2025 Audi Q6 e-tron first drive

We were recently given and opportunity to drive the new 2025 Audi Q6
e-tron in northern California. This latest battery electric vehicle
(BEV) comes on the heels of a flurry of new vehicle introductions from
the German automaker. The Q6 is the first SUV built on the all-new
premium platform electric (PPE), the recently introduced A6 e-tron rides
on the low floor version of the platform.
Back in 2018 when Audi introduced the original e-tron SUV, the marketing
slogan was “Electric has gone Audi”. A clear signal that at the core of
their efforts any product was going to be an Audi first and foremost.
Walking up to the Q6 e-tron, the exterior design is clearly an extension
of this ethos. As opposed to other brands efforts, which resulted in
vehicle designs likened to a used bar of soap, the Q6’s tall, wide-shouldered
design makes it difficult to immediately identify as a BEV.
Stepping into the luxuriously appointed cabin, the sense of spaciousness
offered by the large windows and additional shoulder room is instantly
noted. Settling into the driver’s seat, a seemingly continuous panel of
curved OLED screen runs from behind the steering wheel out to the centre
of the dashboard. Audi calls this layout its digital stage,
incorporating the now standard 11.9 inch virtual cockpit LCD with its
customizable layout. An adjoining 14.5 inch touch screen panel serves as
the primary control centre for the climate, infotainment and vehicle
setup controls. A nifty addition is an optional 10.9 inch screen that sits
directly in front of the front passenger seat. Containing a shielding
technology, the extra screen allows passengers to experience
entertainment without distracting the driver but also allows the
passenger to control systems normally blocked out while the vehicle is
in motion, adding GPS directions for example.
Another innovative tech feature added to the Q6 is Audi’s latest heads up
display system. Navigation directions broadcast onto the windshield are
rendered in a 3D fashion. Essentially the directional prompts such as
arrows loom larger as you approach the waypoint. If you err and miss the
turn, you visually drive through the flashing arrows. It does take a bit of getting
used to, due to the “in your face” nature of the system but once
acclimatized its really difficult to go back to traditional systems.
While it may not look like a typical BEV, what carries weight with EV
buyers are its range and charging parameters. All Q6 e-trons coming to
Canada will be fitted with dual electric motors laid out as an electronic
all-wheel-drive system.
On the road the Q6 has a refined and quiet ride. The cabin noise insulation is impressive. To increase driving dynamics, Audi removed the isolating mounts from the steering rack where it joins to the subframe, allowing for a more dynamic feel to the steering system and a more precise feel in handling.
A redesigned battery with new chemistry and layout, raises the
battery size to 100kWh with a useable capacity of 94 kWh. Audi’s 800V
electrical architecture allows for lower current, less heat and fast
charging times. The Q6 reportedly can charge from 10% to 80% in only 21
minutes on a 270 kWh charger. The system allows allows for a
quick top up of around 250 kms of range in 10 mins.The motor design paired with the energy savings of the new PPE architecture has raised the expected range based on the European test cycle to 599 kilometres per full charge. Natural Resources Canada estimates the range on the dual-motor Q6 of 475 kilometres and the SQ6 with a range of 443 kms. Driving the coastal route around central California, we observed consumption of 21.7 kWh/100 km on the Q6 with 20-inch wheels and 23.1 kWh/100 km with the SQ6 riding on 21-inch wheels. A slew of regenerative settings include mild up to aggressive one pedal driving for maximum recovery. We found the automatic setting more than adequate with a great balance of comfort and efficiency. The brake feel as the systems moved between regeneration to the conventional friction pads was seemless.
The Q6 e-tron lineup is noteworthy for its elevated level of comfort and sporty vehicle dynamics. This focus on balance comes at a price as one would expect. Given the closure of the factory that manufactures the Q8 e-tron and the age of that platform, it’s not hard to see that the Q6 e-tron sits at the top of Audi’s e-tron SUV range in technical innovation and almost in terms of size.
The base model Audi Q6 e-tron lists for $83,895, the Progressiv trim for $89,995 and the Technik for $92,945. The two SQ6 models we drove were the Progressiv and Technik, starting at $100,045 and $103,295. The 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron SUV’s are in dealer showrooms.