The BMW X4 shall be phased out subsequent yr with out a direct alternative that includes combustion engines. Nonetheless, we’ve got it on good authority that the luxury coupe-SUV will return later this decade as an electric-only mannequin. Codenamed “NA7,” the unconfirmed mannequin goes to take a seat on the Neue Klasse, BMW’s first structure developed solely for EVs. When it does arrive, the iX4 will do battle with this – the Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron.
What’s it? Primarily a sleeker model of the iX3-rivaling Q6 E-Tron launched again in Might. Very like BMW’s future iX3 and iX4, the electrical crossover crushed with a coupe stick is underpinned by an electric-only structure. The Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) was co-developed by Audi with Porsche, with the latter utilizing it for the brand new, electric-only Macan.
Whereas some individuals like SUVs with a swoopy roofline and others don’t, the coupe-like profile is objectively higher in a single regard. It lowers the drag coefficient from Q6 E-Tron’s 0.28 to solely 0.26. That pays dividends by way of effectivity by unlocking additional miles of vary. As with the conventionally formed mannequin, the Sportback will get a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable vitality content material of 94.9 kWh. It’s sufficient juice for 408 miles (656 kilometers) of vary. That’s 19 miles (31 km) greater than the common mannequin.
Audi additionally intends to supply the Q6 Sportback E-Tron with a smaller battery. It has a web capability of 75.8 kWh for a decrease most vary of 339 miles (545 kilometers). Most charging energy is 270 kW, leading to a spread of 165 miles (265 kilometers) after 10 minutes spent at a fast-charging station. It’ll take 22 minutes to replenish the battery from 10% to 80%.
Each rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations can be found with single- and dual-motor configurations, respectively. The RWD fashions help solely 225 kW of charging energy with the smaller battery and 260 kW with the larger one. Step as much as the flagship SQ6 mannequin obtainable solely with Quattro and that one can take 270 kW.
Stick with the bottom mannequin and Audi quotes a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in seven seconds flat. You’ll need to make do with 248 horsepower from a rear-mounted electrical motor. A extra highly effective Efficiency model nonetheless with RWD has 302 hp on faucet to decrease the dash time to six.6 seconds. Improve to the Quattro and also you’re rewarded with twin motors delivering a mixed 382 hp for a 5.9-second dash.
Then there’s the cream of the crop – the Audi SQ6 Sportback E-Tron. It ups the ability ante to 483 hp and unlocks a fast run in solely 4.3 seconds. Flat out, it will probably attain an electronically ruled 143 mph (230 km/h) whereas the Q6 fashions are restricted to 130 mph (210 km/h).
Aside from the extra rakish silhouette, the Q6 and Q6 Sportback E-Tron fashions are borderline an identical. Very like some giant fashions from BMW, the electrical crossover duo has cut up headlights. It’s not a bad-looking EV however some would argue it’s a bit generic. Extra substantial variations in comparison with the smaller This fall Sportback E-Tron would’ve been appreciated. It’s price noting the Sportback is 37 millimeters (almost 1.5 inches) flatter than the conventional mannequin.
As you’ll be able to think about, it’s not as sensible because the common Q6 E-Tron. With a rear cargo capability of 511 liters (18 cubic toes), you’re dropping 15 liters (0.5 cubic toes) due to the extra sloped roofline. Fortunately, the entrance trunk’s quantity stays unchanged, at 64 liters (2.2 cubic toes).
Since luxurious manufacturers appear to be obsessive about screens, the brand new electrical crossover from Ingolstadt doesn’t disappoint. It has a totally digital 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen, plus an optionally available 10.9-inch show only for the entrance passenger. At a further price, Audi throws in a head-up show with augmented actuality tech.
The Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron makes its public debut this week on the 2024 Paris Motor Present. It goes on sale at residence in Germany late this yr from €65,900 for the bottom rear-wheel-drive mannequin with the smaller battery. The most costly of the bunch is the SQ6, at €96,200.
Supply: Audi
Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron
Audi SQ6 Sportback E-Tron
