This is the completely redesigned 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, which demonstrates that a remarkable mid-size electric crossover doesn’t require flashy gimmicks. Gone are the days of jellybean or spaceship designs; this crossover boasts stunning aesthetics from every perspective.
Audi has been a player in the electric vehicle market for quite some time, and while its electric offerings have garnered attention, they haven’t truly distinguished themselves until now. The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is set to make a difference, built on a new, dedicated platform that it shares with the Porsche Macan EV.
Exterior
To create this vehicle, Audi drew inspiration from its highly successful Q5 SUV, resulting in a car that mirrors its predecessor in size, design, and pricing. The Q6 stands at 66.6 inches tall, stretches 187.8 inches in length, and has a wheelbase of 113.7 inches. These dimensions are quite similar to the existing Q5, with only slight increases. No need to worry, as the gas-powered Q5 will continue to be available alongside this new model.
In terms of exterior design, there are minimal indicators that reveal this is an electric vehicle. It features a unique “grille,” striking headlights and taillights that perform a dynamic sequence when locking or unlocking the car, and bold character lines that echo the designs of the current Q5 and Q8. Additionally, it boasts prominent blister-style fenders. The wheels are 20 inches with a 5-arm design, fitted with all-season tires.
Platform
The electric Q8 and Q4 are based on the VW Group’s MLB Evo and MEB platforms, while the Q6 utilizes Audi’s innovative Premium Platform Electric (PPE). When compared to the earlier E-Tron models, it boasts a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 33 percent improvement in system performance, along with smaller dimensions, lighter weight, and enhanced cooling capabilities.
Under The Hood
The base model features rear-wheel drive and a single motor that delivers 322 horsepower, boasting an estimated range of 321 miles. In contrast, the all-wheel-drive variant comes equipped with dual motors, generating 456 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 307 miles. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.9 seconds. Additionally, an SQ6 version is expected, offering 510 horsepower and a range of 275 miles.
Battery and Charging
The battery pack has a capacity of 94.4 kWh, and it can fast charge at a maximum rate of 270 kWh. According to claims, it can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 21 minutes.
Driving
I haven’t yet experienced the rear-wheel drive versions, but the first thing that stands out about the Q6 e-tron quattro is the impressive power at your disposal, 458 hp, which is quite substantial until you look at the torque figure of 631 lb-ft. When you press the accelerator, the initial burst of speed is exhilarating, but not in that neck-snapping Tesla way, and I’m fine with that.
At higher speeds, acceleration is more gradual but still impressively quicker than anything else. You’ll find it easy to pass anyone on 2-lane highways with a dab of the throttle. The car also handles corners exceptionally well, and the steering is responsive, allowing you to navigate most of your driving with a simple hand crossover. It’s very precise.
The steering does lack some feedback; it never discourages you from a spirited approach to turns, and the suspension effectively manages the car’s considerable weight, keeping it stable even when you take corners aggressively. Of course, this vehicle is quite heavy, tipping the scales at over 2.3 tons, with 1,300 lbs of that attributed to the battery alone.
You definitely notice this weight when it comes time to brake, however, the brake pedal response is excellent, but simply by selecting maximum regen, you hardly ever have to use them.
The Q6 features air suspension that excels at handling significant bumps and potholes, making speed bumps feel nearly non-existent. However, it can be a bit unsettled when navigating smaller imperfections and uneven road surfaces.
Interior
It’s no surprise that the Q6’s interior is a delightful space. This cabin showcases Audi’s unique combination of contemporary luxury and style, moving away from the typical minimalist approach seen in many electric vehicles. The primary curved display is angled towards the driver, featuring an 11.9-inch Audi OLED “Virtual Cockpit” directly in front of them, while a central 14.5-inch touch OLED screen occupies the right side of this elegantly curved setup.
Additionally, there’s a third screen positioned for the passenger, which cleverly deactivates for the driver when a video is being played.
The interface is quite simple to navigate, but has a plethora of features that can make it unclear which menus correspond to specific functions. However, you’ll quickly become familiar with the key controls. Climate settings are managed via the screen, which is typical these days when I think it really shouldn’t be. Physical buttons for the climate controls should be the norm.
Audi’s voice-activated system, Hey Audi, works well, so I pitched it a question: Hey Audi, can I have 600 hp and 400 miles of range? to which she responded, Not yet, but it may be available in the future. It was worth a try.
Rear passengers may not have as much space as they would in some competitors, but there is still ample room for a six-foot adult to comfortably sit behind a driver or front passenger of similar height. The headroom is also generous and remains unaffected by the large glass roof.
Pricing
The 2025 Q6 has a starting price of $65,800. My tester featured the prestige package, which costs an additional $6,800 and includes adaptive air suspension, acoustic glass, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. Inside, you’ll find heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. Additionally, it comes with the warm weather package for $1,300, providing ventilated front seats and speakers in the headrests. When you total everything, the final price comes to $76,790.
Cargo Space
The cargo space behind the back seats offers 30 cubic feet, which expands to 60 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are down, surpassing the Q5’s 26 and 54 cubic feet in those same measurements. Additionally, the Q6 features a two-cubic-foot front trunk for extra storage.
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Verdict
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is a very comfortable vehicle with a refined ride and some of the finest noise isolation this side of a padded cell. It’s handsome to look at, is quick enough for most people, and has decent range as well as fast charging speeds. I’d say Audi has a winner on its hands.
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron quattro numbers
BASE PRICE: $65,800
AS TESTED PRICE: $64,690
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 2 induction permanent magnet AC motors
BATTERY: Liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 94.4 kWh
ONBOARD CHARGER: 9.6 kW
PEAK DC FAST CHARGE RATE: 270 kW
COMBINED POWER: 458 hp
TORQUE: 631 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 1-speed automatic transmission
0-60 MPH: 4.9 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 5,350lb (est)
CARGO VOLUME: 30 ft³, 60 ft³ with seat area
FRUNK VOLUME: 2 ft3
RANGE: 307 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: 95 MPGe Hwy
PROS: Decently quick, improved range, beautiful interior, doesn’t shout that it’s an EV
CONS: Fiddly steering wheel controls
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