2024 Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
Audi's Sportback line has roots tying back to the original A7 that Audi introduced more than a decade ago. In the years since, the moniker and sloped-roof ethos has been applied to a handful of Audi sedans and SUVs. That continues into Audi's electric future, as the automaker delivers a Sportback version of the Q6 E-Tron electric SUV for 2024. Think of it as an electric alternative to the Q5 Sportback , but if you're more fond of a conventional crossover body style, check out the standard Q6 E-Tron .
Considering its new platform, this should be the best electric Audi yet. The 2024 Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron competes with the Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV70 Electric, and upcoming, electric Porsche Macan.
What's New
The Q6 Sportback will be among the first vehicles built on Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Electric (PPE). What does that mean for the buyer? Primarily, more range and faster charging than previous electric Audi SUVs have offered. We feel safe expecting a noteworthy improvement over the Q4 Sportback E-Tron.
Motors and Performance
All Audi has told us about the Q6 Sportback's powertrain is that it will consist of "powerful and efficient electric motors." What we glean from that brief statement is that there will be at least two motors, meaning Audi's Quattro AWD is likely standard. Considering the specs of the Q4 Sportback E-Tron, we anticipate the Q6 alternative will offer more than 300 hp and will scoot from 0 to 60 mph quicker than the Q4's 5.8 seconds.
Battery, Range, and Charging
This is where you'll see the biggest advantage over previous electric Audis. The new PPE architecture means an 800-volt electrical system, which means the Q6 Sportback will be able to take advantage of the fastest 350-kW chargers. We also know another PPE car, the electric Porsche Macan, will have a 100-kWh battery. Porsche claims that electric SUV will charge from 5 to 80 percent in as little as 14 minutes.
Where does that leave us with range? The 2024 Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron may have at least one model with an EPA-rated 300-plus miles of range.
Technology
There's enough tech in the new Q6 E-Tron to make Audi's other models seem old-fashioned. Digital real estate abounds: there's a digital gauge display, large infotainment touchscreen, and another touchscreen ahead of the front passenger. A large head-up display projects augmented reality information onto the windshield, assisting the driver with various traffic and navigation prompts. Even the front door panels have small touchscreens used for adjusting the side mirrors and other functions.
