Audi Q6 e-tron evaluate: Excellent

In the case of all-electric SUVs, I have been spoiled for selection currently, with Audi check vehicles typically parked outdoors my home. First up was the Q8 e-tron, which was too large for my wants, adopted intently by the This fall e-tron. The latter are smaller and extra manageable. I’ve skilled the Q6 e-tron for some time now, which is a mid-sized all-electric SUV, and after per week of utilizing it, I really feel prefer it fits me very nicely.

The Q6 e-tron has so much in widespread with the Porsche Macan Electrical, however it additionally shares a crowded market area with the likes of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes EQE SUV. Whereas the Q6 e-tron would not appear and feel that a lot totally different from the opposite Audi vehicles I discussed above, it does really feel more energizing and extra full than these older fashions. It might be new, however there are many acquainted particulars that remind me of why I like different SUVs a lot.

revered

Audi Q6 e-tron

The Audi Q6 e-tron is an ideal all-electric SUV for these within the mid-size automotive market. It isn’t probably the most environment friendly electrical vehicles you should purchase, and the vary is not eye-watering both. Nonetheless, the Q6 is quiet, comfy, and enjoyable to drive. Audi has performed sufficient with the styling to make it look more energizing than the This fall and Q8 fashions, whereas options just like the infotainment system and controls assist preserve a well-recognized really feel.

benefit

• Model new design, rigorously polished
• Get quick efficiency whenever you want it
• The dimensions is ideal for the typical SUV fanatic

shortcoming

• Effectivity and vary really feel good reasonably than nice
• Inside ornament focuses on practicality reasonably than luxurious
• Quattro and premium trim fashions are costly

Costs, specs and availability

The Audi Q6 e-tron quattro 285kW Launch mannequin proven right here in metallic Ascari Blue prices £86,440 (simply over $115,000). As you’d anticipate from a check automotive, it is filled with all of the bells and whistles, which means a extra reasonably priced automotive spec for much less. The truth is, the most affordable model is the Sport, which nonetheless comes with a lot of goodies, together with 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and a warmth pump, and prices round £60,000 (about $80,000).

design and construct

Higher to look inside and out of doors

Whereas the Q6 e-tron would not look a lot totally different than the This fall or Q8, my check automotive did look just a little extra unique. The entrance finish is especially cool, because of slim matrix LED headlights that work rather well after darkish. My check automotive got here in a lovely metallic blue, which is good to get away from the grey or black tones of many Audis.

The rear of the Q6 e-tron seems to be equally polished so it is immediately recognizable, however it seems to be extra refined. One other issue that improved the seems to be of my check automotive had been the massive alloy wheels and tires, that are 21-inchers and are an improve (fairly actually) from the extra commonplace 19-inch variations. The sample of the wheels mixed with the rigorously chosen rear trim on the outside makes it appear like a sublime mix.

In the course of the week I had the Q6 I wanted to pack a bunch of various bins within the trunk and it was good for storage. The rear trunk space proved greater than as much as the problem, and I used to be in a position to match extra stuff by reducing one facet of the rear seat.

refreshing inside

nearly as good as at all times

I like all of the current Audi fashions, particularly the interiors. The Q6 e-tron isn’t any totally different and appears and feels on par with the remainder. Granted, there’s nonetheless some shiny plastic in lots of locations that displays in vibrant gentle, and there is additionally quite a lot of less-than-premium plastic. That is an costly automotive, so some might discover it a bit irritating. Nonetheless, I loved sitting within the cockpit, the place the driving force and passenger seats are very comfy and overlook the street.

The entrance and rear seat covers really feel barely much less premium, however the upside is that they need to be sturdy sufficient to resist the mixed assaults of kids and pets. That is an SUV in any case, so it is also more likely to be topic to quite a lot of outside dust, plus the mess brought on by households on board means the inside will proceed to inform the story. There are additionally some high-end options like ambient lighting and tons of enjoyable on the infotainment display screen.

Technical breakdown

Tried and examined strategies that work

Whereas there is a backlash today concerning the variety of controls hidden throughout the infotainment display screen, Audi does job of delivering combine. As such, there are many buttons and knobs for performing day-to-day duties, however tech followers will love the display screen magnificence inside this mannequin.

There’s a sensible 11.9-inch digital cockpit in entrance of the driving force’s steering wheel, geared up with a central 14.5-inch OLED contact display screen. It’s fashioned in the identical panel and is due to this fact very helpful for the driving force. Entrance-seat passengers aren’t unnoticed, although, as there’s one other 10.9-inch touchscreen to their facet that is straightforward to overlook if it isn’t activated. It is a handy approach for passengers to regulate settings to go well with their facet of the automotive.

One neat little function I am continually amazed by is the audio system within the headrest of my seat. This meant that whereas I used to be on my week-long street check, a lady’s voice would often begin warning me of potential hazards and delays on the route. On prime of that, the automotive additionally comes with a head-up show, which implies anybody fascinated by visuals ought to go for the upper finish of the Q6 e-tron quattro trim vary.

Battery, vary and efficiency

Effectivity is sweet, however not nice

I believe probably the greatest issues concerning the Q6 e-tron is that it begins and goes. This all-wheel-drive quattro automotive actually made for an extended drive on the freeway, and it beat Audi’s official stat of 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds each time I floored the accelerator.

Charging energy is as much as 270kW, which implies charging on the go must be straightforward. The truth is, discover a quick charger and this job can full a ten% to 80% cost in about 20 minutes. The official vary on the 94.9kWh battery is 382 miles, though throughout my time with the automotive that determine appeared unlikely to be achievable in real-world use. I are inclined to drive EVs very gently, often as a result of I am cautious about the place I cost, besides, the Q6’s large and heavy weight does really feel prefer it’s gobbling up kilowatts.

That stated, I do assume the Q6 is a superb automotive. Driving on common roads was easy, and after I hit the again roads it was much more enjoyable. It is a extra nimble SUV than the cumbersome Q8 e-tron, which is just a little too large for me. Even higher, the Q6 e-tron bought even higher as soon as I had it for some time, with brake regeneration making an enormous distinction after I slowed all the way down to intersections or behind slow-moving visitors.

Do you have to purchase an Audi Q6 e-tron?

This must be my favourite of the Quattro fashions I’ve examined just lately. It feels excellent by way of measurement, whereas additionally packing in quite a lot of nice options and performance. I additionally take pleasure in driving the Audi Q6 e-tron 285kW Launch mannequin. It is simple to get round and has loads of efficiency and grip because of its highly effective battery and four-wheel drive. It’s costly, however high quality prices, proper?

revered

Audi Q6 e-tron