Dublin 19th March: - The Audi Q6 e‑tron* is the first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), marking the next step in the company's transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility. The model is defined not only by impressive driving and charging performance, but also by increased efficiency and long range. The Audi Q6 e‑tron* embodies typical Audi SUV styling with a further refined e‑tron design language. The Audi Q6 e‑tron quattro* and SQ6 e‑tron* will be available to order from Q2 2024 and will be delivered to customers in summer 2024.
The PPE, developed jointly with Porsche, and the E3 1.2 electronic architecture are important milestones in the expansion of Audi's global range of electrically powered models. They mark the start of a comprehensive strengthening and rejuvenation of the model portfolio. The Q6 e‑tron* underpins Audi’s promise to offer electric vehicles in all core segments by 2027. “Built on the new PPE platform, the Audi Q6 e‑tron* is the next technological leap in premium electric mobility for our customers," said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, at the world premiere at the main plant in Ingolstadt. "The PPE shows how we are pooling expertise within the Volkswagen Group and thus making electric mobility scalable. Thanks to the PPE, we are able to launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments and thus further electrify our portfolio," the Audi CEO added.
The flexibility of the PPE helps in giving the future models their independent character and the typical Audi DNA, despite shared technical underpinnings.
Powerful, compact, and highly efficient electric motors, as well as a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 net) ensure a range of up to 625 km. The new Audi Q6 e‑tron ensures the sporty performance Audi is known for with a system output of 285 kW and the SQ6 e‑tron with a system output of up to 380 kW when the extra function is engaged, thus set standards in terms of performance, range, charging, driving dynamics, and design. At market launch, two model variants with all-wheel drive will be available, followed by particularly efficient models with rear-wheel drive designed for range, which will also mark the entry into the Q6 e‑tron series. The Q6 e‑tron quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The SQ 6 e‑tron takes just 4.3 seconds. The vehicles’ top speeds are 210km/h and 230 km/h respectively. Two models with rear‑wheel drive will follow at a later date - depending on the market. While one model will be designed for efficiency and range, the other will mark the entry into the Q6 e‑tron series.
Thanks to 800‑volt technology and a maximum charging capacity of 270 kW as standard, short charging stops are possible with the Audi Q6 e‑tron*. Up to 255 km can be recharged in just ten minutes at an appropriate charging station (High Power Charging, HPC). The state-of-charge (SoC) increases from ten to 80 percent in around 21 minutes. Intelligent, high-performance and predictive thermal management is a key component of this impressive charging performance. Equipped with Plug & Charge, the vehicle authorises itself at compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in and commences the charging process. Charging is also fully automatic. If a charging station works with 400‑volt technology, the Audi Q6 e‑tron* can, for the first time, enable bank charging. The 800‑volt battery is automatically divided into two batteries at equal voltage, which can then be charged in parallel with up to 135 kW. Depending on the state of charge, both halves of the battery are first equalised and then charged simultaneously. AC charging with up to 11 kW is possible at standard home chargers.
An important component in increasing the efficiency and therefore the range of the Audi Q6 e‑tron* is the advanced recuperation system. Around 95 percent of all everyday braking processes can be handled by this system. The Audi Q6 e‑tron* recuperates at up to 220 kW.
The Audi Q6 e‑tron* is positioned in the premium midsize segment and, with a length of 4,771 millimeters, a width of 1,993 millimeters and a height of 1,648 millimeters, the SUV offers maximum space, comfort and suitability for everyday use. The wheelbase of 2,899 millimeters allows plenty of legroom in the second row of seats. With these dimensions, the Audi Q6 e‑tron* offers sufficient space for five passengers and luggage and offers high utility value. Audi thus fulfills the requirements customers place on an SUV.
The Audi Q6 e‑tron* comes with perfect proportions thanks to the Premium Platform Electric. The ratio of a long wheelbase to very short overhangs forms the basis for the familiar powerful, dynamic package seen in the exterior of Audi's Q models.
Its striking SUV look makes for an impressive and sporty appearance. The upright front features a completely closed Singleframe and a mask in selenite silver or gloss black, which surrounds the three-dimensionally shaped Singleframe and the side air intakes. The high-positioned digital daytime running lights give the Q6 e‑tron* a very distinctive and independent appearance.
The greenhouse is stretched low and taut over the powerful body. It is slightly tapered towards the rear and the gently sloping D‑pillars flow elegantly into the bodywork’s muscular shoulders. The opening between the D‑pillar and the roof gives the vehicle a more dynamic appearance and makes the cabin appear more stretched and longer. A prominent line running from the rear lights to the rear doors emphasises the upper section of the “quattro blisters” - the contours of the body on which the gently sloping D‑pillars are supported. The blisters are a core element of Audi's design DNA. Audi calls this central design principle "making technology visible". The dynamically tightened rear creates a mixture of sporty elegance and masculine power. The clean and broad rear architecture with its continuous light strip lends the Q6 e‑tron quattro* the clarity and aplomb typical of Audi.
With the Q6 e‑tron*, Audi is not only starting a new chapter in electric mobility, but also in an important part of Audi's DNA: lighting technology. With the world's first active digital light signature, the electric SUV is ushering in a new era characterised by design and aesthetics that are unique to Audi.
A software module in one of the five domain computers of the Audi Q6 e‑tron* makes this form of light signature possible. In the case of the second-generation digital OLED rear lights, the six OLED panels with a total of 360 segments generate a new image every ten milliseconds using a specially developed algorithm. Thanks to the perfect symbiosis between the lighting design and the new technology, the light in the new Audi Q6 e‑tron* appears livelier and more intelligent than ever before. The active digital light signature also points the way to the future of Audi lighting technology.
At the front, the active digital light signature is created by the interaction of the algorithm with twelve segments that dim up and down. At the rear, all digital OLED segments are used for this purpose. The individual light segments interact in such a way that the total light intensity of the light signature does not vary.
With the second generation of digital OLED rear lights, the Audi Q6 e‑tron* takes lighting design, functionality and therefore road safety to a new level. For the first time, the digital OLED rear lights can communicate with the vehicle’s surroundings in a targeted manner (Car‑to‑X). Audi has also taken the safety functions to a new level. The proximity detection system already known from other Audi models has been extended in the new Q6 e‑tron* to include the communication light. It warns other road users of accident and breakdown sites. In addition to the regular taillight graphics, the communication light displays a specific static tail light signature with integrated warning symbols in the digital OLED combination rear light in critical driving or traffic situations.
The technology, which is debuting in the Audi Q6 e‑tron*, also sets new standards in terms of individualisation: With a total of up to eight digital light signatures in the redesigned daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and in the digital OLED rear lights 2.0, owners can individualise their Q6 e‑tron* in a completely new way.
The Q6 e‑tron model family, the first all-electric model series produced at the Ingolstadt plant, stands for Audi's commitment to sustainability, from production to product. The company is gradually refitting all production sites for the manufacture of all-electric models instead of building new ones. In line with the early decision to phase out the combustion engine, Audi has also intensively promoted the transformation of its employees and trained the workforce for fields of the future, for example in the new battery assembly plant in Ingolstadt. The brand with the four rings is thus increasing vertical integration and bringing important skills to the sites. At the same time, Audi is creating new job opportunities.
In order to produce the Q6 e‑tron series sustainably and efficiently, Audi uses existing structures and systems. The brand seamlessly integrates the model series into existing assembly lines, such as the body shop for the PPE. The bodies for the PPE models are produced at the Ingolstadt plant in a building covering around 148,000 square meters. The bodywork components for the Q6 e‑tron series are made by 328 employees per shift and 1,150 robots with a degree of automation of 87 percent.
Commenting on the Q6 e-tron, Audi Ireland Brand Director Damien O’Sullivan said: “We are excited to take the next step in Audi's transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility. The Q6 e-tron marks this transformative milestone as the first production model off the PPE.
It's highly efficient, sporty, and dynamic performance ensures impressive driving and charging capabilities. And the Q6 e-tron's striking, sporty appearance, brought to life by Audi's design DNA, is one that we're confident will resonate with Audi customers.”