Audi has been quietly shaping the electric vehicle (EV) landscape for longer than many may realize. The E-Tron SUV, which later transitioned to the Q8 E-Tron, first rolled off the production line in 2018, stepping onto a stage that would remain largely vacant by competitors like Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac until much later. Think of it as one of the pioneers of electric driving—a well-established presence in the modern EV era before it even became trendy.
However, as time went by, the Q8 E-Tron began to face challenges. With a flood of competitors entering the market, it became clear that sales were stalling. Many consumers sought the latest and greatest, and the Q8 E-Tron struggled to keep pace, particularly with its origins rooted in gas-powered vehicles.
Now, Audi is ready to turn the page. Enter the Q6 E-Tron, a midsize crossover that speaks directly to what American consumers are looking for. This new addition not only looks to enhance Audi’s electric lineup but also packs some genuinely exciting tech under the hood. It’s a fresh approach that aims to invigorate the brand’s presence in the growing EV sphere.
Notably, I had the opportunity to drive the Q6 E-Tron late last year, and I have to say, I was genuinely impressed. This car feels like Audi’s strongest contender yet against already-established players like the Cadillac Lyriq and, of course, the ever-popular Tesla Model Y. What strikes me about the Q6 E-Tron is how well it combines style and performance—proving that you don’t have to compromise on one to get the other.
[Full Disclosure: Audi generously hosted my stay at a hotel in Healdsburg, CA, and provided meals during my time with the Q6 E-Tron. While that won’t sway my opinions, it’s always good to honor transparency.]
For a deeper dive into this vehicle’s offerings, you can check out my video review above or read my colleague Kevin Williams’ detailed impressions from his first drive last year.
In my experience with the Q6 E-Tron, I was particularly fond of its striking design. It stands apart from the jelly-bean aesthetic that some other competitors seem to favor—yes, I’m looking at you, Mercedes. Distinctive styling is just the tip of the iceberg; the serenity of driving the Q6 E-Tron is unlike any other EV I’ve been in. Thanks to exceptionally well-insulated motors and thoughtful engineering, road noise becomes a distant memory on your drives.
One of its standout features is its impressive range—this is Audi’s longest-range EV so far, with the rear-wheel-drive variant boasting a commendable 321 miles on a single charge. While I didn’t personally test the Q6 E-Tron’s real-world charging capabilities during my short drive—something that’s often overlooked in media events—reports suggest it can charge quite rapidly. This advantage is all due to the innovative 800-volt platform that it shares with its cousin, the Porsche Macan Electric; they’re basically family within the Volkswagen Group.
On the tech front, the Q6 E-Tron also sports a more powerful electrical architecture and a refreshed user interface. I felt it was one of the better efforts we’ve seen from a long-standing automaker. Still, it’s important to note one caveat: short test drives can only tell you so much about an EV. Living with a vehicle gives you the real story—charging speeds, long-term efficiency, and how it fits into your daily life day in and day out.
Once we get our hands on a Q6 E-Tron for a more extensive review, you can bet we’ll fill you in on all those nitty-gritty details. If you have any questions or specific curiosity about this exciting new addition to Audi’s lineup, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments. Also, if you have tips or insights about the world of EVs, I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at [email protected].
Image Source: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock
