Audi Q6 E-Tron Prototype First Drive Evaluate: Well worth the wait

FAROE ISLANDS — It’s a bit much less punctual than its German heritage would recommend: Audi blew by way of a number of proposed launch dates with the brand new Q6 E-Tron, and it will likely be subsequent 12 months earlier than it hits dealerships, doubtless as a 2025 mannequin. Will or not it’s well worth the wait? We traveled to the Faroe Islands, midway between Scotland and Iceland, to seek out out. Audi invited us right here for a “check drive” with two variations of this upcoming, absolutely electrical SUV: the Q6 55 E-Tron, with 396 horsepower, and the SQ6, which makes a whopping 510 horsepower.

The form of the automobile is clearly seen, as are many particulars, because the prototype disguise is proscribed to white foil with purple, pink and purple accents. Standing on 21-inch wheels, shod with 255-section-width-front and 285-rear rubber, the Q6 E-Tron shows sportily chiseled, however finally unremarkable strains, with headlights break up into an higher and decrease half, flanking an octagonal grille. Smaller wheel sizes, from 18 inches upwards, will likely be accessible. From behind, the Q6 E-Tron appears to be like like the large brother of the This autumn E-Tron that it really is. The facet view, with a D pillar that resembles a shark fin, appears to be like considerably coupe-like – though we’re advised {that a} Sportback model with a extra swoopy roofline will ultimately be part of the common Q6.

At first look, this automobile appears to be like prefer it was conceived round 2016 and will have been in the marketplace two years in the past. However a more in-depth look reveals plenty of sensible particulars. For instance, the lighting items: The elective entrance matrix LEDs don’t simply put an icy, routinely adjusted glow onto the street, they will also be configured to point out eight totally different daytime operating gentle patterns. The identical variety of patterns will be displayed by the rear gentle clusters, which characteristic OLED expertise. And it may be chosen not simply on the MMI system, but in addition on Audi’s telephone app, so you’ll be able to admire your aesthetic selections whereas standing proper subsequent to the automobile. Audi is understandably proud to reaffirm the management it has lengthy loved in lighting expertise, with a bitter tablet for U.S. prospects: Regulation right here is so strict that almost all options is not going to be accessible on our shores. You’ll doubtless need to cope with one factory-selected sample.

However we are going to benefit from the fashionable inside shared with European fashions. On our check drive, it’s largely hidden beneath a plastic veil, however voice instructions gave us a touch of next-gen ambient lighting, and the location of the buttons and controls is as excellent because the tactile suggestions. The Q6 encompasses a futuristic four-spoke steering wheel, whereas the SQ6 comes with a extra standard three-spoke wheel.

However this drive is all concerning the chassis and powertrain, the precise driving really feel of the Q6 E-Tron. It stands on the brand-new PPE structure, shared with Porsche’s upcoming electrical Macan. With a multi-link rear axle and torque vectoring functionality, this SUV focuses on dynamics. The steering is fast and exact, the ability supply is rear-biased, the automobile is remarkably glad to show into corners and it’s even potential to play a bit with the tail on exit. The Q6 E-Tron feels rather a lot lighter than it really is, and it is well-connected and communicates the street floor to the driving force. Plus, the brakes will be simply modulated. It’s nearly unattainable to detect the change from recuperation to hydraulic braking – in marked distinction to many EVs in the marketplace as we speak. The SQ mannequin is noticeably sportier than the Q6 E-Tron; each variations provide a pleasant unfold between the “Consolation” and the “Dynamic” setting, with out shifting an excessive amount of to the extremes.

We admire the sheer energy and straight-line efficiency of the Q6 E-Tron, a lot so that you just would possibly end up not needing the additional energy of the SQ6 model. In each fashions, that are ultra-quiet and vibration-free, accelerator response is fast however (fortunately) not as brutal and obnoxious as in a BMW iX. Relying on the mannequin and market, we anticipate the vary to exceed 350 miles – a operate of the environment friendly powertrain and the wonderful aerodynamics. There’s a setting for one-pedal driving, and the Q6 is well-prepared for severe off-roading, too.

Its aggressive set consists of the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV; in Audi’s personal lineup, the Q6 E-Tron suits precisely between the compact This autumn E-Tron, a twin of the Volkswagen ID.4, and the marginally bigger Q8 E-Tron. It’s the most harmonious, satisfying electrical SUV we have now pushed thus far, and this bodes nicely for its Porsche Macan sister mannequin, which each Audi and Porsche engineers insist will characteristic noticeably totally different driving traits. Down the street, there will likely be an entry-level model with rear-wheel drive solely, and on the opposite finish of the market, we anticipate to see an ultra-powerful RS Q6 E-Tron. Quick is sweet – particularly if Audi lastly manages to fast-track this completely German-built SUV to the markets as quickly as potential.

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