2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 E-Tron First Drive: Audi’s Most Advanced EVs
With a new architecture and tons of new tech, the Q6 E-Tron is a great Tesla Model Y rival.
Audi has been in the EV market for several years, and although its electric models have garnered significant attention, they have yet to take a leading role. The 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron aims to change that. Featuring a new, dedicated architecture shared with the Porsche Macan EV, the Q6 E-Tron boasts fast-charging technology, more than 300 miles of range on most trims, and a new, modern interior design. Roughly the same size as the Audi Q5, the Q6 E-Tron comes in rear-drive, all-wheel-drive Quattro, and high-performance all-wheel-drive SQ6 variants.
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Familiar Design With New Interior
Audi’s designers didn’t take too bold a step in styling the 2025 Q6 E-Tron, a deliberate choice as the company recognized customers value recognizable design cues. Instantly identifiable as an Audi, the Q6 features a distinctive "grille," eye-catching headlights and taillights that perform an animated sequence when the car is locked or unlocked, and strong character lines reminiscent of those on the current Q5 and Q8.
Inside, however, the Q6 takes a leap forward with new technology, offering more screens and advanced features than any other Audi SUV. It starts with a 14.5-inch curved display that serves as the vehicle’s command center, integrating navigation, HVAC controls, and settings. Positioned higher on the dashboard, the screen helps drivers maintain focus on the road. Temperature adjustment is via persistent controls positioned at the bottom of the screen. We prefer this over an interface that requires opening a separate screen, but it still doesn’t match the convenience and tactile simplicity of traditional physical buttons on the dashboard.
In contrast to the exterior, the new cabin exudes an avant-garde vibe that sets it apart from other Audis. A dedicated 11.9-inch driver’s display provides essential information, while an expansive head-up display integrates augmented reality graphics, making navigation more intuitive by clearly marking turns. Although the functionality of the head-up display impressed us, some folks could find it overwhelming, as it occasionally dominates the field of view—such as when speed limit changes are indicated by one graphic overlaying another, occupying a significant portion of the display. On the upside, the resolution and brightness are exceptional, ensuring the graphics remain clear and vibrant even in direct sunlight.
The Q6 also offers an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display, providing the passenger with control over features like music and navigation without disrupting the driver. This screen comes standard on the top-tier Prestige trims of both the Q6 and SQ6. It adds functionality, but we’re less impressed by how the dashboard looks when the screen is absent. And it’s not a feature most passengers will likely find essential for everyday use.
Thanks to its long wheelbase and dedicated EV platform, the Q6 offers a spacious interior, even for rear-seat passengers. Although a floor hump slightly intrudes into the second row, there’s ample room for adults. Under the hood, a small frunk provides 2.3 cubic feet of storage for, say, stowing the Level 1 charging cable or empty grocery bags. The underfloor storage in the cargo area adds practical space, and there are side pockets back there, too.
Behind the Wheel
Our first drive of the 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron and SQ6 E-Tron took place on the picturesque roads of Northern California. Framed by towering redwoods, rolling hills, and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, the route encompassed sweeping curves and charming small towns. A coastal storm provided the perfect opportunity to evaluate the impressive grip of both vehicles in wet conditions.
Our own Jonny Lieberman has already provided an in-depth analysis of the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that underpins the Q6 and SQ6. And earlier this year, MT international bureau chief Angus MacKenzie also explored PPE in detail, examining its advanced features, design challenges, and efficiencies. And so this review focuses on the U.S.-spec models we drove.
Let’s begin with the Q6. A single-motor, rear-drive version will be available later this year, but we were limited to the dual-motor variant. This configuration delivers 422 horsepower in everyday driving, or 456 hp when launch control is engaged. Powered by a 100-kWh battery, the Q6 Quattro offers an EPA range of 307 miles on a full charge. Audi also claims the battery can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 21 minutes using a DC fast charger. These are competitive figures, matching what Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis have done with their 800-volt architecture, putting the Q6 on better footing than the Q4.
Behind the wheel, the Q6 exudes a sense of refinement. The suspension tuning prioritizes ride comfort but doesn't sacrifice engagement. The standard air springs skillfully absorb road imperfections, minimizing vibrations in the cabin while maintaining a composed and dynamic driving experience. Equally noteworthy is the steering, which delivers a great sense of connection to the road.
While the Q6 delivers instant torque and smooth acceleration, it doesn’t necessarily feel fast. It offers adequate power aligned with its intended purpose, but don’t mistake it for a speedster—that role is reserved for the SQ6. The Q6 is certainly capable, with Audi claiming it reaches 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is respectable. But this is a family-oriented vehicle, designed for practical tasks like safely transporting kids to school and providing a comfortable ride around town.
The SQ6, on the other hand, is the model to choose if speed and sportiness are your top priorities. Offered exclusively with a dual-motor setup, the SQ6 delivers a robust 483 hp, which jumps to 509 hp with launch control. Audi claims it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with top speed limited to 143 mph. The trade-off comes in range, which drops to 275 miles on a single charge, reasonable enough considering the vehicle’s added power and its heavier 21-inch wheels.
On the road, the SQ6’s potency is immediately noticeable. It presses forward with urgency, and the torque delivery feels much more immediate and forceful. The Pirelli P Zero Elect summer tires impressed us with their grip, even as conditions worsened during our drive. Although Audi claims the SQ6’s ride quality was tuned to feel sportier than the Q6, we found both to be quite similar in terms of comfort. As far as we could tell, the SQ6’s slightly busier ride can likely be attributed to the larger wheels. Overall, it stayed competent and comfortable
We spent most of our time alternating between Comfort and Sport modes, although the Audis also offer Conserve and Individual modes. The Individual mode allows you to adjust steering and throttle settings, while Comfort mode is ideal for everyday driving, offering a smooth and relaxed experience. Sport sharpens the steering feel and adjusts the accelerator mapping for quicker responses.
Both the Q6 and SQ6 offer three levels of brake regeneration: none, some, or more. These settings can be adjusted using the paddle shifters, and full one-pedal driving is activated by pulling the shifter back a second time. There’s also Auto mode, which uses the front cameras to determine when the vehicle should coast or apply activate regeneration based on driving conditions. The flexibility is nice, but we preferred the most aggressive setting.
Are the 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 E-Tron Worth It?
After several years of developing electric vehicles, Audi has clearly learned valuable lessons and delivered a capable, competitive EV. The 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 E-Tron can also receive over-the-air updates, ensuring they stay current and (hopefully) improve over time. On the hardware side, Audi has upgraded the fast-charging capabilities, minimizing downtime on the road. The new PPE architecture is a game-changer for the Volkswagen Group, making the Q6 more competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
The 2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron starts at $65,095, and all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. The SQ6 E-Tron starts at $74,195, and both models have Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. Audi says Quattro models are already at dealerships, with the rear-drive models arriving in a few months as production in Ingolstadt, Germany, ramps up.
Miguel Cortina is Mexico Editor at MotorTrend, covering the auto industry in the U.S. and south of the border. He joined MotorTrend in January 2015 and is an avid automotive enthusiast who enjoys playing golf, surfing, and running in his free time.
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