Audi Q6 e-tron quattro Review

The new Audi Q6 e-tron models call out the market introduction of Audi’s next-generation battery-electric vehicle to the U.S.

Jump To Special Features

Q6 e-tron Driving Range
Charging the Battery
New, Not Intimidating
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Pricing
7 Cool Features
Powertrain and Performance
Interior Function
Safety Features
Why Buy the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 2025 Q6 e-tron is an engineering benchmark for how simply Audi defines and elevates electrification without shocking the human side.

Audi says the new Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron models are hugely important to the brand. They call out the market introduction of Audi’s next-generation battery-electric vehicle to the U.S. The Q6 e-tron line jump-starts the largest model initiative in the company’s history. Over the next two years, the brand will add more than 20 new or significantly redesigned models globally. Of those, half will be electrified.

Ushering in Audi’s focused campaign begins with the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. It is a dual platform, adding the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). It will be the foundation for new internal combustion engine models, like the new A5 and Q5, arriving in 2026.

Audi believes the future is electric, but it will have hybrid and gas models through at least 2033.

The luxury segment of midsize electric SUV crossovers has become highly competitive. The Acura ZDX, 2026 BMW iX, 2026 Cadillac Lyriq, Volvo EX90, Rivian R1S, Lotus Eletre, and Mercedes-Benz EQE are among them.

Audi now has 11 battery electric vehicles, including the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron, and e-tron GT. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron models will be on sale soon. The fastback body style with its sloping roofline has a coupe-like presence, perhaps a more fashionable choice than the straight-roof models.

Q6 e-tron Driving Ranges

The Audi Q6 e-tron is available in rear- or quattro all-wheel drive, and the high-performance SQ6 e-tron.

The entry rear-wheel drive Q6 e-tron has the longest range of 321 miles with 18-inch wheels from the no-cost Ultra package. The Q6 e-tron quattro has an EPA mileage rating of 307 miles, with 19-inch wheels. And the SQ6 e-tron has a range of 275 miles, give or take.

In my test week of a Q6 e-tron quattro with 20-inch wheels, I charged to 85 percent at home for a range of 268 miles.

Audi discourages charging to 100 percent at home, unless prepared to begin driving immediately. It is battery-preserving guidance. Charging to 100 percent should be reserved for distance travel.

Charging the Battery

In developing its new EV platform, Audi focused on charging for the homeowner with a Level 2, 240-volt charger. For that, it includes two charge ports on either side of the rear fenders. One is for AC charging only, and the other side is for high-capacity public charging, though this port also accommodates the Level 2 connector.

The e-tron’s 400-volt charging technology uses “bank charging,” depending on the state of charge. It automatically divides the battery pack into two banks of 400 volts. The banks can be charged in parallel at 135 kW, shortening overall recharge times.

Audi also uses predictive thermal management of the battery pack. This heat-monitoring function can shorten charging times and increase range. Most importantly, predictive thermal management will help give a longer service life than prior e-tron models.

Predictive thermal management can calculate the need for cooling or heating. The advanced system uses data from the navigation system, including the desired route, departure time, and driver’s usage behavior. When using the navigation system to route to a DC fast-charging station, predictive thermal management prepares the DC charging process and cools or heats the battery so that it can charge faster.

When the new e-tron arrives at the charging station, the Plug & Charge function takes over. Plug & Charge, in the MyAudi App account, automatically authorizes and confirms billing and activates the charger when connecting to the charge port. There is no credit card swipe or other payment on the charger.

All models of the Q6 e-tron come standard with the Plug & Charge function with one year of free unlimited DC fast charging on the Electrify America network.

Audi expects to issue the NACS connector later this year.

New Nameplate Format

Audi used the launch of the Q6 e-tron to restructure its model nameplates, distinguishing between EVs and ICE models.

As before, the nameplate letter A identifies a “low floor” vehicle, such as a sedan. The letter Q is for a “high floor” or SUV. Numbers from 1 to eight refer to the vehicle segment size.

Models with battery-electric powertrains will be badged as “e-tron.” Gas-powered powertrains will use engine codes of TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection), with an “e” added for plug-in hybrids.

Performance models continue with “S” and “RS” designations. “Avant” is for station wagon, and “Sportback” is a fastback.

New, Not Intimidating

The 2025 Q6 e-tron is a five-seat, large-compact electric SUV. In the Audi lineup, it fits between the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron. It is close in footprint to the compact-class Audi Q5 ICE, Audi’s top-selling model. The Q6 e-tron is slightly longer, by 3.5 inches, on a longer wheelbase, by 2.7 inches. It is about an inch taller and 1.8 inches wider.

Audi wants the new Q6 e-tron to be a comfortable transition for the Q5 owner, despite a $15,000 higher starting price. Much will be familiar to Q5 owners — and much will be a deep dive into the motherboard.

The exterior styling is familiar, enduring, and functional. Inside, the driver position of the Q6 e-tron is the Tron of electrification. Despite its highly electronic presentation, it is surprisingly simple to use and not alienating.

It is all about the driver with the impressive command center, or “Digital Stage.” The expansive curved display links an 11.9-inch OLED virtual cockpit of driving information with a 14.5-inch center touch OLED display. Both are connected as one slim, free-standing, panoramic design oriented toward the driver. Nighttime ambient lighting makes the curved display appear to float above the dashboard, Audi says.

Accessing most cabin functions on the display screen requires a two-tap procedure. However, the haptic touch “buttons” are easy to select without extended glances from driving. And the color display is vibrant, with a large, clear camera view.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Pricing

There are three trim levels of the 2025 Q6 e-tron:

Premium, starting at $63,000, with rear-wheel drive. Key features include 19-inch wheels with staggered width front/rear (235/60 front, 255/55 rear), all-season run-flats, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated front seats.

Premium Plus, $68,600. Added features include LED headlights with digital DRLs, a 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, adaptive cruise assist, hands-on detection, and a heated steering wheel with regenerative braking paddles.

Prestige, $70,600 RWD, $72,600 quattro. Added features include adaptive air suspension, acoustic front door glass, MMI (multimedia) passenger display with a 10.9-inch screen, and seven additional digital DRL signatures.

Choose from black, Santos Brown, or Pearl Beige interiors.

Retail pricing includes the $1,295 freight charge from Ingolstadt, Germany.

For the few luxury buyers prioritizing range over tire size, Audi offers the no-cost Ultra package with 18-inch wheels. The 18-inch wheels, vs. 19 or 20, extend the driving range. The package also includes comfort pre-conditioning, a heated steering wheel with hands-on detection, heated rear seats, and a top-view camera.

Check current Audi Q6 e-tron pricing here.

Find special offers and bonus offers here.

Prestige Package Features

Today’s Q6 e-tron quattro Prestige tester cost $76,790. It had options for a 20-inch wheel package, $1,000; Warm weather package, $1,300; and Plasma Blue Metallic paint, $595.

Prestige package features, $6,800, include:

• Adaptive air suspension
• Adaptive cruise control
• Acoustic front door glass
• Augmented reality head-up display and dynamic intersection light
• Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
• Comfort pre-conditioning of the cabin
• Heated steering wheel with hands-on detection
• Heated rear window seats
• Headlight washers
• LED Headlights-Plus with digital running lights
• LED interior lighting package with 30 color choices that highlight the dimensional contours along the dashboard and elsewhere in the cabin.
• MMI 10.9-inch passenger display
• Panoramic sunroof
• 7 additional DRL signatures
• Top View camera system

 7 Cool Q6 e-tron Features

“Quattro blisters.” The contours of the Q6 e-tron body get a character from the quattro blisters.  Audi says the blisters are a core element of its signature design DNA, called “making technology visible.”

Augmented Reality head-up display. Graphics in the windshield display show fluid movement and include helpful features, such as the distance in inches to hitting my garage door. Genius! Another clever reminder pops up when approaching an intersection with a four-way graphic showing a foot on the brake pedal. Speed signs merge when transitioning from one area to another. It is an active observation of speed limits, helping me to stay out of trouble.

Heated steering wheel with hands-on detection. This is a significant detail in an EV cabin. Using heated seats and steering wheel are notable energy consumers to driving range. Refining the heated steering wheel to be active only when hands are detected is a smart addition.

10.9-inch passenger display. The driver-oriented main screen could leave the front passenger with little engagement, but adding the 10.9-inch-wide display screen is an entertainment piece. The display features a digital analog clock, redundant driver information, and access to climate controls. The passenger can also stream films or other video content (not viewable from the driver’s seat). And the passenger can act as navigator to help find a charging station. For info-free sightseeing, the screen can be switched off.

Intuitive start. After unlocking the driver’s door and taking a seat, the Q6 e-tron automatically wakes up and is ready to drive. There’s no need to press the start button. The technology recognizes the weight in the seat and the driver’s key fob. At first, I did not think this was a cool feature, but I quickly grew to like the immediacy of starting out.

Dual charging ports. The Q6 e-tron has two charging ports, one on either rear fender. That is handy when seeking a public charging connector.

Independent battery modules. Audi e-tron battery pack modules can be individually serviced or replaced by an Audi-certified technician.

Powertrain and Performance

Each Q6 e-tron model has the same-sized, liquid-cooled 100kWh 800-volt battery pack. The lithium-ion battery pack is composed of 12 modules of 15 prismatic cells connected in series for a total of 180 cells.

The new e-tron models can handle DC fast-charge speeds of 270 kW or 260kW for rear-wheel-drive models. The higher the output of power (kW), the quicker the pack can charge. The Audi system will charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 21 minutes.

It is also unique that individual battery modules can be replaced, rather than replacing the entire battery pack.

Much engineering went into the redesigned electric motors to make them more efficient, lighter-weight, and compact. Rear drive e-tron models use a permanently excited synchronous rear motor. “Permanently excited” motors have a higher torque capacity and provide more precise speed control. It is a preferred motor for large and heavy EVs.

Quattro models add a new asynchronous AC induction motor (ASM) on the front axle. Audi says that the front motor is almost instantly engaged when accelerating under full power.

Audi’s regenerative braking system has five modes, including one-pedal driving. Audi says its one-pedal function will bring the vehicle to a complete stop at braking forces up to 0.25 g. Auto mode uses the forward-facing camera to decide between regenerative braking or coasting depending on traffic and terrain.

Performance

The Audi Q6 e-tron is heavy, weighing 5,269 pounds in its base quattro form. The luxury elements of the Prestige package, such as the panoramic sunroof and 20-inch wheels, would add a few pounds. Regardless of the weight, it was not apparent, except on start off, but that was quickly left behind with acceleration.
Switch to Dynamic mode, and the acceleration force is immediate and gratifying, yet without a harder ride.

Audi breaks out horsepower in two forms, standard and with launch control.

The rear-drive Q6 e-tron has base power of 302 hp. Queuing up launch control raises power to 322 hp for 0-60 acceleration in 6.3 seconds. It has a top track speed of 130 mph.

With dual motors, the 422-hp Q6 e-tron quattro has 456 hp with launch control for 0-60 acceleration in 4.9 seconds. It, too, has a top track speed of 130 mph.

The SQ6 e-tron makes 483 hp and 509 hp with launch control. It will pass 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top track speed of 143 mph.

A 12-Volt Situation

An electric vehicle is dependent on a 12-volt battery. It runs cabin features such as door locks, alarm systems, lights, and the central computer.

The 12-volt battery provides power even when the vehicle is switched off. But of utmost importance, the 12-volt battery controls the relays that power the electronics that start the high-voltage electrical system.

No 12-volt? No go. And the situation can occur when the 12-volt battery dies or runs too low on a charge. As in an ICE vehicle, charging or jump-starting the 12-volt is no big deal — if the battery is accessible.

Charging the hybrid battery typically trickle-charges the 12-volt battery, too. But that gets complicated with the Q6 e-tron. Some EVs provide access by not locking the charge-port door when the vehicle is off. However, Audi locks both charging doors automatically when turning off the vehicle.

But Audi has a backup plan in the event that the 12-volt battery is dead. It is possible to access the vehicle using the emergency key in the fob. Use the mechanical key to access the lock cylinder under the cap on the door handle. Once inside the vehicle, you can open the hood and access the charging poles from there.

But clamping a positive cable to the battery will be challenging.

I found the battery access under the front hood trunk via a slim louvered plastic panel. I popped off the panel and could see the top of the 12-volt. However, the tight spacing of the battery makes it almost impossible to attach jumper cables. To the left, under a small panel, is a negative post.

If your endeavors fail, the Q6 e-tron must be flat-bed towed to the dealer for a charge.

Interior Function

Audi interiors downplay filigree and pretense for high-quality materials that form a comfortably luxurious cabin. The tester’s Pearl Beige cabin is immaculately dressed in leather upholstery with a light fabric headliner. Optional brown sweetgum natural wood inlays are subtly attractive among faux leather along upper and lower interior panels.

Opting for the Warm weather package, $1,300, is an odd assortment. The package adds ventilated front seats, brown sweetgum wood inlays, manual rear side window sunshades, and front headrest speakers. Yes, for the ventilated seats. Headrest speakers might appeal to audiophiles who can sit back and enjoy the 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. But shouldn’t sweetgum wood trim be part of the interior style package? Luxury is not rational.

Both front seats are eight-way power-adjustable and heated. The seats are supportive without intrusive side or cushion bolsters.

Front headroom of 38.5 inches with the panoramic sunroof and legroom of 39.8 inches should accommodate taller drivers. Legroom might be an inch or so short to help with back seat legroom.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

While the Q6 e-tron front seat space is broad and pampering, the back seat is not executive class. Headroom of 38.4 inches is almost as tall as that in front, but legroom is short for adults at 37.4 inches. The raised seat height has a mild butts-down, knees-up position. However, entry and exit are made easier by good footroom at the door entry.

There is deep door panel storage, with a bottle slot, and can holders in the broad fold-down armrest.

The flat roof design also has benefits for cargo space. The capacity behind the 40/20/40 back seat is huge, tall, and wide. The opening entry is 43 inches wide, 31 inches to the headliner, and 38 inches to the seatback. Fold the back seat sections for about 6 feet in length.

Power switches in the cargo area can drop load-in height by 2 inches. That is a benefit when helping large dogs up a ramp. Plus, the cargo space is more spacious than in the Sportback model.

Q6 e-tron Safety Features

Along with eight air bags, the Q6 e-tron has elevated standard safety and advanced driver assistance systems.

A completely new suite of driver-assistance features includes adaptive cruise control, lane change warning, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, emergency brake assist, traffic-sign recognition, swerve assist and front turn assist, and a distraction and drowsiness warning system.

Also new with the Q6 e-tron is rear-turn assist, which can help prevent or mitigate collisions at intersections, side roads, or garage entrances. The system informs of cyclists or other vehicles approaching from behind.

Ride and Handling

Wider tires at the rear help with the rear-biased weight distribution. However, Audi’s adaptive air suspension settles bad road surfaces without unsettling occupants. Some big electric SUVs can feel clunky because of their battery weight. And some air suspensions can feel jittery as the system tries to adjust and adapt continually. The adaptive air suspension of the Q6 Prestige smooths it all out. Dive into a corner and there is no steering hesitation or sense of weight transfer from side to side. It brings a smile when considering the balance achieved by the suspension.

Depending on the speed, the air suspension adapts individually to road conditions and regulates the ride height at different levels. The normal level of the adaptive air suspension is 1.1 inches lower than the standard five-link suspension. At speed, the ride height lowers by 1.2 inches.

I felt no road harshness from the tester’s 20-inch Bridgestone Alenza run-flats. Between Audi’s suspension engineering and these comfortable big tires, the cabin remained calm. These are extra-load all-season touring tires with a midrange treadwear compound of 500 UTQG. They have a treadwear warranty of 5 years or 40,000 miles, and replacements will run around $300 each for the front and $400 for the rear.

Why Buy the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron?

The Q6 e-tron will be a compelling consideration to Audi owners returning to the dealer for a lease trade-in.

Audi’s previous generation of e-tron models was the first shot over the bow as the brand moves toward a full lineup of electric vehicles. The first generation of Audi e-tron models, from 2019 to 2023, were powerful and performance-oriented. However, their driving ranges were considered uncompetitive, with battery driving of around 200 to 220 miles, depending on the model.

It appears now that Audi’s e-tron strategy has shifted toward more function, more reward, and more range but less sport-tuned. Audi co-developed the PPE architecture with Porsche, but it could be applied to other brands in the VW Group (Bentley, Lamborghini). Building e-trons on the VW Group’s PPE architecture is the metamorphosis of evolution.

And, of course, Audi still feeds its sport models, such as the RS e-tron GT, RS Q8, and RS 3.

The 2025 Q6 e-tron is a careful and calculated presentation to duel with competitors. There might be more dazzling displays of technology by some, but the Q6 e-tron is pure Audi, and purely independent.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Prestige Specifications

Body style: midsize, battery-electric 5-passenger, 5-door all-wheel-drive SUV;

Motors: Single front asynchronous; single rear permanently-excited synchronous

Power, AWD: 422 hp (or 456 hp when using launch control)

Battery: 100 kWh (94.4 kWh net), 800-volt lithium ion; 180 prismatic cells, 12 modules in an aluminum case reinforced with extruded aluminum cross-sections

Transmission: Single-speed

EPA-estimated driving range: 307 miles (w/19-inch wheels)

Fuel economy equivalent, MPGe: 105 miles city, 93 MPGe highway, 99 miles combined

Charging, to 80 percent:

Level II standard 120-volt: 14 hours, from empty to full

50kW: NA;

Rapid Charging, 350kW: 21 minutes (from 10-80 percent)

Charge ports: AC Port J1772 (passenger side); AC/DC combo port J1772 / CCS front driver side

0-60 mph acceleration: 4.9 seconds, top speed 130 mph

Aerodynamic drag coefficient: 0.33 Cd

BY THE NUMBERS

Towing capacity: 4,400 pounds

Cargo space: 30.2/60.2 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 38.5/39.8 inches

Rear head/leg room: 38.4/37.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 187.8/113.7 inches

Curb weight: 5,269 pounds

Turning circle: 39.7 feet

FEATURES

Standard Q6 e-tron equipment includes: Advanced key and digital key; push-button start; navigation-plus; 14.5-inch multimedia touch display; virtual cockpit driver information display with 11.9-inch screen; wireless charging pad; 8-way power front seats (heated) with lumbar adjustment and driver memory setting; four-spoke multifunction steering wheel; illuminated front door sills; integrated toll module (subscription required);

Exterior: power-folding and heated side mirrors; black exterior trim and roof rails; LED headlights with high-beam assist; LED taillights with dynamic turn signals; park assist-plus; two charge ports; 19-inch wheels with all-season run-flat tires.

Safety features include: 8 air bags, multimode electronic stabilization control, ABS with brake assist

Safety technologies: front-rear parking sensors with camera view, active front assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, exit warning.

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: Diagonal dual-circuit system with ESC/ABS/EBV brake booster, hydraulic brake assist; ventilated 13.8-inch front rotors with 4-piston calipers; rear, 13.8-inch rotors with single-piston calipers; electric parking brake

Steering: Electromechanical progressive steering with speed-dependent power assistance; 39.7-foot turning circle

Tires-wheels: Bridgestone Alenza Run-flat, 255/50 R20; 285/45 R20 all-season; 20-inch 5-arm bi-color design

Suspension: Prestige, adaptive air; standard 5-link front and rear

PRICING

Prestige Base price: $72,600, including $1,295 freight charge; price as tested $76,790

Options on test vehicle: Plasma Blue Metallic paint $595; Warm weather package $1,300; 20-inch wheel package $1,000

Where assembled: Ingolstadt, Germany

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper and powertrain; hybrid battery 8-years/100,000-miles (70 percent retention of battery capacity)