By Kimatni D. Rawlins, Automotive Rhythms
Audi is riding a new wave of expanded electrical currents to magnify the mid-size luxury SUV market. The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron and performance-oriented SQ6 e-tron models augment the German automaker’s diverse roster of plug-in-powered vehicles. The pair join the family with heightened technology, increased driving range, and enhanced luxury amenities. We experienced and evaluated both models in northern California wine country, where the roads are magnificent and the setting is refreshing.
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Audi’s e-tron moniker represents the automaker’s all-electric future and commitment to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. By 2025, its U.S. fleet will feature a 30% electrified mix, including fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. First introduced in 2018 in the form of the Audi e-tron, newer and more advanced e-tron variants expanded the lineup from the sporty e-tron GT to the utility-focused Q4 e-tron to the top-of-the-line Q8 e-tron quattro SUV which represents sophisticated, seamless electrification. Audi also builds the Q4 and Q8 as Sportback e-trons. The proliferation of the electric brand will become a staple since every Audi model introduced in 2026 and after will be electrified.
Electric vehicles are unique, especially when you insert Audi’s ingenuity, quattro AWD, and instantaneous electric horses. The new e-tron era is manifested by Audi’s innovative Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which has led to 30% less energy consumption and 33% additional system performance. It further allows flexibility, whether RWD, Sportback, AWD, or RS versions. PPE additionally created a reduction in e-components and overall vehicle weight. Now I see why acceleration was so effortless in each model, but the SQ6 specifically will leave you begging for more drive time. Both models are dynamic and ultra-stable on curvy roads, even in wet conditions as I discovered during pouring rain through one of the drive segments!
The Q6 e-trons receive a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack enabled by 800-volt architecture. The $63,800 and 322-horsepower Q6 e-tron RWD (single rear motor) has an electric range (w/ ultra package) of 321 miles, a 130 mph top speed, 260 kW max charging, and the ability to charge 10-80% in 22 min from DC Fast Charging. The $65,800 Q6 e-tron quattro (front and rear electric motors) increases performance to 456-horsepower, 307 miles of electric range, and 270 kW max charging for a 10-80% recharge in 21 minutes. The household’s overachiever is the third model, the $72,900 SQ6 e-tron (front and rear electric motors). Expect 509-horsepower, a 0-60 mph time in 4.1 seconds, and a 143 mph top speed. The only slight compromise is the reduction of the electric driving range to 275 miles when you select the SQ6 e-tron. Make sure to add the $6,800 Prestige package (different inclusions depending on the trim you select) for highlights such as the sports adaptive air suspension to take on some of the best driving roads in the world with ease. You also receive adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, 20-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D Audio, eight digital DRL customizable signatures, the secondary and smaller 10.9” MMI passenger touchscreen, the LED interior lighting plus package, and much more.
Ideally, EV owners should install a Level 2 home charger to reduce possible public charging frustrations that may arise. The unit will also increase EV ownership satisfaction since your day will always begin with a full tank of energy. Audi will work with Qmerit to help set up your installation and roll the costs into your monthly payment. Depending on the equipment and amp rating, 240v Level 2 charging can take anywhere from 6 to 13 hours. And the dual charging ports on the e-trons are convenient.
From a driving perspective, a new sliding gear shifter replaces Audi’s traditional hand shifter and opens up the center console. Direct steering inputs result from enriched hardware upgrades and dynamic handling stems from the sport adaptive air suspension’s software updates, providing quicker and sharper responses to traffic patterns. At the same time, acceleration from the dual motors is swift and engaging. Furthermore, Audi Drive Select allows you to alter the vehicle’s mannerisms through five modes: Comfort, Balanced, Dynamic, EV-Specific Efficiency, and Off-road mode.
Audi mirrored percentages of the Q6 e-tron’s attributes from its best-selling Q5. Why reinvent the wheel, right? Designers wanted to make sure it stood out with an upright form incorporating what Audi calls a precise interplay of creases, edges, and soft shapes that are highlighted by an array of aerodynamic rim styles and sizes including my SQ6 e-tron’s optional 21” 5-arm aero structure design wheels as part of the Edition One package. For traction, they pair with Pirelli P ZERO summer tires. Yet, the Q6 e-tron is 2” taller than a Q5, offers 21 cu-ft of frunk space, and can tow up to 4,400 pounds. The digital OLED taillights with 60 individually controlled segments per panel are also a cool touch. However, I am not a fan of the body-colored grille, especially the Plasma Blue Metallic hue. Black is the only color option I believe meshes appropriately. The SQ6 e-tron will bless your e-SUV with standard 20” rims, red brake calipers, sport adaptive air suspension, carbon fiber inlays, and sporty seats.
The Q6 e-tron cabin incorporates an expansive panoramic sunroof, a 4-spoke multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel with regenerative brake paddles (three levels), wide metal pedals, and Audi Digital Stage consisting of an 11.9” Audi OLED virtual cockpit and a 14.5” MMI touch OLED display with a curved panoramic design that extends almost to the passenger seat. Gone are the dual upper and lower multimedia screens Audi aficionados have accustomed to. An augmented reality head-up display is as vivid as ever, and the “Hey Audi” virtual assistant is on call for various tasks: navigation, audio, apps, EV status, etc. Lastly, premium audio by Bang and Olufsen will satisfy your musical taste, or you can power it off and naturally take in the e-tron’s soul through electric soundwaves. The system can also be heard through the front headrest speakers. The SQ6 e-tron gives you the Alcantara dash and door trim.
There are three levels of charging: Level 1 (your home outlet), Level 2 (240v in-home installation or public), and Level 3, aka DC Fast Charging, mostly installed at public retail locations. Level 1 is the slowest at 3 to 5 miles per hour. Level 2 is the most convenient since it will majorly take place at home and charge your vehicle 15 to 30 miles an hour. DC is the way to go when traveling long distances or needing a quick zap to get home. Electrify America is Audi’s partner network, building ultra-fast 150 kW and hyper-fast 350 kW chargers. Yet, Tesla has the most stable and efficient charging ecosystem, which is partly why they sell so many EVs.
It’s a new dawn in the mobility sector. Thus, we must all collectively shift our mindset from ICE-only cars, trucks, and SUVs to those with batteries and electric motors. New architecture, new buyers, and greater levels of ecologically-based tech, design, and performance will soon take precedence.
