Audi Intros QA6 Sportback e-tron Models

Audi is further expanding its electric model portfolio with the debut of Q6 Sportback e-tron models, offering a more progressive and dynamic silhouette and greater emphasis on design-oriented aesthetics. The Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro and SQ6 Sportback e-tron benefit from the strength of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture in terms of performance, range, efficiency, and charging, and are yet another example of the scalability of the all-new platform.

Audi unveiled the Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro to the global public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show 2024. “The new model demonstrates the versatility of our new generation of electric vehicles,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “The Sportback variant is the next step in the expansion of our electric portfolio. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro combines the strengths of our new electric models – efficiency, range, and performance – with the evocative, functional design of its distinct body.”

The sleek Sportback silhouette combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the elegance of a coupé. Sporty and expressive, the long wheelbase of 114.1” makes for ample room in the interior, even in the rear seats. The high towing capacity of up to 4,400 lb stands for uncompromising suitability for everyday use.

Thanks to its aerodynamic body design and a large battery with a gross capacity of 100 kWh (net: 94.4 kWh), the 187.9” long, 76.3” wide, and 65.2” high Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro is expected to achieve an EPA estimated range similar to that of the Q6 e-tron quattro, at around 300 miles. Actual EPA-estimated range will be released closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

Evocative exterior design accentuates sporty character
The Q6 Sportback’s sloping roofline enhances its dynamic design, with the vehicle’s silhouette flowing gracefully, resembling a streamlined drop of water. The design team reimagined the entire roof arch, starting from the A-pillar, resulting in a Sportback roofline 1.4-in (37mm) lower than the SUV variant. This adjustment infuses the classic proportions of an SUV with dynamism and elegance unique to the Sportback form. As a result, the Q6 Sportback e-tron exudes an unmistakable sportiness even when standing still.

The greenhouse stretches considerably lower and tighter over the vehicle’s powerful body. Its soft shapes purposefully contrast with the body’s creases and edges, creating a dynamic interplay of shadows. The flat rear window ends in a breakaway edge that incorporates the third brake light. A striking line sweeps from the rear over the taillights to the rear doors, accentuating the top of the quattro blisters and the broad shoulders above the wheel arches. The rear window design has a dynamic upward bend. A distinguishing feature shared by all Audi Sportbacks, this small detail gives the vehicle design even more forward thrust and is further accentuated by the surrounding trim.

The upright front dominates the fully closed, three-dimensional Singleframe grille. A mask in Selenite Silver or high-gloss black encloses the side air intakes. Thanks to their high placement, the digital daytime running lights give the Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro its striking and unique appearance. The rear tapers more dynamically than the SUV, blending sporty elegance and power. The analogies to the e-tron GT family are unmistakable. With its continuous light strip, the clean, spacious rear architecture gives the Sportback the clarity and poise typical of Audi.

An interior meticulously tailored to the occupants
The Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro interior, like the SUV body style, is more systematically oriented than ever to its occupants’ needs. Material properties were carefully considered from the early stages of interior design. Together with the Audi MMI panoramic display and the MMI passenger display, they create a visually striking digital stage. The high-contrast interior design intentionally places elements in the foreground or background, resulting in a three-dimensional spatial architecture that balances aesthetics and ergonomics tailored to the occupants.

Dual motor, 100kWh-battery models available at launch
The Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro has a top fixed speed of 130 mph. The SQ6 Sportback e-tron tops out at 143 mph. Both models come equipped as standard with a 100kWh battery (94.4kWh Net) powering two electric motors positioned on the front and rear axles.

Full U.S. performance and efficiency figures will be released closer to the U.S. on-sale date in Spring/Summer 2025.

Sophisticated battery-pack thermal management and the 800-volt electrical system make for impressive charging performance. With DC fast-charging provided at a rate of 270 kW, it takes the high-voltage battery only around 21 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent under ideal conditions.

 

Driving dynamics to match the Sportback’s sporty character
The progressive and sporty design of the Q6 Sportback e-tron matches its driving dynamics through partially redeveloped suspension systems and components for the Q6 e-tron series. The redesigned front axle significantly influences the driving dynamics of the electric Sportback. Like the SUV, the Sportback’s trailing arms are positioned in front of the tie rods in the direction of travel. The optimized axle kinematics achieve a noticeable increase in driving dynamics and simultaneously improve the steering response, not least thanks to the subframe holding the steering securely in place. This makes the vehicle much more agile.

The steering design and its control via new software modules, combined with the new front axle, continuously give the driver significant feedback for precise steering and agility. With its rear-biased tuning, the highly variable all-wheel-drive torque distribution further improves the driving dynamics of the Q6 Sportback e-tron. The different dimensions of the electric motors on the front and rear axles in the all-wheel-drive variant enable rear-biased torque distribution even under full load.

The new passive Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) system makes the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron hug the road. More damping is required to offer greater ride comfort in certain driving situations; for example, such as when driving over cobblestones during dynamic driving maneuvers, and the system adapts accordingly to control the movement of the vehicle’s body. The adaptive air suspension with controlled damping compensates for the load via the level control to maintain an even ride height even under different load conditions.

State-of-the-art lighting technology
The Audi Sportback Q6 e-tron also sets new Audi standards for personalization: With up to eight digital light signatures available for the redesigned daytime running lights in the Matrix design LED headlights and digital OLED rear lights 2.0, drivers can personalize the appearance of their Sportback. This can be done via the MMI or the myAudi app.

The Digital Stage: new display and user interface
The Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro – like its SUV sister models, as well as the new A6 e-tron, A5, and Q5 series models – includes a new display and user interface. Above the soft wrapped dashboard line, the Digital Stage with the Audi MMI panoramic display and the MMI passenger display dominates the interior. The slim, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display features a curved design and OLED technology. It comprises an 11.9” Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5” MMI touch display. The digital stage is complemented by an optional 10.9” MMI passenger display with active privacy mode.

The optional augmented reality head-up display (AR HuD) signifies a major advancement in display technology at Audi. This innovative display projects a large, tilted image plane onto the windshield, providing the driver with essential information such as speed, traffic signs, assistance, and navigation icons. The forward tilt of the image plane enhances the AR experience by aligning with the natural focus of the human eye. This tilt, combined with the large virtual image distance, creates the impression that the displayed items float up to 200 yards away and interact directly with the environment. From the driver’s perspective, the field of view for AR content spans a diagonal of approximately 88 inches.

In addition, Audi has significantly expanded its voice control options. The driver can control many vehicle functions using Audi’s adaptive voice assistant, the Audi assistant. The new voice assistant recognizes over 800 voice commands.

The new infotainment system in the Q6 e-tron lineup uses Android Automotive OS for the first time in Audi vehicles. It comes with the latest Audi connect services, such as the enhanced e-tron route planner. Popular apps such as YouTube are available via the store for embedding directly in the MMI, eliminating the need for a smartphone. New apps will be available regularly.

The available Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System delivers a superb 3D sound experience. A highly efficient amplifier at the heart of the system drives 20 loudspeakers with a total output of 830 watts. Four speakers are integrated into the front seat headrests, enabling Audi to introduce so-called sound zones for the first time, which can provide audio specific sounds to the driver for navigation commands or during a phone call, for example.

Market launch and prices
The Q6 Sportback e-tron will arrive in the US market in 2025 and more information regarding pricing and equipment will be available closer to the on-sale date.