Audi has other all-electric SUVs in its stable, but the upcoming mid-size five-seat 2025 Q6 e-tron is a breakthrough EV for the Ingolstadt automaker. It showcases an all-new dedicated electric platform, advanced in-cabin technology, increased range, and better performance.
Visually, the Q6 e-tron doesn’t scream its electrification, yet it has a crisp and athletic design showcasing a long wheelbase and short overhangs. Design flourishes include the defined creases above the wheel arches that draw from the marque’s iconic quattro fender blisters. Dramatically sculpted flanks and a flowing roofline add to the picture. Audi pushes its exterior lighting signature with matrix headlights and revolutionary OLED taillights that, among other things, can show icons like a hazard triangle and are connected by a horizontal light bar.
A “mask” in silver or high-gloss black frames the Q6 e-tron’s upright front grille and side air intakes. Visual clues to the sportier SQ6 e-tron variant will include silver accents and standard 20-inch wheels, with 21-inch wheels available. Standard wheel sizes measure 18 inches, with the S-Line trim getting 19-inch alloys.
New Interior Architecture
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron debuts an all-new interior architecture dubbed “Digital Stage,” featuring a sweeping OLED screen incorporating an 11.9-inch Digital Cockpit gauge cluster with a 14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen. In keeping with a growing trend among premium vehicles, the front passenger gets their own optional 10.9-inch display with a privacy feature so it won’t distract the driver. With this new digital architecture, Audi offers over-the-air updates and the latest connectivity functions. A new optional head-up display with augmented reality for navigation has the image floating well beyond the nose of the vehicle for a more natural viewing position. While the doors retain traditional window switches, there’s also a haptic panel for mirror, seat memory, locking, and headlight control.
The cabin shows the usual Audi top-quality build and design and incorporates some materials made from recycled plastics and polyester. Audi calls its new interior ambience “Softwrap” and states, “It extends from the doors across the entire cockpit to the centre console, creating a homogenous and enveloping feeling of space.”
With its flat floor, the Q6 e-tron’s cabin is roomy and airy, with generous legroom and headroom for rear passengers. The regular and sport seats are trimmed in Argument fabric (yes, that’s what it’s called). Dinamicra micro fibre (from recycled materials) and Nappa leather are available in the S and S line. Options will include high-end Bang and Olufsen audio, fine wood trim, and ventilated seating.
The luggage capacity behind the rear seat measures 526 litres, expandable to 1,529 litres with the 20/40/20 split rear bench folded. There’s also a useful 64-litre frunk under the hood.
All climate control functions are accessed via the central touchscreen, although the Audi Assistant recognizes over 800 voice commands and will take care of most requests, be that HVAC, navigation, or something entertainment-related. The start/stop button is on the centre console, along with a volume knob and a toggle-like electronic shift selector. We can expect a full arsenal of Audi’s latest driver assist technology that will include semi-autonomous driving, park assist, and evasion assist.
Impressive Powertrain and Range
This Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture comes with a new generation of lithium-ion battery that has larger but fewer cells. With less casing and increased energy density (about 30 per cent), this 94.6-kWh battery uses up to 30 per cent less space and boasts a 20 per cent weight reduction when compared to previous-generation batteries. The PPE features a powerful 800-volt electrical system for faster charging that will be found underneath other future Audi EVs. With a maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW, Audi claims the Q6 e-tron can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes. A 255-km top-up will take about 10 minutes.
At market launch, the dual-motor Q6 e-tron will make up to 382 horsepower with boost activated and, with launch control, scoot to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The SQ6 e-tron does the deed in 4.3 seconds, thanks to its 509 horses. There are currently no torque figures available, and while other markets get a longer-range rear-drive variant, Canada will be quattro only. The Q6 e-tron will get a standard passive suspension system with an adaptive air suspension as optional. The S trim gets a sport-tuned suspension.
Newly developed electric motors debut in the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron and feature more windings that increase power density by 20 per cent. The front axle is fitted with an asynchronous motor (ASN), while the rear gets a permanent synchronous motor (PSM). Audi claims greater efficiency thanks to rotor oil cooling and a reduction in electric drive losses by 50 per cent compared with the current Audi e-tron. There are no EPA range figures for the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron yet, but the more lenient European WLTP test cycle has the quattro model driving up to 625 km on a full charge. That will likely translate to around 500 km of range for Canada.
2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Canadian Availability
Slotting in between the current Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron electric SUVs, the 2025 Q6 e-tron quattro forges ahead with Audi’s latest EV powertrain performance and in-cabin technology. It will be available in Canada later this year in the third or fourth quarter. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
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