The German luxury car establishment took its time responding to the Tesla Model S, but Audi reacted faster than most. While competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are just now finalizing their EV lineups, Audi is already stepping into the next generation with the 2025 Q6 e-tron. This electric SUV targets the heart of the luxury market, positioned as the electric counterpart to Audi’s best-selling Q5. It enters a competitive arena, facing off against rivals like the Acura ZDX, Cadillac Lyriq, and Mercedes EQE SUV.
This strategic positioning, along with the Q6’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, signifies Audi’s commitment to high-volume EV production, not just superficial “greenwashing.” The PPE platform brings advancements like 800-volt charging hardware, first seen in the Audi e-tron GT, to a wider audience.
Design and Styling
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron interior.
The Q6 e-tron shares its PPE underpinnings with the Audi A6 e-tron sedan, but the platform’s adaptability allows it to accommodate both body styles effectively. The A6 e-tron utilizes a “low-floor” concept for a sleek, aerodynamic profile, while the Q6 e-tron employs a “high-floor” version for classic SUV proportions and a commanding driving position.
The Q6 e-tron’s styling prioritizes conventional SUV aesthetics over overt EV design cues, similar to the Audi Q8 e-tron (formerly the e-tron). The upright roof and front end, accentuated by stacked headlights, contribute to this impression. Except for the base Premium trim, all models boast “digital” daytime running lights with a distinctive pixelated appearance and customizable designs. OLED taillights are also available. While other markets enjoy features like on-the-go lighting scheme adjustments, current U.S. regulations prohibit such functionality.
This design contrasts sharply with the rounded Mercedes EQE SUV and the retro-futuristic Cadillac Lyriq, yet all three offer comparable interior space. The Audi’s squared-off roof maximizes rear headroom, though rear legroom is slightly less generous. Cargo space remains competitive, with a maximum of 30.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. A frunk is included, primarily for charging equipment storage.
Inside, the Q6 e-tron echoes the A6 e-tron’s layout, despite their exterior differences. An angular design theme, reflecting the octagonal grille and sharp body lines, enhances functionality. The dashboard is sculpted around the curved main display, strategically positioned to avoid directing air vents towards passengers’ knees. While the squared-off steering wheel on certain models initially seemed unconventional, it provided an unobstructed view of the instrument cluster without hindering driving.
Specifications and Performance
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron front-passenger touchscreen.
| Specification | Q6 e-tron | Q6 e-tron Quattro | SQ6 e-tron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.8 in | 187.9 in | 187.9 in |
| Width | 86.3 in | 86.3 in | 86.3 in |
| Height | 66.6 in | 66.8 in | 66.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.7 in | 113.8 in | 113.8 in |
| Headroom (front/rear) | 38.5/38.4 in | 38.5/38.4 in | 38.5/38.4 in |
| Legroom (front/rear) | 39.8/37.4 in | 39.8/37.4 in | 39.8/37.4 in |
| Cargo space (up/down) | 30.2/60.2 cu ft | 30.2/60.4 cu ft | 30.2/60.4 cu ft |
| Frunk space | 2.1 cu ft | 2.1 cu ft | 2.1 cu ft |
| Powertrain | Single-motor RWD/Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Battery | 100 kWh | 100 kWh | 100 kWh |
| Horsepower | 322 hp | 456 hp | 509 hp |
| Estimated Range | 321 miles | 307 miles | 275 miles |
| Price | $65,095 | $67,095 | $74,195 |
Technology and Infotainment
The Q6 e-tron mirrors the A6 e-tron’s screen setup. A curved display housing an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen dominates the left side of the dashboard. While initially striking, the large bezels required to integrate the two screens into a single unit become apparent upon closer inspection.
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron profile view.
Audi’s curved display implementation, however, balances aesthetics and functionality better than many competitors. The curve positions the central touchscreen closer to the driver’s natural line of sight, enhancing accessibility. As in the A6 e-tron, this angles the touchscreen slightly away from the front passenger, but an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen compensates for this. This third screen provides controls for audio, climate, and streaming video (with a driver-side filter for safety).
The latest iteration of Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface) infotainment system is now Android-based but retains standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay without integrated Google apps. This means Audi relies on its own voice recognition, which, based on initial impressions, falls short of the system in the Mercedes EQE SUV. During testing, the Q6 e-tron’s voice recognition occasionally activated inadvertently, a problem not encountered in a previous A6 e-tron test. However, in the A6 e-tron, the system struggled to interpret certain commands. On a positive note, the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system’s headrest speakers deliver responses directly to each front seat occupant.
Driving Experience
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron rear quarter view.
The shared platform translates to mechanical similarities between the Q6 e-tron and the A6 e-tron. Both will be offered in the U.S. exclusively with a 100-kWh battery pack (94 kWh usable capacity), single-motor rear-wheel drive, and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains. For this test drive, Audi provided only dual-motor models equipped with adaptive air suspension (passive steel-spring suspension is standard).
The Q6 e-tron Quattro, with its default 422 horsepower and temporary boost to 456 hp with launch control, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 4.9 seconds. This represents a significant improvement over the single-motor variant’s 302 hp (322 hp with launch control) and 6.3-second zero to 60 mph time, surpassing the acceleration of the more expensive Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic SUV.
Acceleration, however, is the Q6 e-tron’s primary sporting attribute. On California’s challenging Napa wine region roads, the air suspension amplified minor imperfections that rivals like the EQE SUV or Cadillac Lyriq would smooth out, hindering the Q6’s cornering composure. The steering, however, felt significantly more responsive than in a recently tested A6 e-tron, making this taller EV surprisingly nimble.
The SQ6 e-tron, with its increased power output of 483 hp (509 hp with launch control) and a 0.7-second reduction in the zero to 60 mph time compared to the Q6 e-tron Quattro, didn’t offer a substantially different driving experience. The handling improvements were minimal, and the SQ6 exhibited the same ride discomfort as its less powerful counterpart.
Range and Charging
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron front quarter view.
Audi projects up to 321 miles of range for single-motor models with 18-inch wheels (the smallest available). Most dual-motor versions are estimated at 307 miles, while the SQ6 e-tron is rated at 275 miles. These are respectable figures, albeit achieved with a large battery pack. The range discrepancy between the Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron, despite sharing a platform and battery size, highlights the impact of SUV aerodynamics, with the A6 e-tron projected to reach up to 390 miles.
Fast charging is crucial for road trips, and the Q6 e-tron’s 800-volt architecture delivers. Dual-motor models can DC fast charge at up to 270 kW, achieving a 10% to 80% charge in 21 minutes. Single-motor models offer similar performance, with 260 kW and 22 minutes. All versions support 9.6 kW Level 2 AC charging, with a full recharge estimated at 14 hours.
Conclusion
The standard Q6 e-tron Quattro appears more compelling than the sportier SQ6 e-tron, given the latter’s limited performance gains, reduced range, and higher price. The base single-motor Q6 e-tron Premium, starting at $65,095, presents an intriguing alternative, potentially offering a more balanced ride with its different suspension setup.
The Audi Q6 e-tron may not be revolutionary, but it effectively addresses the needs of luxury SUV buyers transitioning to electric vehicles. While competitors like Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz aim to redefine the segment, Audi focuses on familiarity, offering a compelling combination of range, charging capability, interior space, and design.
