Audi continues to expand its electric model portfolio with the Q6 Sportback e-tron. Thanks to its dynamic rear and the resulting aerodynamic benefits, the Q6 Sportback e-tron performance is the range champion in the Q6 series, with a range of up to 656 kilometers*.
Audi will unveil the Q6 Sportback e-tron to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show 2024. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “The Sportback variant is the next step in the expansion of our electric model portfolio. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron combines the strengths of our new electric models – efficiency, range, and performance – with the evocative, functional design of its distinct body.”
The dynamic-looking Sportback combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the elegance of a coupé. From the market launch of the electric Q6 Sportback and its SUV sister model, another battery variant with ten modules and a gross capacity of 83 kWh (net: 75.8 kWh) will be available. This means that as well as the all-wheel drive variant and the S model, the Q6 Sportback e-tron is available as two rear-wheel drive variants, covering the entire portfolio of powerful electric motors in the Q6 e-tron family.
The evocative exterior design accentuates the sporty character
The design team reimagined the entire roof arch, from the A-pillar, resulting in a Sportback 37 millimeters lower than the SUV variant, adding dynamism and elegance to its sporty proportions.
The greenhouse sits lower and tighter over the body with soft shapes contrasting with the creases and edges, creating a dynamic interplay of shadows. The flat rear window with a breakaway edge incorporates the third brake light, while 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 upright front dominates the fully closed, three-dimensional Singleframe. 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 its striking and unique appearance.
The rear, which tapers more dynamically than the SUV’s, blends 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 clarity and poise typical of Audi.
An interior meticulously tailored to the occupants
The Q6 Sportback e-tron interior is oriented 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.
The interior ambiance is emphatically intimate. The dynamic interaction light offers a wide range of communication functions, aiding the vehicle’s interactions with its occupants. It envelops the interior and the cockpit in a generous arc. The so-called soft wrap extends from the doors through the entire cockpit to the center console, creating a cohesive and welcoming sense of space.
An entire portfolio of drive and battery variants available at market launch
Two battery sizes and two drive variants are available for the Q6 Sportback e-tron. With its 83-kWh high-voltage battery even the entry-level variant of the electric Sportback boasts confident driving performance. The rear-wheel drive Q6 Sportback e-tron has an output of 185 kW and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds in Launch Control mode.
The electric motor of the rear-wheel drive Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron performance with its 100-kWh battery, output of 225 kW and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds in Launch Control mode. With its system output of 285 kW, it takes the Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro 5.9 seconds to do the sprint.
The most powerful version, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron boasts a system output of 360 kW with its two electric motors on the front and rear axle and reaches 100 km/h in only 4.3 seconds in Launch Control mode. Its large battery gives the rear-wheel drive Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron performance a range of up to 656 kilometers*.
With an 83-kWh battery, it has a range of up to 545 kilometers*. The all-wheel drive model drives up to 636 kilometers*, while the all-wheel drive SQ6 Sportback e-tron has a range of 607 kilometers*.
All variants of the Q6 Sportback have a top fixed speed of 210 km/h. The SQ6 Sportback e-tron tops out at 230 km/h.
Sophisticated HV battery thermal management and the 800-volt electrical system make for impressive charging performance. For example, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron performance needs only ten minutes at a fast-charging station to charge a range of up to 265 kilometers* at a maximum charging power of 270 kW under ideal conditions. It only takes the high-voltage battery 22 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent. The S model also charges at up to 270 kW, while the rear-wheel variants charge at a fast-charging station at up to 260 kW (with the 100-kWh battery) or 225 kW (with the 83-kWh battery).
Driving dynamics to match the Sportback’s sporty character
The progressive, sporty design of the Q6 Sportback e-tron matches its driving dynamics. Audi has redeveloped most of the suspension systems and components for the Q6 e-tron series with a redesigned front axle improving the driving dynamics of the electric Sportback. The optimized axle kinematics enhance steering response, and agility thanks to the subframe.
New software modules and the new front axle provide more feedback through the steering wheel enhancing the Sportback’s agility. Rear-biased tuning and variable all-wheel drive improves the driving dynamics with the different dimensions of the electric motors on the front and rear axles in the all-wheel variant enable rear-biased torque distribution even under full load. The FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) passive damping system and adaptive air suspension enhance ride comfort and stability by adjusting to road conditions and loads.
Five stars in Euro NCAP and “Best in Class” for child safety
The Q6 e-tron was awarded the highest rating of five stars by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program). The vehicle was evaluated and achieved excellent results in the Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road Users, and Safety Assist categories. The car received a near-perfect score of 91% for Adult Occupant Protection.
With a score of 92% for Child Occupant Protection, the Audi Q6 e-tron model family is currently the best in class of all vehicles tested in 2023 and 2024. Features that exceed the legal requirements contribute to this excellent result. For example, the Q6 e-tron is one of the few models in its segment to offer three i-Size seats: two in the rear and one in the front passenger seat. The front passenger seat has a smart vehicle feature that automatically deactivates the front passenger airbag when a rear-facing child seat is used. The restraint systems were further improved for use with child car seats to provide optimal protection for children of all ages.
State-of-the-art lighting technology
The active digital light signature stands for a one-of-a-kind design and aesthetics unique to Audi. The second-generation digital OLED rear lights have six 360-segment OLED panels that create a new image every ten milliseconds, giving the lights a vibrant and intelligent appearance. At the front, twelve dimmable segments generate the light signature. At the rear, all the digital OLED segments are used ensuring the light signature does not vary in light intensity.
The second generation digital OLED technology enhances Audi models’ functionality and road safety. The communication light in the digital OLED rear lights can warn other road users of accidents and breakdowns.
The Audi Sportback Q6 e-tron also sets new standards in personalisation: With up to eight digital light signatures available for the redesigned daytime running lights in the Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED rear lights 2.0, drivers can personalise the appearance of their Sportback. This can be done via the MMI or the myAudi app.
Market launch and prices
The Q6 Sportback e-tron and the SQ6 Sportback e-tron are manufactured under net carbon-neutral1 conditions at Audi’s main plant in Ingolstadt. They will be available to order at the turn of the year 2024/2025. The entry-level model, the Q6 Sportback e-tron with the 83 kWh (net: 75.8 kWh) battery and rear-wheel drive, starts at €77,900. The rear-wheel drive Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron performance starts at €83,600. The Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro starts at €90,200, and the SQ6 Sportback e-tron starts at €109,835.
Commenting on the Q6 Sportback e-tron, Audi Ireland Brand Director Damien O’Sullivan said: “Since the launch Audi Q6 e-tron SUV in July we’ve seen a great response from Irish consumers, we look forward to the Sportback variant arriving into Ireland in the coming months. The performance, power and range of up to 656 kilometers in the Audi Sportback e-tron illustrates all the benefits of the scalability of the Premium Platform Electric. The Audi Q6 e-tron model family has also received a 5* NCAP safety rating and is currently the best in class of all vehicles tested in 2023 and 2024, on Irish roads.”
Audi closed 2023 with around 1.9 million global sales, Around 178,000 of which were fully electric vehicles. 5,258 new cars were delivered to Irish customers, securing a 4.4% market share for the brand in Ireland. Audi leads the way in the premium automotive market in Ireland, with a market share of 25.2%.
*Emissions values of the models named will be available late November 2024.
*Range displayed are European figures, Irish range may vary based on model specification, Irish range will be made available late November 2024.
