Audi Q6 e-tron first drive: quiet luxurious

We had a primary drive within the model new Audi Q6 e-tron electrical SUV and skilled the German EV’s quiet luxurious.

The Q6 e-tron completes Audi’s electrical SUV lineup flanked by the This fall on the smaller aspect and the Q8 on the larger aspect.

It’s additionally the primary Audi on the PPE platform, a brand new EV platform co-developed by Audi and Porsche.

We already explored the tech behind this platform and the Q6 particularly in a preview earlier this yr. Due to this fact, we are going to give attention to the driving expertise on this article, however for individuals who desire a fast refresher, right here’s a abstract of the Q6 e-tron:

The Audi Q6 e‑tron has a size of 4,771 millimeters (15.6 ft), a width of 1,993 millimeters (6.5 ft) and a top of 1,648 millimeters (5.4 ft) – making it only a smidge larger than the favored Tesla Mannequin Y.

Audi Q6 e-tron Driving impressions

Disclosure: Audi paid for my flights to and from Spain, and my resort keep in order that I may expertise of the Q6 e-tron. The corporate had no say in our reporting, nor did it ask to.

Final month, Audi introduced me to Bilbao, Spain, to check out the Q6 e-tron. As I wrote in my first take a look at the brand new electrical SUV, I used to be impressed with the specs, design, and packaging of the automobile.

On paper, it’s exhausting to discover a draw back to the Q6. Possibly the truth that it doesn’t have native NACS, however it’s coming to market a bit too early for that. Like each different non-Tesla EV in North America, it should use an adapter to make use of the Supercharger community.

Apart from that, you get 300 miles of vary, an important fast-charging curve, a easy but stunning design, an opulent inside, and all of Audi’s newest enhancements in consumer interface.

Contemplating all of that, I used to be wanting ahead to driving the Q6 and it didn’t disappoint.

First off, my favourite function is simply how quiet the Q6’s cabin is. That’s luxurious for me. Clearly, you hear wind and tire noises extra in an electrical automobile because of the decreased powertrain noises.

Isolating the cabin and lowering noise is much more vital for premium manufacturers like Audi, and the German automaker did an important job with the Q6.

Freeway driving in Q6 was principally straightforward and unremarkable, which is usually what you’ll need. I significantly loved the heads-up show. It’s shiny and extremely adjustable, so it might match your most well-liked driving place. I ended up hardly ever wanting on the instrument cluster, because the HUD saved essentially the most related info proper in my eyeline.

Issues received a bit extra thrilling when driving the SQ6 up the mountain roads round Bilbao. The sports activities model’s suspension is tuned a bit extra aggressively and with over 500 hp, there’s loads of capability for enjoyable within the Q6 e-tron.

The chassis feels robust, however not too stiff. We had been ziggaging up and down the mountain and this could typically set off some movement illness for me, however whilst a passenger, it didn’t occur within the Q6.

The Q6 additionally has a robust 220 kW regenerative braking, and to my enjoyment, Audi is bringing a real one-pedal driving expertise to the Q6 e-tron. You may select between 4 completely different ranges of regen braking. I principally left it in one-pedal driving as a result of that’s how I want to drive, however there’s one thing for everybody with 4 ranges.

Once I take a look at EVs from legacy automakers, the consumer interface is usually the most important draw back. Tesla’s software-centric method has pushed the business to enhance on that entrance and Audi has taken notes.

This newest infotainment system is far improved. It’s a pleasant blended of bodily buttons and touchscreen-based options, which are actually extra responsive and intuitive.

Audi can be bettering its voice command and Ai assistant with options powered by ChatGPT. The voice instructions had some points with my French Canadian accent, however it in any other case labored properly.

Audi Q6 e-tron Value and Availability

Actual pricing and availability haven’t been launched simply but, however it’s now launching in Europe and in North America towards the top of the yr.

As for pricing, Audi has restricted its communication to “between the This fall and Q8,” which begins at $50,995 and $73,700, respectively.

Electrek’s Take

Whereas I don’t have a lot criticism for the Q6, with out the value, I can’t declare it’s an important automobile value-wise as a result of in the end, its worth depends upon pricing.

Clearly, it gained’t be as low-cost as a Mannequin Y or Mustang Mach-E, however I might argue that it’s extra luxurious.

Briefly, in order for you an opulent electrical SUV with 300 miles of vary, an important charging curve, a quiet driving cabin, the Audi Q6 delivers on all of that in a stupendous bundle.

In the end, I wouldn’t be stunned if it turns into Audi’s best-selling mannequin in North America.