The 2025 Audi SQ6 and Q6 e-tron are the brand’s first electric SUVs, underpinned by its newly minted PPE platform. Developed in partnership with Porsche, it also serves as the architecture for the upcoming electric Macan. Audi’s latest benefit from an all-new 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack, an 800-volt electric architecture, and an estimated over 300-mile range figure for the Q6 e-tron. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year.
Audi positions the new SQ6 and Q6 e-tron to compete in the premium midsize segment, think BMW iX or the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQC 400. From a design perspective, the e-tron twins focus primarily on passenger space, with a lengthy wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs. Audi claims they’ll comfortably sit up to five people and their respective accouterments. Both the SQ6 and Q6 advance the carmaker’s established e-tron design language by emphasizing the width of their front and rear arches and incorporating a sloping roofline and plenty of sporty aerodynamic elements. The former S model gets further sporty touches such as unique wheel designs, as well as a more aggressive front facia and a restyled rear bumper. A sleeker Sportback variant is expected to follow shortly.
New for the SQ6 and Q6 are active head and tail lights. They cycle through eight light signatures at various intensity levels to give these SUVs a more distinct look while allowing for greater customizability. The rear OLED light bar takes it a step further by utilizing these signatures to also signal to other drivers of their proximity and warn them of upcoming accidents or breakdowns. As of writing, some lighting features may not be available for the US market, but the carmaker is expected to follow up with further information closer to customer deliveries.
From a performance standpoint, the SQ6 and Q6 e-tron will come standard with two electric motors, one in each axle, making them all-wheel drive. Audi has announced a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model will join the lineup in the future. The quicker of the two, the SQ6 e-tron, develops 483 horsepower with a temporary boost up to 510 hp while using launch control. The standard Q6 e-tron produces 422 hp, or 456 hp, during a launch. The pair will hit 60 mph in an estimated 4.2 and 5.0 seconds, respectively, with top speeds of 130 mph for the Q6 and 143 mph for the SQ6.
Power comes from a new 100 kWh gross (94.9 net) battery pack, which, thanks to an 800-volt architecture, allows for a peak charge rate of 270 kilowatts. The pack is comprised of twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells. Audi estimates it’ll charge from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes and, in the Q6 e-tron’s case, deliver over 300 miles of range EPA. Range estimates for the SQ6 have yet to be announced. This new battery pack also allows for bank charging when drawing power from 400-volt stations. It splits the 100 kWh pack into two, which can be charged in parallel at up to 135 kW.
To accommodate the large battery, Audi’s PPE platform positions the e-tron’s control arms ahead of the suspension arms while its steering rack is now fixed to the front subframe. Audi claims this improves driving dynamics and aids in overall agility. Although the pair comes standard with all-wheel drive at launch, the system remains rear-biased, sporting wider rear tires.
Inside, Audi adds an impressive array of screens, with the centerpiece being a massive curved display comprised of an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a substantial 14.5-inch infotainment screen. A third 10.9-inch passenger display sits directly to the right of it, making for a practically fully digitized dashboard. This falls in line with Audi’s recent efforts to remove physical buttons and switches, although the e-trons retain a physical volume knob.
Looking ahead, Audi adds an augmented reality heads-up display that overlays directions, the vehicle’s speed, and traffic signs. Adding further functionality to this SUV’s interior is Audi’s voice assistant, which can adjust primary functions through over 800 voice commands.
The order books are expected to open this month, and deliveries are planned for later this year. In Europe, the Q6 e-tron will start at €74,700 ($81,204), while the SQ6 e-tron starts at €93,800 ($101,967). US pricing has yet to be announced.
