Q6 E-tron kick-starts new era for Audi EVs

SUV ushers in a new platform for premium EVs and pioneers tech that's destined for future Audis

- JAMES ATTWOOD

The new Q6 E-tron represents a "technological leap" for Audi, boss Gernot Döllner has claimed, as the brand's first model built on a high-tech new platform.

The BMW iX3 and Jaguar I-Pace rival will be launched with a choice of dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains, including a range-topping SQ6 E-tron with up to 510bhp.

It will sit between the Q4 E-tron and Q8 E-tron in Audi's bespoke electric SUV line-up.

But while the new SUV's exterior styling is a relatively conservative development of those existing models, the technology it features promises a significant step forward from the firm's previous EVs.

The Q6 E-tron uses the advanced new Premium Performance Electric (PPE) platform that Audi has co-developed with Porsche. Also employed on the new Porsche Macan Electric, the platform will underpin a host of performance-focused Audis in the coming years - such as the A6 E-tron saloon due later this year. It will also be used for EVS from other Volkswagen Group premium brands, including Bentley (see p6).

Powertrains and performance

The PPE architecture is designed to be highly scalable for medium-sized to large vehicles and can be offered with both rear-drive singlemotor and four-wheel-drive dual-motor powertrains. The main power unit is a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle with up to 375bhp. To optimise efficiency, an asynchronous motor that produces up to 188bhp is used on the front axle of the dual-motor models.

Audi claims the new motors offer 62% more power density and 33% greater performance than the first-generation units on the Q8 E-tron, while also reducing overall vehicle energy consumption by 30%.