2025 Audi Q6 e-tron interior, design, and features review

02 November 2024

Introduction

Audi is slowly filling the gaps in its e-tron lineup and bringing it in line with the regular petrol and diesel-powered models. After the compact Q4 e-tron, and Q8 e-tron it's time for the refresh on the mid-size Q6 e-tron to complete the SUV side.

So, the Audi Q6 e-tron is larger than the Q4 e-tron - it's longer, including where it matters (wheelbase), and considerably wider too. It has only 0.21 ft³ of trunk space more than the Q4, though it also adds a 2.26 ft³ frunk, which the smaller car doesn't have.

But moving away from comparisons within, let's look at who the Q6 e-tron is for.

Who is it for?

The Q6 e-tron is the electric SUV for those who want a touch of German premium feel and refinement. That's not to say that a French or Korean rival feels cheap, but there's something about an Audi - you get in and it feels right.

The Audi Q6 e-tron will be quieter than most rivals on the road and it will be predictable and safe. Yes, you can configure an e-tron performance with 240 kW (326 hp), an e-tron quattro with 285 kW (456 hp), or a full-on SQ6 with 380 kW (509 hp), all of which will handle a bit of spirited driving. But the spirited driver will likely go for the Porsche Macan instead anyway. It's the driver who wants to take it easy on the road who'll get in the Audi Q6 e-tron.

The Audi Q6 e-tron is a lovely thing to ride in, even more so if configured with the optional air suspension.

The bigger 100 kWh battery in the performance version has a WLTP rating of just under 373 miles, a range most cars in the class can't touch.

Give me the technical stuff

Audi Q6 e-tron at a glance:

• Dimensions: 187.8 inches x 76.3 inches x 66.3 inches, 114.1 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrains available: 75.8 kWh usable (83 kWh total) - RWD 215 kW (288 hp), 332 lb-ft; 94.9 kWh usable (100 kWh total) - RWD 240 kW (326 hp), 358 lb-ft; 94.9 kWh usable (100 kWh total) - AWD 285 kW (382 hp), 631 lb-ft; 94.9 kWh usable (100 kWh total) - AWD 380 kW (509 hp), 631 lb-ft
• Charging: 225 kW CCS (75.8 kWh), 270 kW (94.9 kWh), 10-80% in 21 min.
• Range: 331 miles (75.8 kWh RWD), 398 miles (94.9 kWh RWD), 388 miles (94.9 kWh AWD) WLTP
• Weight: 4,850 lb unladen, 6,041 lb gross
• Trunk: EU: 18.6 ft³, 2.26 ft³ frunk

What's great about it?

The first thing you'll notice about the Audi Q6 e-tron is the styling. Like BMW and Mercedes, Audi's hit its signature when it comes to automotive design. The Q6 e-tron looks determined and aggressive, especially in this S-line trim.

The positives continue from the side - the car has an Avant look to it with beefy shoulders at the back and a sporty roofline that makes the Q6 e-tron look like it's going full speed even while parked. A sporty crease runs from the bottom of the doors and to the rear bumper.

The optional Matrix LED front and tail lights truly complete the techie and elegant package. The model we tested also had a Chrome delete option that suits it perfectly.

Inside, the Audi Q6 e-tron is equally impressive. The materials feel great everywhere you look and they're put together expertly. There are no creaks and rattles that we've seen on even some German cars lately.

Then there're the seats - Audi gives you a truly impressive number of seat materials and shape combinations. These leather sports seats are posh, and comfy, and work nicely with the soft microfiber on the dash and center console.

We love the S-line steering wheel with its flat bottom. There are light-up controls on both sides.

You get a lovely digital driver's display and a 10.9-inch infotainment display next to it. We like that the climate controls are fixed at the bottom while you're driving.

The single-motor variant of the Q6 e-tron is rear-wheel drive - we love to see it as it's more engaging to drive compared to front-wheel drive.

The 18.6 ft³ of rear trunk space is alright as capacity goes, and the wide opening is excellent for bigger items. And, if you go for the air suspension, the car lowers itself for easier loading. There's also a 2.26 ft³ frunk, which is an excellent addition.

Rear leg and headroom are both great and there aren't many cars in the Q6 e-tron's class that are as comfortable in the back.

What's not that good?

The multi-function Numpad-esque controls on the driver-side door are a bit overcomplicated and confusing to use while you're driving. It's where you enable the fog lights for instance, which isn't ideal.

Even the SQ6 e-tron configuration with its impressive AWD 380 kW (509 hp) will do the 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds, and while that's plenty fast, most of its rivals will do it in under 4 seconds.

Which version to get?

The base Audi Q6 e-tron ($70,500 with VAT) does feature LED lights on both sides and the ambient lighting package, but that's about it. A move to the Edition One ($87,400 with VAT) adds the Matrix LEDs upfront and a lot of S-line styling, including the sports seats.

This is a luxury SUV from a luxury brand and we wouldn't get it in a base configuration.

We'd go for the middle Edition One trim with the big battery and the quattro dual motors, which starts from $100,000. But be prepared to add a few thousand for extras like S-line leather seats and nicer displays.

You'd end up with a posh EV that can do it all, go for hours and hours, and leave you wanting for nothing.