2025 Audi Q6 e-tron First Drive: This Porsche-Inflected SUV is Audi’s Best EV Yet
Audi joined the EV party early on with the Q8 e-tron (initially called Audi e-tron), an all-electric mid-size SUV launched back in 2018. It was followed by the Audi Q4 e-tron in 2021, a compact all-electric SUV which built on the same framework as the VW ID.4. With the Audi Q6 e-tron, as well as the Porsche Macan Electric, the company finally breaks the chain of a company-wide single platform approach to EVs, rolling out a more premium approach to both design and engineering intended to delight as much as it impresses.
Priced from $63,800 to about $73,000, the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron delivers solid electric driving range, up to 321 miles, great power, up to 509 HP, the same fast-charging 800 volt system used by Porsche and two versions, a standard and a sport edition.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was a guest of Audi for this test drive.
It Was Time for Audi’s EVs to Evolve
As an early entrant to EVs, it was time. The Audi Q8 e-tron is starting to feel dated and the Q4 e-tron is a smaller, crossover EV – and with an EPA-estimated range of up to 321 miles – the brand needed an SUV that would prove as versatile and sought after as its Q5 SUV. Enter the Audi Q6 e-tron, poised to bring traditional Audi Q5 customers into the electric fold, and attract second-time EV buyers alike.
Will it satisfy both the Audi faithful and the Tesla defectors? After driving two of Audi’s three Q6 e-tron models (the Q6 e-tron quattro and the sportier SQ6 e-tron quattro) on the lovely roads of Northern California, I have thoughts.
Who is the Audi Q6 e-tron For?
- Electric car buyers who want an Audi SUV
- Audi customers who are looking for an all-electric SUV
- Families who need a spacious EV with plenty of passenger and cargo room
- Tech-curious drivers who want an EV with all the latest features and a user-friendly infotainment system
- People who are looking for an eco-friendly SUV with a decent range
Read: Road Test: The Audi Q8 e-tron S Line Quattro Knows How Make a Girl Feel Special
What You Need to Know
- The Audi Q6 e-tron is an all-electric SUV that starts at $63,800
- It’s available in one RWD and two AWD models with three trim levels each
- It offers a range of up to 321 miles, making it suitable for long-distance trips
- It features the latest tech, including a touchscreen infotainment system with multiple displays, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.
- It comes with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features
Read: Polestar 3 First Drive: Luxury Means Never Having to Apologize for Power
This SUV is All Audi—With a Bit Of a Porsche Accent
There’s no mistaking the Audi Q6 e-tron for anything but an Audi. In fact, you’d be excused if, at first glance, you confused the Q6 e-tron for the next generation Q5. Hint: there’s no tailpipe on the Audi Q6 e-tron, and Audi is switching to using even numbers for EVs and odd numbers for gas-powered cars and hybrids for new models (don’t freak out, Q8/SQ8 fans; it’s not going electric yet, though a name change may be on the horizon). Now you know.
In terms of exterior design, the Q6 e-tron is a slightly longer and more muscular looking Q5. It inherits the “quattro blisters,” or sculpted fenders, and Singleframe grille from the Audi e-tron GT all-electric sedan (which is based on the Porsche Taycan platform). This gives the Audi Q6 e-tron a sportier appearance.
Read: Audi Q5 Sportback Luxury SUV Review: I’m in Love With the Shape of You
Audi Q6 e-tron: Porsche-Powered Power
But that’s not the only Porsche connection. The Audi Q6 e-tron is manufactured on the same platform as the Macan EV—Volkswagen Group’s 800-volt Premium Platform Electric architecture. This includes new split headlights which further set the Q6 e-tron apart from the Q5.
Inside, the Q6 e-tron is typical Audi, boasting refined materials and top-notch quality. But unlike some of its luxury SUV rivals, this interior is also family friendly. Rear-door sunshades, which are standard on upper trims or can be added with a package, along with tri-zone climate control. Heated rear seats and steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats (SQ6 e-tron only) are also available.
The Electric Driving Experience
As you’d expect from a battery EV, the Audi Q6 e-tron is silent and effortless. It offers plenty of performance thanks to the instant torque of electric motors. Still, acceleration isn’t quite as swift as the competition – even in the SQ6 e-tron.
I drove the AWD Q6 e-tron quattro and AWD SQ6 e-tron quattro, but not the rear wheel drive version; both AWD models were equipped with the air suspension package (optional on Q6, standard on SQ6) and while the Q6’s ride was compliant and comfortable, I found the SQ6 e-tron’s ride to be busy and unsettled. It even made me car sick (both as a driver and passenger), which is unusual for me.
What it Lacks in Suspension the Audi Q6 e-tron Makes Up for in Handling
Besides the Audi SQ6 e-tron’s odd suspension tuning, both the Q6 and SQ6 drive and handle well, and deliver better than average steering feel for an EV. The Q6 e-tron blends regenerative and hydraulic braking, and it’s pretty seamless. You can adjust the amount of regen using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, or shift into B (for brake).
I also tried Audi’s optional Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) on the freeway, and it works as advertised – though I’ll need more seat time for a proper verdict. The Q6 e-tron also provides a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features.
How Long Does the Audi Q6 e-tron Take to Charge?
Since the Audi Q6 e-tron is based on Volkswagen Group’s 800-volt Premium Platform Electric architecture, it charges at up to 270kW, which is quick. This means it takes about 21 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a 350kW/800V DC fast charger. A full charge takes about 14 hours on a 9.6kW/240V Level 2 charger – and even longer with a level 1 standard household outlet.
Currently, Audi offers one year of free, unlimited charging on Electrify America’s network and supports plug-and-charge — meaning no tap-to-pay or credit card swipe needed. Other EV manufacturers now have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, which is a game changer for road trips, but Audi doesn’t yet. This should be coming sometime in 2025, so stay tuned.
A New Audi Multimedia Infotainment (MMI) System
Like most other EVs today, the Audio Q6 e-tron is filled with tech. You’ll find WiFi hotspot support, LTE connectivity, over-the-air software updates, self-parking, phone remote control via the “myAudi” app, phone-as-a-key functionality, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the “Hey Audi” voice assistant.
The Q6 e-tron stands out by having a 15W Qi wireless phone charger with a built-in fan to keep your phone cool, and 100W USB Type-C ports in the rear seat that are powerful enough to charge a laptop. Audi uses Google’s Android Automotive multimedia software alongside Harman’s Ignite app store to deliver content and apps.
A New 14.5″ Display and a Screen for the Front Seat Passenger
All models include a 14.5-inch center touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital driver display for key information like speed, range, and state-of-charge. There are both OLED (organic light emitting diode) panels, which provide low power consumption and exceptional contrast for better readability in direct sunlight.
In addition, the Q6 e-tron offers an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. This LCD display is equipped with an active privacy filter which hides content from the driver when the vehicle is in motion. A high-resolution augmented reality heads-up display is also available for a more immersive navigation experience.
Lighting, Inside and Out, Adds to the Fun
The Q6 e-tron is available with Audi’s new 830W, 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. It sounds great, and features optional front headrest speakers. Ambient lighting is also on the menu, and includes a thin color light bar at the base of the windshield (similar to VW’s ID. Light) that provides visual cues like turn signals and navigation.
Outside, the Q6 e-tron comes with adaptive matrix LED headlight with programmable LED daytime running lights) and optional programmable OLED tail lights (SQ6 e-tron only). These programmable lights let you select different light signatures (patterns) via the multimedia system and “my Audi” app. Very cool.
Three Trims and a Long List of Standard Features
The Q6 e-tron models include the Q6 e-tron (321 miles, 322 hp, 0-60mph in 6.3s), Q6 e-tron quattro (307 miles, 456hp, 0-60mph in 4.9s), and SQ6 e-tron quattro (275 miles, 509hp, 0-60mph in 4.1s). All models come with a 100 kWh (gross) / 94.4 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery that supports plug-and-charge DC fast charging up to 270kW / 800V.
By default, the Q6 e-tron comes with a long list of features, including:
- Power-adjustable heated front seats
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 15W Qi wireless charging pad with fan
- 100W USB Type-C rear ports
- 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.5-inch center touchscreen
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Rear turn and cross traffic assist
- Audi digital phone-as-key
But Of Course, There Are Options, Too
The Q6 e-tron also offers a number of optional features, such as:
- quattro AWD
- Air suspension
- 10.9-inch front passenger touchscreen
- Bang & Olufsen 20-speaker audio system
- Front headrest speakers
- Opening panoramic sunroof with sunshade
- Ventilated front seats
- Massaging front seats
- Heated rear seats and steering wheel
- Augmented reality heads-up display
- Level 2 ADAS
- Programmable LED DRLs
- Programmable OLED tail lights
Respectable Passenger and Cargo Space
Overall, the Q6 e-tron is a very pleasant place to spend time in. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and there is plenty of headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. Rear legroom, while decent enough, falls a bit short of other EVs in this price range and may make rear facing child car seats or taller passengers a no-go. There’s ample rear headroom, however.
While the Q6 e-tron provides adequate storage for personal items – including a glove box, center console cubby, and door pockets – there are only two cup holders in the center console, and two in the rear armrest. You can’t put larger bottles in the door pockets, and there’s no space under the center console to store a handbag between the front seats.
On the plus side, there’s tons of luggage space thanks to a very usable 2.15 cubic feet frunk and a generous 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space that. With extra space in the subfloor and folding down 40/20/40 split rear seats, the space grows to 60.2 cubic feet. As a bonus, the opening panoramic sunroof makes the cabin feel even more spacious.
What Does the Audi Q6 e-tron Cost?
There are three Audi Q6 e-tron models:
- Q6 e-tron: $63,800 (321 miles)
- Q6 e-tron quattro: $65,800 (307 miles)
- SQ6 e-tron quattro: $72,900 (275 miles)
Each model is available in three trims:
- Premium (+$0)
- Premium Plus (Q6: $4,800 / SQ6 +$4,400)
- Prestige (Q6 +$6,800 / SQ6 +$6,400)
Audi’s Best All-Electric SUV Yet
I have no doubt that the Q6 e-tron is Audi’s best all-electric SUV yet. The company has clearly learned a lot from the Q8 e-tron and Q4 e-tron and the Q6 e-tron is much better for it. But is that enough? Within Audi’s lineup, the Q6 e-tron makes perfect sense. It’s the obvious choice for any Audi (particularly Q5) customer looking for an all-electric SUV.
Outside the Audi-verse, though, the Q6 e-tron is a mixed bag. The price and range are competitive, but is it compelling enough to attract buyers from other brands – especially second-time EV buyers and Tesla defectors?
In the End, the Audi Q6 e-tron Delivers a True Audi Experience
Here’s what it boils down to for me: the Q6 e-tron feels conventional, which might be its appeal; its performance, tech, and packaging feel conventional, too. Buyers who want more cutting edge design or performance might look toward Porsche or Polestar, but for those who want to stay under the radar yet benefit from Audi’s advances and Porsche technology, the Q6 e-tron delivers.
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