Audi has announced the launch of its latest addition to the electric vehicle (EV) line-up, the Q6 Sportback e-tron. Set to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the Q6 Sportback aims to combine the performance and technology of the electric SUV market with a sleek, more design-oriented exterior. The vehicle promises a range of up to 402 miles, with multiple battery options and a price starting at £62,475 in the UK – with the possibility of a slightly lower priced version in the future.
Aesthetic and Functional Design
The Q6 Sportback e-tron is based on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), shared with the Q6 SUV e-tron. However, the Sportback variant introduces a more aerodynamic, coupé-like silhouette, which has been designed to appeal to those prioritising aesthetics alongside performance. Echoing the design elements of Audi’s iconic TT Coupé, the Sportback has a sloping roofline and flowing body contours, creating a sporty yet refined exterior.
With a length of 4,771mm, a width of 1,965mm, and a height of 1,665mm (37mm lower than the SUV variant), the Q6 Sportback combines the practicality of an SUV with the elegance of a coupé. Aerodynamic efficiency plays a key role in its design, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, which contributes to the vehicle’s impressive range.
The improved range is a good thing, because when we tested the first e-tron back at the start of 2020, we concluded that alongside heavy handling, it was hampered by limited range. We achieved just over 160 miles in our testing – meaning that a drive from London to Manchester and back would take at least 3 charges. Battery technology as well as efficiency has definitely improved over the past four years.
Performance and Range
Audi’s Q6 Sportback e-tron will be available with two battery sizes: a large 100kWh battery (94.9 kWh net) and a smaller 83kWh battery (75.8 kWh net). The top-range Q6 Sportback e-tron performance model with the 100kWh battery offers a range of up to 402 miles. This makes it the range leader within the Q6 e-tron series. The smaller battery variant, however, still offers a respectable range of up to 334 miles.
The range capabilities are complemented by rapid charging performance, with the 100kWh battery able to add 164 miles of range in just 10 minutes under optimal charging conditions. A full charge from 10 to 80 per cent takes 22 minutes. Meanwhile, the 83kWh version can reach a maximum charging power of 225kW.
Multiple drive variants will be available, including a rear-wheel-drive model and the more powerful all-wheel-drive quattro versions. The highest performance model, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron, boasts a system output of 490PS and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds – much better than the original's 6.8 seconds – so it is clear that Audi engineers have been busy.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Q6 Sportback e-tron features a spacious and luxurious interior, designed with both practicality and comfort in mind. With a luggage capacity of 511 litres in the rear and an additional 64 litres available in the frunk (front trunk), the vehicle offers ample storage space for its size. Folding down the rear seats increases the total luggage capacity to 1,373 litres, while the long wheelbase of 2,899mm ensures plenty of room for rear-seat passengers.
Audi has placed significant emphasis on the materials and technology used in the cabin. High-quality materials such as Dinamica microfibre and recycled fabrics are employed throughout the interior, with an optional upgrade to Elastic Melange fabric in S line models. The layout of the cabin has been designed to provide both a comfortable and intuitive experience, with the Audi MMI panoramic display and MMI passenger display taking centre stage. These displays integrate the latest in digital technology, including OLED screens and augmented reality head-up displays (available on higher trims).
Audi’s latest infotainment system, based on the Android Automotive OS, includes features such as the e-tron route planner and access to third-party apps like YouTube directly through the MMI system, without the need for a smartphone. The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, standard on the SQ6 Sportback, delivers a high-end audio experience with 20 speakers and 830 watts of power.
Based purely on Audi's own images of the new car, we are slightly concerned about rear passenger space. Assuming that the photographer set the front seats in a ‘normal position' for the average driver, then the rear foot-space seems cramped. We will investigate this when we get hands-on.
Variants and Pricing
The Q6 Sportback e-tron will be offered in a range of trims, mirroring those available for the Q6 SUV e-tron. Customers can choose between Sport, S line, and Edition 1 trims, with prices starting at £62,475 for the base model. The performance variant starts at £65,975, and the quattro all-wheel-drive model begins at £71,475. The high-performance SQ6 Sportback e-tron quattro Edition 1 tops the range at £95,450.
For each variant, customers can choose between the 83kWh and 100kWh battery options, as well as rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The SQ6 Sportback e-tron features the most powerful drivetrain, with 490PS, while the entry-level rear-wheel-drive model offers 252PS.
Driving Dynamics and Safety
Audi has made significant enhancements to the driving dynamics of the Q6 Sportback e-tron. The new front axle design, combined with optimised axle kinematics and a new steering system, improves the vehicle’s agility and responsiveness on the road. This is further enhanced by the rear-biased torque distribution in the all-wheel-drive variants, which delivers a sportier driving experience.
For added comfort, the vehicle features a Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) system, which adjusts the damping force depending on driving conditions. The SQ6 Sportback e-tron comes equipped with adaptive air suspension, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s ride height to maintain comfort and stability under different load conditions.
Safety is also a key focus for the Q6 Sportback e-tron, with the vehicle achieving a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. This recognition reflects its high levels of protection for adult and child occupants, as well as vulnerable road users. Advanced driver assistance systems are included, enhancing the vehicle’s overall safety profile.
UK Availability
Audi will begin sales of the Q6 Sportback e-tron in the UK on 21 November 2024, with the first customer deliveries expected in April 2025. As Audi continues to expand its EV portfolio, the Q6 Sportback e-tron represents a key step in its journey towards providing sustainable mobility across all market segments.
With its blend of performance, design, and technology, the Q6 Sportback e-tron is likely to attract a wide range of customers looking for a versatile electric vehicle that does not compromise on style or practicality.
If this new, longer range e-tron sounds like your bag, then you can book a test drive soon with this link.
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