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Audi Q6 185kW 83kWh S Line 5dr Auto S+V

  • Automatic
  • Electric
  • 5 door sportback
  • 7.6 secs 0 to 62 mph
  • 252 bhp Engine power
  • 309 mi Combined range
  • 83 kWh Battery capacity
  • 8 yrs Battery warranty

Ten Second Review

In the Q6 Sportback e-tron, Audi provides us with a sportier-looking version of its mid-sized electric SUV. A body shape that has the added benefit of extending driving range, though slightly at the expense of boot space. Could this be your ideal Q6 e-tron body style?

Background

Two cars. One platform. One shared package of engineering. Yet in perceived appeal, the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan Electric could hardly be further apart. Here though, is the model that narrows the gap between these two VW Group mid-sized premium electric SUVs; the Q6 Sportback e-tron. If you know anything about modern Audis, you'll know the formula here; same car, swoopier swept-back body shape. We've already seen it with Sportback versions of the combustion Q5 and the electric Q8 e-tron. Provision of this sportier body shape though for the Q6 e-tron might just be more significant. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

There are of course no handling or drivetrain differences with this Sportback variant. So, as with the SUV, the line-up kicks off with two rear-driven models. One is an entry-level variant using a smaller 83kWh battery (75.8kWh of it usable), which goes 334 miles between charges. It puts out 252PS (or 292PS with launch control) and makes 62mph in 7.0s. The other version, badged 'performance', uses a larger 100kWh battery (94.9kWh of it usable) and offers the longest drive range in the line-up - 402 miles (10 miles more than the equivalent SUV version). It puts out 306PS (or 326PS with launch control) and makes 62mph in 6.6s. Beyond that is the quattro 4WD version, also with the 100kWh battery, which manages 390 miles of range. It puts out 388PS and makes 62mph in 5.9s. Much the same powertrain also features in the top SQ6 Sportback e-tron, but here the motors are tuned to deliver 490PS (or as much as 517PS with launch control engaged). Which takes the car to 62mph in just 4.3s en route 143mph. Range from the same battery falls only slightly to 367 miles (due to wider tyres). If that's still not fast enough, talk to your dealer about the forthcoming RS Q6 Sportback e-tron model, expected to produce over 600PS. The dual motor powertrain in the quattro and SQ6 Sportback e-tron AWD variants features a rear-based torque distribution system; and different front and rear motor sizes mean that different amounts of power can be sent to each axle as required.

Design and Build

This more rakish take on what Q6 e-tron should be is said to have been inspired by the rear roof line of a MK1 Audi TT - and if you squint hard enough, you might even see that. The overall dimensions haven't changed, but the profile shape certainly has, with a 37mm-lower roof line and a sloping rear end. The Ingolstadt maker says it's also thinned the windows, which it claims is supposed to emphasise the flared Audi Quattro-inspired wheel arches. There's also a lower ride height, which combines with the sleeker bodywork to reduce the drag coefficient from 0.28 to 0.26Cd. Inside up-front of course, this Sportback is the same as the ordinary Q6 e-tron. A 'softwrap' design extends from the doors around a main dashboard sculpted in a 'digital stage' shape supposed to resemble the Singleframe grille. As part of this, an 11.9-inch digital instrument display blends into a 14.5-inch curved control infotainment touchscreen. Customers can also specify a further 10.9-inch display ahead of the front seat passenger, which has tech to prevent the driver being distracted by it while the car is moving. What will grab your attention at the wheel is the useful dynamic interaction light at the base of the screen, which flashes in different colours to display information and warnings. There's a new generation AI-augmented voice assistant which can now control over 800 features. And a very minimalist-style design vibe which reduces physical dashboard buttons to an absolute minimum. Even those you get on the wheel are of the touch panel sort. As with some of the brand's other Sportback models, Audi's managed to deliver the sleeker roof line without too much impact on rear seat headroom, though this is slightly compromised. More of a compromise though, comes with boot space, which falls from 526-litres with the standard version to 511-litres. As with the SUV, this is supplemented by a 64-litre under-bonnet 'frunk' space.

Market and Model

There's a substantial £2,500 over the standard Q6 e-tron, so you're really going to have to value the swoopier looks of this Sportback body shape. From launch, prices started from £62,475. There are the same three mainstream trim option choices as with the standard SUV - 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Edition 1'. As with the SUV, you choose between a base model with the smaller 83kWh battery and a 'performance' version with the larger 100kWh battery, also used by the 4WD quattro model. At the top of the range is the SQ6 Sportback e-tron quattro, which in top 'Edition 1' form costs around £95,000. All Q6 e-trons provide plenty of technology, thanks in part to this car's newly developed 'electronic architecture E3' tech, which allows customers to experience digitalisation in the vehicle more directly than an Audi ever has before. The E3 system controls all vehicle functions - from infotainment and driving features through to semi-automated driving. One example is the car's Augmented Reality Head-Up Display; the far virtual distance of its image creates the impression that the elements shown are floating up to 200 metres away. Virtual content is thus seamlessly integrated into reality. This can also show the avatar for the self-learning Audi voice assistant, which can be used to control numerous vehicle functions which understands more than 800 voice commands. The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system for the first time, has over-the-air updates, the latest Audi connect services and a 'Store' section that gives customers access to a wide range of apps. And you can have a 22-speaker 830-watt Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system with four speakers built into the front seat headrests, enabling cabin sound zones to be delineated. Obviously, there's loads of drive assist tech too. A 'Parking system plus' set-up with a 360-degree display, swerve assist and turn assist, a top-view camera, a traffic-sign-based speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking in front and rear, camera-based traffic sign recognition, intersection assist, lane departure warning, a lane change assistant, an exit warning system, rear cross traffic assist, rear turn assist, and advanced driver attention and fatigue monitor systems are all on board as standard.

Cost of Ownership

It's unlikely that you're going to be choosing this more expensive Sportback body shape purely on the basis of its extended driving range but nevertheless, being able to go around 10 miles further than you would be able to between charges in an ordinary Q6 e-tron SUV is capability worth having. We gave you the range figures in our 'Driving' section - 334 miles for the standard version, 402 miles for the 'performance' model, 390 miles for the quattro and 367 miles for the SQ6. Audi reckons its electric motors are among the most efficient in the industry. In this car, the brand uses asynchronous motors in the front axle and permanent synchronous motors on the rear, these units featuring dry sump oil cooling for better efficiency and management of heat. The company reckons these motors offer 62% more power density and 33% greater performance than the earlier generation units fitted to the Q8 e-tron. This Q6's standard inclusion of a heat pump will preserve driving range in very cold conditions. Audi says in this case it adds around 19 miles of extra range in really cold temperatures. On to charging, for which, helpfully, the car provides ports on both sides, though only one port can accept the fastest DC charging rate. The main news with this Q6 design is the switch to an 800V architecture with the PPE platform. This means that your Q6 can be charged at up to 270kW if you can find the right ultra rapid charger. Apparently, 158 miles of range can be added in as little as 10 minutes. It also means this Q6 can benefit from so-called 'bank charging': that means that at feebler public chargers (of up to 135kW) that can't handle the PPE platform's 800V power, this Audi will split the battery in two and run each half at 400V, optimising battery replenishment speed and efficiency, so charging will still be super-quick.

Summary

Without this Sportback body shape, it would have been hard to imagine Audi stealing too many sales from its identically-engineered Porsche Macan Electric VW Group stablemate. More significantly for the Wolfsburg conglomerate's hierarchy, the standard Q6 e-tron SUV model is a little limited in its appeal against sportier-looking rivals like the Jaguar I-PACE and the Tesla Model Y. The Q6 Sportback e-tron targets those competitors far more directly. It's a pity the Sportback version costs so much more than the SUV model - it really can't cost Audi any more to produce it. But if you don't mind that, then you're probably looking here at your preferred Q6 e-tron body shape. With all the high-tech attributes that would have made you want to consider a Q6 in the first place. Just better packaged. Which of course makes all the difference.

  • Comfort key with SAFELOCK
  • 2 front and 2 rear USB-C ports
  • DAB Digital radio
  • Smartphone compartment with wireless charging
  • Black window surrounds
  • Electric charging cover
  • Front door sill trims with aluminium inlays, illuminated with 'S' logo
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Red S line rhombus badging on rear
  • S line bumpers
  • S line exterior styling with radiator grille in body colour and accents in dark selenite silver front and rear
  • 3 spoke multifunction heated leather steering wheel with touch control, flat on top and bottom, with 'S' badge,contrast stitch
  • 64L frunk storage space under the bonnet
  • Black cloth headlining
  • Comfort front centre armrest
  • Luggage compartment lid, electrically opening and closing
  • Manually adjustable steering column
  • Stainless steel pedals and footrest
  • Steering wheel grips in perforated leather and shift paddles
  • Upper and lower interior elements in leatherette plus
  • Sound and vision pack - Q6
  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats
  • Acoustic vehicle alerting system
  • Airbags in front, front passenger airbag is automatically activated and deactivated
  • Electric child locks
  • Front interaction airbag
  • Front side and head airbags
  • Rear seat occupant reminder for child presence detection
  • Seat belt monitoring
  • Tyre pressure loss indicator
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Anti theft alarm
  • Anti-theft wheel bolts
  • Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 75
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 83
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2400
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 480
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 65
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 21
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 225
  • Battery Leased: False
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear
  • Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2
  • Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 225
  • NEDC Electricity Consumption kWh/100 km: N
  • NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles: N
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8
  • Usable Battery Capacity: 75.8
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.2
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17.6
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 17.1
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.6
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.5
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.6
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 497
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 488
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 501
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 309
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 303
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 311
  • CO: N
  • CO2 (g/km): 0
  • HC: N
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Noise Level dB(A): N
  • NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • Standard Euro Emissions: N
  • Camshaft: N
  • Catalytic Convertor: N
  • CC: 1
  • Compression Ratio: N
  • Cylinder Layout: N
  • Cylinders: N
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): N
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N
  • Engine Code: GFNA1AWB2
  • Engine Layout: N
  • Fuel Delivery: N
  • Gears: 1 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: N
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • EC Combined (mpg): N
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Urban (mpg): N
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Badge Engine CC: 0.0
  • Badge Power: 252
  • Based On ID: N
  • Coin Description: N
  • Coin Series: S Line[Sound+Vision]
  • Generation Mark: 1
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 45E
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 92
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 80
  • Safety Concerns: False
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
  • Service Interval Mileage: 999999
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.6
  • Engine Power - BHP: 252
  • Engine Power - KW: 185
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 332
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 45.9
  • Engine Torque - NM: 450
  • Top Speed: 130
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: N/A
  • Alloys: True
  • Space Saver: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 255/50 R20
  • Tyre Size Rear: 285/45 R20
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Style: 5 ARM STRUCTURE
  • Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY
  • Height: N
  • Height (including roof rails): 1665
  • Length: 4771
  • Wheelbase: 2899
  • Width (including mirrors): 2193
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2740
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1373
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 511
  • Max. Loading Weight: 615
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 2125
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1