The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron and sportier SQ6 e-tron point the way to the future
What is the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron?
What powers the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron?
In U.S. specification, the Q6 e-tron quattro with two electric motors produces 422 horsepower under normal driving and 456 hp with launch control engaged. The front motor twists 203 pound-feet of torque and supplies its power when needed; the rear motor makes 428 lb-ft of torque and works full-time. The SQ6 shares the torque numbers, but more power. Under normal driving conditions it produces 483 hp. Again, engage launch control and the output jumps to 510 hp, which accounts for the 4.3 second run to 100 km/h. This makes it 1.7 seconds faster than the Q6 e-tron, and it felt eager and alive on the drive route. The SQ6 was riotous!
The Audi Q6 e-tron has better battery chemistry
One of the Q6’s biggest improvements is found in the 100-kilowatt-hour battery (94.9-kWh usable). The new chemistry gives it a 20% improvement in energy density making it Audi’s longest range battery yet. In Q6 e-tron quattro it delivers 559-km of range. In an odd move the brawnier SQ6 is listed as 581-km. Regardless, both numbers are based on the European test cycle, so they are optimistic when compared to the more realistic Canadian testing method. However, both the Q6 and SQ6 should surpass the 500-km mark, which would be enough range to put the them at the head of the pack.
Audi’s super-fast fast charging
What’s the big deal with 800-volts?
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron has a one-pedal drive
The one-pedal function is engaged by moving the shifter from Drive to Brake. In the city, it allows the Q6 to be driven without touching the brake pedal — lifting brings the Q6 to a stop and holds it there. Likewise, find a twisty backroad and it’s one-pedal all the way! Lifting the accelerator slows the Q6 for a corner and makes it easy to modulate speed. At the apex stand on it and the SQ6 blasts forth. It makes the driver feel like a proper racer!
The regen is such that in everyday driving 95% of the Q6’s normal braking is done using the electric motors. That’s important because regen accounts for around 30% of the total driving range! It also puts an end to frequent brake jobs!
The 2025 Q6 e-tron has dialled-in handling
While the base suspension uses mechanical dampers that firm the damping based on the speed of the body’s motion, the preferred choice is the air suspension with fully adaptive dampers. Unlike so many systems, there is decent separation between the Comfort (relaxed) and Dynamic (firm) settings in the Q6. For many, Balanced mode will be the best setting for everyday driving, as it dials out unwanted roll while remaining supple enough to take the sting out of larger road irregularities. Individual mode allows the driver to mix and match a number of settings — I picked Dynamic for the steering and Balanced for the suspension. This setup made the response crisp and it handled a bump mid-corner without drama.
On the drive, the Q6 did feel heavy (it weighs 2,350-kg), but it still danced very nicely. There was minimal body roll and the response to steering input was fast and connected, so it relayed what was happening at the front tires clearly. The SQ6 was more of the same, although the firmer damping did make it feel more alive when pushed hard. I did like the electric motor setup and staggered tires — P255/45R21 up front and larger P285/40R21 in the rear. The combination delivers a sportier rear-drive feel that’s composed and refined.
The 2025 Q6’s cabin is loaded with tech
The cabin is beautifully crafted with top-notch materials and it’s loaded with everything Audi has in its tech arsenal — the new E 1.2 electronic architecture makes it possible to increase the number, size and resolution of the screens. It also ushers in the next-gen Virtual Cockpit and multimedia interface, both of which now sit under a single curved piece of glass. The wow effect is massive.
Behind the steering wheel is the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. It can show as much or as little information as the driver wants and it’s supported by a neat augmented head-up display. It is large and shows everything including overlaying arrows to indicate the turn direction when a destination is entered into the nav system.
A large 14.5-inch screen supports the infotainment system. As is becoming almost universal, Audi’s latest Multimedia Interface (MMI) software is now based on Android Automotive OS. This version has fewer physical controls than before, so many functions have been moved to the touch screen. It’s not an issue, as everything is clear and logical. The fact it works with a smart voice control function that recognizes over 800 commands certainly helps.
One of the neat features in the route planner. When a destination is entered the system figures out the best route, and this includes finding the fastest charger so if a stop is required to reach the destination it is as quick as possible. It also starts to prepare the battery for the charge — it heats (or cools) the battery so it is able to accept the highest charge rate when the Q6 arrives at the charge station.
Rounding things out is the optional 10.9-inch passenger screen. It is a full-on infotainment interface that allows the front passenger to search for a destination, pick the radio station and see the range data. They can also view videos while the vehicle is moving thanks to a privacy mode that hides it from the driver.
The letdown is the cluster of functions that sit on the driver’s door. It has the usual power lock and mirror controls, but also includes the headlight and fog light functions, seat memory and child-proof door rear locks. Time may be a teacher, but it looks cluttered because many of the touch points are small.
Is the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron a good family car?
The Q6 rides on a 2,899-mm wheelbase, which brings surprising space in all seats. The back seat has enough stretch-out space for a pair of 6-foot riders and 526-litres of cargo space with the 40/20/40-split/folding seat upright and 1,529L when folded. Up front, there’s a 64L frunk. Finally, the Q6 can tow 2,400-kg, which is plenty for toting toys to the cottage.
Canadian pricing for the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
Canadian specifications and pricing have not been announced, however, as the Q6 will slot between the Q4, which has a starting price of $63,400, and the $96,250 Q8, a starting point of around $79,000 should not be too far off. Deliveries are expected to start late this year.
Final thoughts
The Audi Q6 e-tron demonstrates what an electric vehicle can be when smart solutions are applied to the design. It has exciting performance, a long driving range and a cabin that really does wow. I’ll take a Daytona grey SQ6, please!
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