New Audi Q6 & SQ6 Sportback e-tron unveiled

German automaker Audi has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with the launch of the new Q6 Sportback e-tron. The Q6 Sportback e-tron, set to debut at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, joins Audi's growing portfolio of electric vehicles.

Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Powertrain

At the launch, the Q6 Sportback e-tron offers a variety of powertrain options, including both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The EV's 83kWh battery powers the base model, while a larger 100kWh battery is available in higher variants.

The range-topping SQ6 Sportback e-tron is powered by two electric motors that together deliver 489PS, enabling the vehicle to sprint from zero to 100kmph in just 4.3 seconds. Whereas, the rear-wheel-drive variant, known as the Q6 Sportback e-tron Performance, produces 306PS and completes the same sprint in 6.6 seconds. The all-wheel-drive quattro version, on the other hand, produces 387PS and achieving a zero to 100kmph time of 5.9 seconds.

When it comes to range, with its aerodynamic body (a cd value of 0.26, compared to the SUV's 0.28), the Q6 Sportback e-tron Performance offers a range of up to 656km. Other versions with the smaller battery offer up to 545km, while the all-wheel-drive models can travel up to 636km on a single charge. Then, the high-performance SQ6 Sportback e-tron delivers a range of 607km.

The Q6 Sportback e-tron incorporates Audi's latest advancements in battery thermal management and the 800-volt electrical system, resulting in rapid charging capabilities. At a fast-charging station, the vehicle can recover up to 265km of range in just 10 minutes with 270kW charging power under ideal conditions. The high-voltage battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes. The S line and S model variants also benefit from these fast-charging capabilities, with slight variations depending on battery size and configuration.

Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Design

The Q6 Sportback e-tron comes with a slanting roof and a few cosmetic changes compared to the Q6 e-tron and Audi describes its design as "drop of water". The Sportback variant, with its sloping roofline, also stands 37mm lower than its SUV counterpart. It measures 4,771mm length, 1,965mm width, and 1,665mm height with a wheelbase of 2,899mm.

Despite its coupe-inspired design, the Q6 Sportback e-tron retains the practicality expected from an SUV. It offers a 511-litre luggage compartment and a 64-litre frunk. Folding the rear seats expands the luggage capacity to 1,373 litres. The long 2,899mm wheelbase ensures that passengers, even in the rear, enjoy ample space, while the vehicle's interior features 25 liters of additional storage. For towing enthusiasts, the Q6 Sportback e-tron offers a towing capacity of up to 2,400kg in the all-wheel-drive quattro variant and 2,000kg in other versions.

Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Interior

Inside, the Q6 Sportback e-tron gets a familiar dashboard and sustainable cabin materials. The digital stage features a curved OLED screen with an 11.9-inch driver display and a 14.5-inch central information hub. Additionally, there is an augmented reality head-up display (AR HuD) projects critical driving information directly onto the windshield. Audi has also integrated an AI-supported voice assistant, powered by ChatGPT, enabling drivers to control a wide range of functions through natural language commands.

Audi has used recycled materials throughout the interior. The S line variant uses Elastic Melange fabric made from recycled materials for the seats and the soft wrap in the cabin. The roof lining, pillars, and sun visors are constructed from Draft fabric, which is 100 per cent recycled polyester.

Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Price

Pricing in European markets starts at €65,900 for the entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant, while the Q6 Sportback e-tron performance starts at €71,200. The quattro variant is priced at €77,100, and the high-performance SQ6 Sportback e-tron starts at €96,200.