allowing you to stream movies or play music while you recharge. Better still, apps like Waze can be now accessed via the instrument panel and even the head-up display.

We generally prefer the Q6 e-tron’s freestanding panoramic infotainment display to the one found in the Macan EV, with Audi’s version being larger (14.5-inch compared 10.9” in the Porsche) and clearer.

The system harnesses the power of a self-learning voice assistant and will have embedded ChatGPT tech that should grow in sophistication as the car ages.

However, unlike the Porsche, the bigger screen must compensate for the lack of an additional touch-screen panel to operate the climate control.

At least there’s a row of shortcuts along the bottom of the screen, but we’d much prefer a separate panel or, dare we say it, some old-school traditional rotary dials – something Audi has at least provided for sound system volume.

A further 10.9-inch front passenger touch-screen is also available that allows your ‘co-pilot’ to follow your journey’s progress via the sat-nav or simply play video games or stream movies on the go.

At launch in Australia, the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron is set offer two dual-motor/all-wheel drive powertrains – one with 285kW (badged the Q6 e-tron quattro) and the other with up to 380kW on overboost that powers the SQ6 e-tron.

Audi hasn’t yet confirmed torque output for either, but both use the same hardware that consists of a small 140kW e-motor that drives the front axle and a larger permanent magnet rear motor that pumps out up to 280kW.

Audi claims the Q6 e-tron quattro can launch from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, on its way to a 210km/h top speed.

The SQ6 e-tron, meanwhile, runs around with up to 360kW but select launch control and power lifts to 380kW, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint of just 4.3sec and a top speed of 230km/h.

For reference, the 285kW Macan 4 is quicker (5.2sec) and the SQ6 e-tron doesn’t come close to the much more expensive Macan Turbo that delivers an incredible 470kW and can haul itself from 0-100km/h in just 3.3sec.

That said, an RS Q6 e-tron to rival the Macan Turbo is on its way – and could offer as much as 500kW.

Before then, a single-motor/rear-drive Q6 e-tron performance will land, blending a 240kW rear-mounted e-motor with the same 100kWh battery found in the dual-motor versions.

It will also offer a smaller 83kWh battery pack to provide a more attractive entry price point to the Q6 e-tron range.

Audi says the Q6 e-tron can tow up to 2400kg.

The dual-motor quattro version of the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron can decouple its front motor for maximum efficiency, consuming 17.0-19.6kWh per 100km and providing a claimed driving range of up to 625km (WLTP) from its 100kWh battery.

The SQ6 e-tron has the same decoupling feature, returning 17.5-18.4kWh/100km and managing 598km before its battery needs replenishing.

The single-motor 100kWh Q6 e-tron coming later next year should be able to travel 641km on a single charge.

All models have two charging ports that live within the rear wheel-arches.

Like the Porsche Macan EV, the 100kWh battery (94.9kWh useable) is capable of DC fast-charging at up to 270kW, thanks to the 800-volt electrical architecture.

Find a 350kW charger and Audi says that a top-up from 10-80 per cent takes as little as 21 minutes.

From launch in Europe, only an 11kW AC onboard charger will be available, but that will be upgraded to 22kW before too long.

Until then, an 11kW recharge takes more than 10 hours, while a 7.4kW domestic wallbox takes more than 15 hours (0-100%).

Despite plenty of Porsche input into the development of the PPE platform, Audi hasn’t simply hit copy and paste for the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron.

Audi engineers developed their own multi-link front and rear suspension for the mid-size SUV, which aims to offer greater comfort compared to the Porsche set-up.

One of the key differences is the Audi does without even the option of active anti-roll bars or rear-wheel steering.

Adaptive suspension is available and was fitted to both the Q6 quattro and SQ6 we drove on launch. It’s also interesting to note that the different sizing of the two e-motors on the dual-motor versions provides rear-biased handling on them both.

Comfort, Balanced and Dynamic driving modes are available, but one chassis engineer we spoke to made us promise to drive both versions (SQ6 included) with the stability control wound back to ESP Sport.

In Normal mode, the Audi is quick, smooth and accurate; effortless, in fact. Push hard and even in damp conditions there’s high levels of grip, with little evidence of the nose wanting to wash wide, despite the hefty 2.4-tonne kerb weight.

Loosen the safety aids and you begin to feel the effect of the more powerful rear motor. Not that the Q6 e-tron is transformed into a drift monster, but the SUV feels perfectly agile enough and you don’t miss the rear-steer.

Most people will be impressed when you wind back the pace and enjoy the plush ride – and what must be class-leading levels of refinement, with little evidence of any whine from the motors or inverters.

A final mention must go to the steering, which offers decent levels of precision but still lacks feel.

We imagine a back-to-back test will reveal the Porsche Macan EV the more enjoyable of the two, but the Audi won’t lag far behind while offering higher levels of comfort.

Interestingly, the SQ6 doesn’t feel that much quicker than the standard dual-motor version, and if you can do without its sporty styling we think the pace the 285kW quattro delivers will be ample for most.

The 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron quattro comes with all-wheel drive but isn’t at home in the dirt and has only been designed and engineered for modest off-road adventures.

On gravel, dirt and snow you’ll be grateful for the extra traction offered by the additional pair of driven wheels, and over rough and bumpy ground the air suspension can raise the ride height by up to 28mm (or up to 45mm using the lift function).

But without proper underbody protection, all-terrain tyres and a spare wheel, and with limited charging infrastructure out in the bush, you’d be braver than us to trade-in your LandCruiser for one.

Against many of its rivals, the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron scores when it comes to its cabin. It might be among the car-maker’s best so far and that’s saying something.

Measuring 4771mm long, 1993mm wide, 1648mm tall and riding on a 2899mm wheelbase, the Q6 e-tron is bigger in every respect than the current combustion-engined Audi Q5 and the extra space is clear when you climb aboard, with superior headroom, legroom and shoulder-room.

Boot space is reasonable at 526 litres, but expands to 1529 litres when the 40/20/40-split folding rear bench is stowed. There’s an extra 64L of storage available in the frunk, which is handy for cables.

Once seated behind the ‘Digital Stage’, Audi’s name for the freestanding panoramic screen, it’s hard not to fall for the ease of use, high resolution and excellent levels of quality throughout the cabin.

Pricing will be key to the success of the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron in Australia.

If it sits too close to the Porsche Macan, we think many will be seduced by the lure of the sports car marque, even though the enhanced levels of comfort in the Audi mean it could be a better option for many Australian families.

What’s more, given the body style and specs, there’s always the temptation to compare the dual-motor Q6 e-tron and even the SQ6 against the likes of the Tesla Model Y Performance, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and Kia EV6 GT – all of which are sure to be vastly more affordable.

There will be a premium attached to the Audi badge, but after a couple of days behind the wheel of the new Q6 e-tron, the combination of its excellent drive, long range, quick charging speeds, intelligent on-board tech and the overwhelming feeling of quality all make it surprisingly easy to justify – pending those final dollar figures, of course.

2024 Audi Q6 e-tron quattro at a glance:
Price: $128,000 est (plus on-road costs)
Available: First half of 2025
Powertrain: Asynchronous motor (front), permanent magnet synchronous motor (rear)
Output: 285kW
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 100kWh gross (94.9kWh net) NMC lithium-ion
Range: 625km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 17.0-19.6kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

2024 Audi SQ6 e-tron at a glance:
Price: $160,000 est (plus on-road costs)
Available: First half of 2025
Powertrain: Asynchronous motor (front), permanent magnet synchronous motor (rear)
Output: 380kW
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 100kWh gross (94.9kWh net) NMC lithium-ion
Range: 598km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 17.5-18.4kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested