SUV ushers in a new platform for premium EVs and pioneers tech that’s destined for future Audis
JAMES ATTWOOD
OFFICIAL PICTURES
The new Q6 E-tron represents a “technological leap” for Audi, boss Gernot Döllner has claimed, as the brand’s first model built on a high-tech new platform.
The BMW iX3 and Jaguar I-Pace rival will be launched with a choice of dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains, including a range-topping SQ6 E-tron with up to 510bhp.
It will sit between the Q4 E-tron and Q8 E-tron in Audi’s bespoke electric SUV line-up. But while the new SUV’s exterior styling is a relatively conservative development of those existing models, the technology it features promises a significant step forward from the firm’s previous EVs.
The Q6 E-tron uses the advanced new Premium Performance Electric (PPE) platform that Audi has co-developed with Porsche. Also employed on the new Porsche Macan Electric, the platform will underpin a host of performance-focused Audis in the coming years – such as the A6 E-tron saloon due later this year. It will also be used for EVs from other Volkswagen Group premium brands, including Bentley (see p6).
Powertrains and performance
The PPE architecture is designed to be highly scalable for medium-sized to large vehicles and can be offered with both rear-drive single-motor and four-wheel-drive dual-motor powertrains. The main power unit is a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle with up to 375bhp. To optimise efficiency, an asynchronous motor that produces up to 188bhp is used on the front axle of the dual-motor models.
Audi claims the new motors offer 62% more power density and 33% greater performance than the first-generation units on the Q8 E-tron, while also reducing overall vehicle energy consumption by 30%.
Power for the motors comes from a 94.9kWh usable capacity (100kWh total) lithium ion battery that features a new design comprising 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells, which are now larger and feature less cobalt. The new design means the battery is claimed to offer 5% higher energy content with 30% greater energy density, while also being 15% lighter than the previous generation.
The battery also features a new thermal management system to better control the temperature and therefore improve efficiency.
The Q6 E-tron Quattro offered at launch will produce 382bhp and 436lb ft of torque from its dual-motor set-up, giving a 0-62mph time of 5.9sec. It will be capable of
