Audi Q6 e-tron arrives to take on the Tesla Model Y
Can Audi's latest £69,000 electric SUV take on Tesla?
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Audi has unveiled its latest all-electric SUV, dubbed the Q6 e-tron.
It promises a good range and plenty of power, but is it good enough to take on the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3 and Jaguar I-Pace?
Set to sit between the Audi Q4 e-tron and the larger Q8 e-tron, this model will appeal to buyers who would ordinarily opt for a mid-sized SUV like the Q5.
The Q6 e-tron sits on the new Premium Performance Electric (PPE) platform developed by Audi in collaboration with Porsche, which can only mean one thing – it's going to be good.
Audi Q6 e-tron power options and electric range
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Audi has performed well in the electric vehicle department, and the e-tron GT sports car is a prime example of this.
In the new Audi Q6 e-tron, you get the choice between an 83kWh and a 100kWh battery. The new PPE platform uses a similar philosophy as Porsche and Hyundai to allow for ultra-rapid charging, meaning you can charge at speeds of up to 270kW, giving you a staggering 158 miles in just 10 minutes.
The launch model will produce 377hp and 436 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor setup, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds and a 388-mile range. Soon to follow, however, is the sportier SQ6 e-tron, which will offer up to 503hp when the launch control system is active.
This cuts the 0-62mph time down to 4.3 seconds but reduces the total range, though it does still give you a claimed 372 miles.
Audi Q6 e-tron interior and infotainment
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Inside, you'll find a five-seat layout and a large 526-litre boot with an additional 64-litre frunk, making it ideal for road trips with the family.
The cabin is where it gets very impressive, though. Step inside and you're greeted with a large curved display that Audi calls the 'digital stage', which is made up of an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch curved infotainment touchscreen.
But it doesn't stop there, as even the front passenger gets their own 10.9-inch display to choose music and look at maps etc.
Like all modern Audis, its infotainment system is pretty much flawless and easy to use – even if there are three large screens up front to deal with.
Audi Q6 e-tron launch date and pricing
Set to arrive in April 2024, the new Audi Q6 e-tron will be the first electric model built at Audi's main Ingolstadt factory in Germany.
The Q6 e-tron will be priced from £68,975 in the UK, with the hotter SQ6 starting from £92,950. Audi is yet to confirm pricing for other variants, but we'd imagine the smaller battery entry-level model will start at around £55,000.