• Audi Q6 e-tron at sunset
/November 29, 2024/inArchibalds News, Audi News

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron: Redefining the Midsized Electric SUV

Opinion: Archibalds Photographer, Jack Morgan, gives his take on experiencing the Audi Q6 e-tron.

In a crowded EV market, making a lasting impression is no small feat. Yet, Audi has managed to do just that. In a world of rapidly increasing technology, Audi decided to make a difference. The Q6 e-tron marks a milestone in Audi’s new vision, blending the benefits of a larger SUV, with the agility of a smaller vehicle.

After receiving the Q6 e-tron at our dealership, I decided it was a great opportunity to put it to the test and see what the hype was all about. Before diving into my impressions, you can explore the full specifications here.

Audi Q6 e-tron steering wheel

A refreshing new look for Audi

Now, while I might be slightly biased, I think it’s fair to say this new style is a great look for Audi. Refined yet sporty; understated yet elegant. Personally, this is my favourite new vehicle from Audi’s electric lineup. The new front grill design and headlights make it stand out from the rest of the range, which is a refreshing new look. Audi has always been good with details, but this really brings that back to its glory days, showing the serious effort they’ve made to take on the competitive EV market.

Moving towards the rear, it’s clear Audi has drawn from the Q4 e-tron, with the upgraded taillight bar. Although, much like the front, the details have had a much larger focus, with subtle geometry included within the design. It has a striking look, and coming up to it from behind, it really stands out. It’s nice to see Audi making such a step forward in exterior design and it’s a sign of what’s to come from other newer models, expected to be released in the near future.

  • Audi Q6 e-tron on hillside at sunset
  • Audi Q6 e-tron front grill
  • Audi Q6 e-tron front grill
  • Audi Q6 e-tron rear side profile
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Driving Performance: How Does the Q6 Measure Up?

Honestly, electric technology has improved so much these days, that you naturally expect them to handle great, and the Q6 is no exception. Motorway and town driving is very pleasant, and it feels like it’s floating across the road, with the suspension handling bumps extremely well. Jumping a little ahead of myself here, but I feel it’s worth mentioning – the steering wheel is very well designed for the driving experience. The shape they’ve gone for feels very natural and makes driving around the windy roads of the Port Hills very engaging and comfortable. As for the actual performance of the drivetrain and battery, it’s much like the rest of the Audi range – responsive, smooth, and comfortable. The Q6 isn’t designed to be a sports car after all, but those who enjoy a little more spirited driving won’t be disappointed. 

This model is the Q6 e-tron quattro S-line, which boasts a 0-100 time of 5.9 seconds and a humble 285 kW of power. The base model is slightly slower, with a time of 6.7 seconds and an output of 252 kW. These days, compared with sports models, those numbers might not sound too impressive, but trust me when you’re behind the wheel, it’s plenty enough to accelerate confidently while overtaking.

  • Audi Q6 e-tron side profile at sunset
  • Audi Q6 e-tron wing mirror
  • Audi Q6 e-tron rear tailight
  • Audi Q6 e-tron rear taillight detail
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Battery Life: Tackling Range Anxiety

Naturally, range anxiety is something new owners will still feel. There’s no way to get around it. Unlike petrol vehicles, there’s more risk when running out of battery – you can’t just top it up and be on your way to the petrol station. But, like petrol vehicles, you wouldn’t take on a trip without topping up first. Realistically though, given a bit of time with an EV, it’s something you quickly get used to.

When I collected the Q6 for my drive, it was last minute, meaning the battery only had 100 km of range available. To test the Q6’s real-world charging capabilities, I visited a local Z station equipped with a 200 kW fast charger. To my surprise, after plugging it in and scanning the QR code through the app, I had an additional 50 km range in just 5 minutes. I was impressed to watch the range go up for every second I waited. The Quattro S-line model comes with 567 km of WLTP* range, and the advance has slightly more, with 638 km of WLTP* range.

The Q6 has an impressive charge time, with 0-80% taking only 27 minutes. However, this does depend on your charger, but most public fast chargers will ensure you’re back on the road quickly. A standard AC house charger will take much longer – just something to keep in mind. You might be wondering why specifications mention a 0-80% charge time, rather than 100%. Well, here’s an analogy to help understand it.

Think of charging an EV battery like parking cars in a car park. When the car park is mostly empty (like a battery at a low charge), cars can easily find spaces, so the process is quick and efficient. However, as the car park fills up (the battery approaches 80-100%), it becomes harder to fit the remaining cars into the few available spaces. You need to slow down and carefully position each one to avoid overcrowding or damage. Similarly, charging slows down as the battery fills up, ensuring the battery remains healthy and operates efficiently over its lifetime.

  • Audi Q6 e-tron interior looking out across Christchurch

What’s the interior like on the Q6?

The Q6’s cabin might not have undergone a complete overhaul, but it still brings some significant and exciting changes. The most noticeable update is the massive twin digital displays: an 11.9-inch driver-focused screen and a 14.5-inch infotainment display, both subtly curved towards the driver. These screens not only look modern and premium but also ensure key information is within easy reach. Additionally, the passenger now has the option of a 10.9-inch display, cleverly positioned so it’s not visible to the driver. This allows passengers to control features like music or maps directly, making the experience more convenient and enjoyable for everyone.

As I alluded to earlier, the steering wheel is another great addition. Its squared-off design feels much more comfortable and natural to hold, and the premium materials underhand really enhance the driving experience. It’s these little details that make you feel like you’re driving something special. The seats are equally impressive—supportive and comfortable—while all the buttons and switches are intuitively placed for easy access.

One surprising change is the repositioning of the lighting controls to the door panel, just above the window controls. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about this at first, but after spending some time with it, I actually grew to prefer it. (Honestly, I hope other manufacturers pick up on this idea). The automatic matrix headlights are another thoughtful touch—they adjust themselves as needed, so you can leave the vehicle to do its thing without a second thought.

The Bang & Olufsen speaker system deserves a special mention here. Driving home with the windows down and the music blaring, I found myself completely immersed in the sound and the smooth ride. Audi has stepped up its game with the driving experience, using premium materials and even borrowing some inspiration from its sister brand, Porsche.

Lastly, the cabin feels spacious, thanks to a longer wheelbase that offers more legroom for passengers in the back. The boot is practical too—roomy enough for most needs. It’s not as large as the Q8 e-tron, which makes sense, but it’s definitely more spacious than the Q4 e-tron, striking a good balance for a midsized SUV.

  • Audi Q6 e-tron steering wheel details
  • Audi Q6 e-tron reversing camera
  • Audi Q6 e-tron rear seats
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Final thoughts

Driving the Q6 e-tron was an exceptional experience that gave me a lasting impression. As someone initially sceptical about EVs, the incredible advancements in technology and performance have completely won me over. If you haven’t had the chance to explore an electric vehicle yet, the Q6 e-tron is the perfect place to start. Take it for a test drive—I’m confident it will exceed your expectations.

If you’re considering the Audi Q6 e-tron or want to learn more, our knowledgeable team at Archibalds Audi would be happy to assist you.

Enquire now View specifications
  • Audi Q6 e-tron front end at sunrise

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3P-WLTP: The Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is a laboratory test designed to measure the fuel consumption, emissions, and range of electric vehicles. The test uses a standardised cycle and conditions to provide more accurate and comparable results between different vehicles, and is more reliable than the previous test (NEDC). However, it’s important to note that the WLTP does not precisely replicate real-world driving conditions. The official fuel consumption, emissions, and EV range figures determined by the WLTP test should be used as a guide only, or for vehicle-to-vehicle comparison. Actual results may vary due to factors such as driving or environmental conditions. View more on Audi New Zealand’s website.

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