2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron: New Electric SUVs From Audi Mean Business
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Bilbao, Spain–The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron mark the beginning of a new chapter for the four-ring brand out of Ingolstadt. Built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) developed with Porsche, these two models are closely related to the freshly introduced Macan EV.
Following a test drive of pre-production units last year, we got a taste of the real deal during a recent trip to Spain. Incidentally, the Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron are slated to go on sale in Canada this fall, with the coupe-like Sportback variant arriving a bit later.
- Also: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
- Also: Audi Unveils A6 Avant e-tron Concept as RS6-Like Electric Wagon
The Q6 duo benefits from an 800V electric architecture and a 100kWh battery with a usable capacity of 94.9 kWh. The base Q6 e-tron offers 470-500 km of range, while the sportier and faster SQ6 e-tron uses up more electrons and therefore covers shorter distances. The one we tested in Bilbao had a 400km reading with a battery charged to 99 percent.
The powertrain consists of a permanent-magnet motor in the rear and an asynchronous motor in the front. In the Q6 e-tron, total output is rated at 382 horsepower along with 395 lb-ft of torque, which is good for 0-100 km/h sprints in 5.9 seconds. The SQ6 e-tron delivers 510 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque, improving acceleration times to 4.3 seconds. In both cases, the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent in 21 minutes under ideal conditions. When using a level 2 charger at home or at work, max AC charging capability is 11 kW.
Quiet Ride
The first thing you’ll notice while driving these electric Audi SUVs is their remarkably smooth ride and quiet interior. You see, the motors are liquid-cooled to not only keep them at optimum operating temperature but also to lower noise levels.
By the way, a single-motor configuration and a smaller battery have also been announced, but neither will be available in Canada. On the other hand, we can tell you that a high-performance RS Q6 e-tron is currently in the works and set to be revealed soon. That one is due to land on our shores, promising 0-100 km/h acceleration in as little as 3.3 seconds.
Comfortable and Dynamic
Like all Audi vehicles, the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron offer several drive modes. In Balanced or Comfort, the air suspension is softer and steering is lighter. Dynamic mode firms up the suspension and steering while sending more power to the rear, which makes for sharper handling. Wheel size ranges from 18-21 inches on the Q6 e-tron and 20-21 inches on the SQ6 e-tron. The latter further stands out with staggered tires—the ones in the rear are wider in order to maximize grip and cornering performance.
Regenerative braking is part of the package, and Audi engineers have done an awesome job of ensuring seamless transitions between energy recuperation and conventional braking. Four different levels of regen braking are available, and dropping the gear selection switch to “B” mode enables true one-pedal driving.
Spacious Cabin
When looking at their exterior dimensions, these electric vehicles are categorized as midsize models. They stand 4,771 mm long, 1,993 mm wide and 1,648 mm tall. Since the large battery is mounted under the floor, the wheelbase is quite long at 2,899 mm, resulting in short overhangs and a spacious interior. Whether you sit in the first or second row, expect generous legroom.
A highlight inside the Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron is the curved digital display combining an 11.9-inch instrument cluster with a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Optionally, a third display in a size of 10.9 inches can be added on the passenger’s side for streaming content (which can’t be seen from the driver’s point of view).
An augmented-reality head-up display is available, too, showing speed, road signs and navigation instructions. The moving arrows for direction are visually sharp and ensure you never miss a turn.
Music lovers, meanwhile, will revel in the optional 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system delivering 830 watts of power. Four of the speakers are built into the front seat headrests.
In addition, drivers can customize the vehicle’s lighting signatures from a selection of eight animations, either through the infotainment system or the MyAudi app. It’s a really cool touch that makes the design even more attractive.
Bottom Line
Adding the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron to a lineup that already includes the smaller Q4 e-tron and the larger Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron makes one thing clear: Audi means business when it comes to electrification, meeting the needs of SUV-obsessed customers at all sorts of price points.
In Canada, pricing starts at $83,895 for the Q6 e-tron and $100,045 for the SQ6 e-tron (freight, PDI and other fees included).
