Audi Q6 e-tron quattro

The benefits of PPE (Premium Platform Electric) are evident everywhere

The smooth steering feel and stubbornly thorough straight-line stability…the moment I got into the “Q6 e-tron” (hereinafter referred to as “Q6”) that I borrowed from Audi Japan in Shinagawa, I found myself muttering to myself, “This feeling is so nostalgic.”

In fact, I had the opportunity to experience the Q6 for two days at an international test drive event held in the Basque Country, Spain, last June, in a variety of situations, from winding roads to highways. From the cobblestone streets of San Sebastian, a city famous for its gourmet food, to ultra-high-speed winding roads like the Hakone Turnpike, the Q6 offered exceptional ride comfort and the steering feel, full of ample feedback from the road, that’s so characteristic of Audi. I still vividly recall how the car’s three-dimensional single frame and sharp, edgy, futuristic, modern design, which no longer resembles an SUV, blended quietly into the Spanish cityscape.

About a year has passed since then, and I’m now finally driving the Q6, which was released in Japan in March.

Let’s take a look at the outline of the Q6 again. The Q6 is Audi’s first production model to use the BEV-specific PPE (Premium Platform Electric) jointly developed by Audi and Porsche (Porsche also uses the PPE in the new Macan). Production will take place at the Ingolstadt plant, where Audi’s headquarters are located, with only the motor being produced at the Győr plant in Hungary. In other words, it is a premium electric SUV with 100% Audi content.

Highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art infotainment system

In fact, the Q6 is an important model that forms the core of Audi’s EV strategy. Until now, Audi’s electric SUV lineup consisted of two models: the compact SUV “Q4 e-tron” and the large SUV “Q8 e-tron.” The mid-size SUV “Q6” that fills the gap between them is something that Audi (and Audi Japan) desperately wanted.

The Q6 lineup consists of three models: the RWD “Q6 e-tron,” the AWD “Q6 e-tron quattro,” and the sporty “SQ6 e-tron.” The Q6 quattro and SQ6 are equipped with an ASM (Asynchronous Motor) on the front axle and a newly developed PSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) on the rear axle, achieving a maximum output of 285kW and a maximum torque of 580Nm (360kW/580Nm for the SQ6). Incidentally, when driving with low load, the front ASM is not activated and the PSM is the only rear-wheel drive.

Under the floor is a battery with a total capacity of 100kWh (total power 94.9kWh) consisting of 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells. This battery uses 800V technology, so the Japanese model is compatible with CHAdeMO fast charging of up to 135kW (the European model supports up to 270kW output!), and the charging capacity can be restored from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. Incidentally, the Q6 e-tron quattro has a driving range of 644km, while the SQ6 has a driving range of 672km.

Relaxed and comfortable rear seat space

Although it’s a BEV, the actual driving experience is unmistakably an Audi. As mentioned above, drivers will be astonished by its incredibly stable straight-line stability and impressed by the steering feel that conveys ample feedback from the road, as if touching it with the palm of their hand. This purity seems to have increased even further in the Q6, which now employs the new PPE.

Those who test drive the Q6 will be surprised, but its driving style overturns the conventional image of BEVs. When you think of BEVs, many models offer such powerful acceleration that the moment you step on the accelerator, your head hits the headrest, thanks to their abundant torque, but this car does not behave in such a rude manner. The more you step on the accelerator, the more linear the acceleration becomes, showing how much importance is placed on the sense of unity with the driver. This is a BEV for sophisticated adults.

The regenerative braking can be set to “AUTO,” which automatically slows down the vehicle when approaching the vehicle in front, “One-pedal,” or “Manual,” which allows you to control the strength of the regeneration as you wish. What surprised me was the fact that about 95% of everyday braking can be covered by regenerative braking. Unless you are braking fully, you probably won’t need brake pads.

The vast luggage space is truly impressive.

The test car was a Q6 e-tron quattro (air suspension) with the S Line package and 20-inch P Zero wheels. Five driving modes are available, but my recommendation is “Balanced.” Just the right amount of steering weight, a smooth ride feel, and a pleasant roll on winding roads—it’s perfectly balanced, just as the name suggests.

Another attraction of the Q6 is its sophisticated, futuristic, and state-of-the-art infotainment system. The curved OLED screen, which combines two displays, is high-resolution and a joy to touch. The front passenger seat features a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display with a unique active privacy mode. Passengers can enjoy movies and streaming content while on the move, which is sure to please family and partners.

You’re sure to be transported to heaven by the exquisite steering feel!

As I felt at the international test drive event, every time I got in or touched the Q6, I ​​was captivated by its outstanding refinement and beauty. This is a rare SUV that offers an experience that you can never get with any other BEV. That’s my conclusion.

REPORT / Ryohei Ishikawa

PHOTO / Kunihisa Kobayashi

MAGAZINE / GENROQ August 2025 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

Audi Q6 e-tron quattro

Body size: Total length 4770, total width 1940, total height 1670 mm

Wheelbase: 2895 mm

Vehicle weight: 2420 kg

Motor

system maximum output: 285 kW (381 PS)

System maximum torque: 580 Nm (59.1 kgm)

Transmission: 1-speed fixed

Drive system: AWD

EV cruising range (WLTP): 644 km

Suspension type: Front and rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc

Tire size: Front 235 / 65 R18 Rear 255 / 60 R19

Vehicle price: 9,980,000 yen

[Inquiries]

Audi Communication Center

TEL 0120-598-106
https://www.audi.co.jp/

Related reading

The first car to feature a new generation electric powertrain, the Audi Q6 e-tron, is now available in Japan with a maximum range of 672km. [Video]

Audi Japan has announced the mid-size fully electric SUV “Q6 e-tron” and the sports grade “SQ6 e-tron.” Sales will begin at authorized Audi dealers nationwide from April 15th.