Audi’s Q6 eTron aims to enhance their model lineup and contribute to the advancement of electromobility in Germany. ntv.de took the electric vehicle for a spin, which the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has been eagerly anticipating.
Audi has already made significant strides in the field of electromobility. With the SUV E-Tron, Audi was an early player in the market, as well as with the sporty E-Tron GT sedan, known for its swift charging capabilities. There’s also the more affordable Q4 E-Tron, built on the modular electric platform, albeit with mediocre charging performance. Therefore, a balanced middle ground with robust charging capabilities was needed.
Enter the Q6 E-Tron. This model has been eagerly awaited, especially since it was originally slated for a 2022 release, with rumored electronic issues causing the delay. Now that it’s finally here, the new mid-size vehicle might prompt some contemplation, especially if one has previously examined BMW’s futuristic Concept Vision Neue Klasse X.
Conservative Styling
The novelty of the conservatively designed Q6 is somewhat elusive. Even the digital OLED taillights with menu-switchable light designs offer only a charming but minimal enhancement.
On the other hand, perhaps the Q6’s traditional styling isn’t such a bad choice. After all, it’s not necessarily aimed at young hipsters but rather at middle-aged professionals with good jobs who appreciate solid, no-frills design.
However, the interior architects have given the new Audi a noticeable rejuvenation. A wide, elegantly curved screen (with an optional display for the front passenger) replaces Audi’s typically conservative-looking instruments. Here, the user can navigate a richly equipped menu, which may take some time to master. But this is acceptable, especially since a physical button for the assistant menu is conveniently located on the center console, allowing the driver to quickly access and adjust the level of driving autonomy.
Now, it’s time to test the Q6. Audi, however, refrains from showcasing the base version (306 PS and rear-wheel drive). Even this model starts at a hefty 68,800 euros. There’s hope that future versions with smaller batteries will be available for customers who don’t need 100 kWh of battery capacity, as the cost of battery storage is a major price driver.