There’s a lot of action happening at Audi’s EV division. Earlier, it targeted the performance EV segment and launched the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT besides its luxury offering, the Q8 e-tron. Now, it is experimenting with the mid-sized luxury SUV segment and has revealed prices for the Q6 e-tron and the SQ6 e-tron.
PLATFORM
However, this time around, they will also receive feedback for their new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) foundation, which warps these models and is also underpinned by the Porsche Macan EV. The Q6 e-tron serves the option of single and dual electric motors and drivetrain can be chosen from either a rear-wheel drive layout, or an all-wheel drive format.
TRIM LEVELS
In the United States, the base trim, badged ‘Premium’ consisting a 322-hp single motor and rear-wheel drive configuration is priced at USD 65,095 (approx. AED 240,000). However, that doesn’t mean it skimps on features as it acquires bragging rights to goodies such as 19-inch rims, LED lights, a 14.5” touchscreen and adaptive cruise control.
Interestingly, the top-of-the-range version isn’t christened ‘Technology.’ Instead, the mid-option variant bears ‘Premium Plus’ moniker like yesteryear’s Audis and the nomenclature for the full-option trim has decided it will be called Prestige. These trims commence to retail at USD 69,895 (approx. AED 256,724) and USD 71,895 (approx. AED 264,070) sans any fancy options.
FEATURES
In terms of features, the Premium Plus brings consumers to revel with additional features such as head-up display with AR, Bang & Olufsen acoustics system, multi-pane roof and heated rear seats. However, for the discerning nabobs, nothing but the Prestige trim would suffice with comforts such as adaptive air suspension, 10.9-inch passenger side screen, pronounced sound eschewing and a suite of DRLs options.
BATTERY & RANGE
We have learnt that all Q6 and SQ6 e-trons will sport a 94.4 kWh battery. As expected, the single-motor and rear-wheel drive Q6 e-tron boasts of the highest range, claimed at 321 miles (approx. 517 Km) on a single charge. Opting for the more powerful dual-motor setup bumps up the output to 456-hp, but stymies the range to 307 miles (approx. 494 Km) on a single charge.
The full-bore SQ6, being whole-heartedly focused on performance will be offered only with a dual-motor and all-wheel drive layout. It dishes out the maximum grunt of 509-hp enabling it to dart to 100 Km/h in just 4.1-seconds. However, it should be noted that this option will take you the shortest distance on full blast of power, 275-miles (approx. 442 Km)
PRICE
Prices for the Premium trim, which encompasses goodies such as heavily tweaked air suspension, 20-inch wheels and massaging front seats, start at USD 74,195 (approx. AED 272,518). The mid-spec Premium Plus variant adds on speakers in the driver and co-driver headrest. This trim starts at USD 78,595 (approx. AED 288,679). However, simply put, the best of the range, Prestige trim includes OLED taillights in its expansive continuum of features and prices commence USD 80,595 (approx. AED 296,025) onwards.
Audi is likely to first introduce this model in the US towards the end of this calendar year. Hence, we can expect them to induct it in the UAE and GCC, a few months later. Mid-sized SUVs are the most popular choice today. So will the Q6 e-tron and its brutal sibling, the SQ6 e-tron reign supreme?
