Audi had a tough time in recent years meeting customer demand. Partly a victim of its own success with the Q4 e-tron, post-Covid supply constraints left frustrated customers waiting a long time for their new cars. In some cases they simply went elsewhere.
Thankfully those delays are over and executives are eager to assert that all is back to normal in terms of delivery times. That’s particularly important as it introduces the new Q6 e-tron to the Irish market, a car that’s built on the VW Group’s new PPE electric car architecture and heralding a major new model offensive over the next two years.
This might look like just another premium crossover, and similar to several other Audis in this guise. But the Q6 marks that start of a new generation of EVs not only at Audi, but at the upper end of the entire VW Group.
The PPE is a cornerstone for a fleet of new models, not just for Audi but for sister brands such as Porsche and Bentley as well. Designed for larger EVs, it was first revealed in 2019 and is finally making its public debut on this Q6 e-tron with the promise of delivering ranges of up to 635km on a full charge. Thanks to its ability to charge at up to 270kW, Audi claims up to 250km of range can be delivered in just 10 minutes. Two battery sizes are on offer for the Q6: the entry-level model with 78kWh of useable battery capacity and an official range of 520km, or a 95kWh pack with a range of 635km for the rear-wheel drive version, or 622km for the all-wheel-drive Quattro.
The new set-up features 12 battery modules instead of the 36 on the Q8 e-tron. That means a smaller and lighter pack. But the importance of PPE is not simply down to battery tech: it’s really about maximising the flexibility of software and computing power that allows for swifter over-the-air updates and more rapid upgrades and model developments.
Although the styling is undoubtedly Audi, there are some smart creases and curves that gives this Q6 the sort of sporty stance normally associated with the likes of Porsche.
Like many EV crossovers, the Q6 is deceptively big on the outside while that stature is not necessarily reflected in the interior. Certainly there’s ample front seat legroom and the long boot – swallowing 526 litres with the rear seats in use (or 1,529 litres with them folded down) – will please all its family buyers, particularly the golfers.
But rear legroom is adequate rather than enormous. It can comfortably accommodate three adults, but given the car measures 4.8m (15.7ft) in length, which isn’t far off the Skoda Superb, we were left a little underwhelmed.
The designers were clearly caught in a bind: sacrificing a bit more bootspace for extra legroom would force them to either reduce the tapering of the roofline or eat into headroom in the back.
The Q6′s cabin is reassuringly Audi. The four-ringed brand has been at the pinnacle of premium cabin design for several years, only recently challenged by its German rivals. With the Q6, its clearly making a move to regain the title of best in class.
Following the trend of sweeping single screens, the front is dominated by an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, displaying digital dials for the driver and the usual array of central touchscreen controls. There is also the option of a separate passenger screen. This is obscured from the driver, but allows the passenger to watch YouTube videos or other use other apps. And like other brands who have added this optional feature, Audi struggles to find a purpose for this screen that isn’t already served by the passenger using their smartphones or iPads.
More impressive is the augmented reality heads-up display, where information and warnings appear in your line of vision, without encroaching on your view. And Audi says that several new third-party apps will really prove their worth as owners idle away the time at public charging stations.
On the road, the overriding feature is comfort. The Q6 has pace – the Quattro version can make it from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds – but on our test car, which featured the optional adaptive air suspension, it’s most natural drive mode is when you opt for “Balanced” rather than “Sport”. This is a cruiser, not the sort of sporty crossover you hustle along back roads.
Audi is introducing the Q6 at €75,600 for the 78kWh rear-wheel drive version, €81,000 for the 95kWh Performance version, and €87,600 for the Quattro version. The mid-level Performance version is likely to be the best-seller and is available now, with the entry version landing in October and the Quattro for January delivery.
With supply back on track, Audi will be hoping to regain its place among the premium EV customers, ahead of the arrival of replacements for the A6, A4 and A5 later this year, followed by the new Q3 and Q5 next year. It’s going to be a defining time for the brand, but with the Q6 it seems to be off to a good start.
