Audi launches new electric car with a range of 650 kilometers

After SUVs came coupes: Audi introduced the Q6 Sportback, with a sloping rear, long range and fast charging.

Christopher Clausen/t-online

Audi has not had an easy few years: Due to technical problems in the development of a new electric platform, the launch of new models has been delayed by several years, and there is a feeling of stagnation. Not good for a brand that once advertised with the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik”.

This year, the Ingolstadt-based company is launching a feast of innovations: Following the A4's successor, the A5, the A6 will be launched as a station wagon and sedan, as well as the Q6 SUV, both powered by electric power. The Q6 now has a new body version, which can be seen at the Paris Motor Show: the Q6 Sportback e-tron with a coupe rear end.

Charging station siblings: the new Q6 Sportback (left) and its SUV sibling.Image: Audi

Audi's latest generation of electric vehicles is based on the new electric vehicle platform “Premium Platform Electric” (PPE) jointly developed with Porsche.

Range 650 kilometers

Like models like the Q4, the Q6 e-tron combines SUV styling with the basic shape of a coupe. Compared with the classic SUV, the length and width of the Sportback remain unchanged at 4.77 meters and 1.97 meters respectively. The sloping roofline, said to be inspired by classics such as the Audi TT, creates a sporty look, but also has a practical purpose: air resistance is reduced to 0.26, which means a range of up to 656 kilometers (WLTP).

Externally, the Q6 Sportback e-tron adopts typical Audi design elements, such as the single-frame radiator grille. Only in electric cars it is closed, thus reducing air resistance.

Matrix LED headlights and the typical single-frame grille are the front features of the Q6 Sportback e-tron.Image: Audi

The sloping roofline and tighter silhouette are intended to create a sportier feel compared to SUV models – after all, the Sportback is also 3.7cm flatter than a conventional Q6. Integrated tear-away edge at rear reduces turbulence. Speaking of the rear: digital OLED taillights have programmable light characteristics.

fireworks on screen

The cockpit can accommodate up to three screens, plus a head-up display.Image: Audi

The cockpit of the Q6 Sportback e-tron has a typical brand design. The 14.5-inch diagonal central display complements the 11.9-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel. There's also an optional passenger display and an augmented reality head-up display: information such as speed and traffic signs are projected directly onto the windscreen, aiming to reduce distractions. Voice assistant integrated with artificial intelligence helps control all functions.

torso and torso

The trunk capacity is 511 liters, which can be expanded to 1,373 liters with the rear seats folded down. That's about 150 liters less than a regular Q6 – the sloping rear has its price. An additional “boot” under the front bonnet provides 64 liters of storage space, for example for storing charging cables.

Check out the boot: there's room for at least 511 liters here.Image: Audi

Drive and battery size

Like the Q6, the Sportback shares its technology platform with the Porsche Macan. Two battery sizes (83 kWh and 100 kWh) The Q6 Sportback e-tron is available with two drive options. The entry-level version of the electric Sportback has 185 kW/252 hp and a high-voltage battery with 83 kWh (75.8 kWh net) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds. The electric motor of the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Performance, also rear-wheel drive, takes 6.6 seconds.

The Q6 Sportback e-tron Quattro has a system output of 285 kW (387 hp) and the most powerful version, the SQ6 Sportback e-tron, has a system output of 360 kW (489 hp) with two electric motors located at the front and rear axles (PS) . Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.3 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive model offers the maximum range of the performance version (100 kWh battery) at 656 kilometers.

die Charging power Depending on the version, a fast charging station is included 225 to 270 kilowatts.

A newly designed front axle as well as a passive damping system and extra-cost air suspension are designed to improve driving comfort.

Price and market launch

With a starting price of 65,900 euros (83 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive), the Q6 Sportback e-tron is not a cheap model, being 2,400 euros more expensive than the conventional Q6. In Switzerland, a performance version of the rear-wheel drive model is available, starting at CHF 82,400.

Prices start at 88,400 francs for the Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro and 103,800 francs for the range-topping SQ6 Sportback e-tron.

The new Audi will be produced in Ingolstadt and will be available to order from early 2024/2025.

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