Audi's electric model lineup is expanding, and the latest additions are the 2025 Q6 e-tron and the more powerful SQ6 e-tron. The German automaker is building these luxurious electric SUVs on its new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, which will also underpin the upcoming Porsche Macan Electric.
The new Audi electric vehicles (EVs) will be initially available with dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrains and modern cabins featuring expansive curved touchscreens. Audi plans to have them in dealerships by the end of 2024, and they also plan to introduce an entry-level, single-motor model to the Q6 e-tron lineup in 2025.
In Audi's model hierarchy, the Q6 e-tron is larger than the Q4 e-tron but smaller than the Q8 e-tron. It takes on the electrified role of the gas-powered Q5, which is the brand's best-selling model. The Q6 e-tron is a midsize SUV with two electric motors producing 456 horsepower. Upgrading to the SQ6 e-tron unlocks 509 hp with a launch-control function. Like the gas-powered Q6 offered in other markets (it is currently unavailable in the United States), Audi offers both electric versions of the Q6 as a sloped-roof Sportback model.
Like Audi's other EV models, the Q6 and SQ6 e-trons closely resemble the design of the brand's gas-powered models and how they would look evolved for the EV era. Future Audi design elements trickle throughout, featuring intricate grille designs flanked by air intakes on either side, flared wheel arches, and sloped rooflines, regardless of standard or Sportback model. At first glance, you might not notice that there's no engine under the hood.
Color choices are sparse and dull. Buyers can choose two different styles of wheels on the Q6 e-tron, while the SQ6 e-tron has four options, including larger 21-inch sizes available.
Where the Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron differ the most from other Audi models is inside their cabins. Up front is an expansive curved touchscreen covering over 20 inches of real estate, and there's an available screen for the passenger. The system runs a new Android-based program using a long LED light bar to communicate turn signals, charging, and other features.
Sharp lines cut through the electric SUVs' dashboard design, and a flat-bottom steering wheel uses haptic controls. Both models offer a Bang & Olufsen sound system with speakers in the front headrests as an option.
With the new PPE electric platform and its extended wheelbase, the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron have more interior space than the gas-powered Q5 and SQ5 and their Sportback variants. Under the hood, there's also a “frunk” for additional storage.
The Q6 e-tron uses a dual-motor setup with an asynchronous motor on the front axle and a permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear. When using the car's launch-control function, they collectively produce 456 hp. According to Audi, the AWD setup and instant thrust from the two electric motors send the Q6 e-tron to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. When equipped with 19-inch wheels, the Q6 e-tron is EPA-estimated to travel up to 307 miles on a single charge, and drivers can select five regenerative braking settings, including one-pedal driving.
The SQ6 e-tron gets more power from the dual electric motors. When using launch control, Audi claims that the electric system provides 509 hp and propels the SQ6 e-tron to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Range dips to 275 miles, though, per the EPA's testing. The 800-volt PPE electric architecture also allows both models to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charging station, according to Audi, and, conveniently, there is a charging port on either side of the vehicle.
All Q6 e-tron models, including the more powerful SQ6 e-tron, come standard with practical advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, surround-view cameras, and automatic emergency braking. For added safety, a new augmented-reality head-up display shows crucial information in the broader field of view to keep eyes on the road. Additionally, when front-seat riders are using the available passenger touchscreen, the driver's view is obstructed by active shuttering technology.
The 2025 Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron are the first electric SUVs in Audi's lineup to utilize the new corporate PPE platform. The highly anticipated electric version of the Porsche Macan is expected to launch later in 2024 and will also use the same platform. Regarding pricing, Audi positions the new e-tron versions of the Q6 and SQ6 midrange among midsize luxury electric SUVs. The prices of the Cadillac Lyriq and Genesis Electrified GV70 are lower than those of the Audis, while the BMW iX and Macan EV have prices exceeding $80,000.
Audi is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of July 8, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Connor Hoffman has worked in the automotive industry since 2018 in both editorial and public relations. He has tested and written about hundreds of cars and helped lead the media launches of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Land Cruiser. Connor started his career at Car and Driver after a summer internship and has contributed to Edmunds, U.S. News & World Report, and Capital One Autos.
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