New Electric Audi: Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback
The Audi Q6 e-tron is one of the most-anticipated new luxury electric SUVs. Built on a shared architecture with the all-new Porsche Macan electric and with a starting MSRP in the mid-sixties, it has impressive tech, good range, rapid charging, and the reassurance of a familiar luxury badge and dealer network. The Q6 e-tron is only starting to arrive in North American dealerships – but if you’re after something a little more distinctive, Audi has just announced the new Q6 e-tron Sportback, a sleeker, longer-range version sacrifices a bit of space for a lot more style.
Audi is no stranger to this formula; its Sportback body style is a familiar shape on our roads, available on vehicles like the A5, Q5 SUV, and Q8 e-tron. Instead of the traditional long-roof SUV shape, the bottom half of the Q6 e-tron Sportback’s body is strong and SUV-like, with a sleek, sloping upper half that looks more like a sports coupe than a family hauler.
Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback Design
Audi says that the design of the Q6 e-tron Sportback echoes the iconic first-generation TT coupe, which we think is a bit of a stretch. But the design does flow very gracefully, and the teardrop shape is smooth and elegant – and also about an inch lower than the traditional SUV shape of the Q6 e-tron. We particularly like the sloping rear window, whose break-away edge incorporates the third brake light, the strong character lines, and the gorgeous LED lighting.
Up front, the Q6 e-tron Sportback is almost identical to the SUV version, with a fully-enclosed, three-dimensional “grille” that is accented in silver or black, large air intakes, and digital daytime running lights. The actual headlights are hidden cleverly in the top of the air intakes.
Despite the sleeker roofline, the Q6 e-tron Sportback is still very practical. The long wheelbase, the same as the Q6 e-tron, provides ample interior space. Rear-seat legroom is excellent, and though rear headroom is slightly less than in the SUV, there’s still more than enough for average adults, or the children that will likely be riding in back. The rear seats can be folded to increase the already-generous luggage compartment, and there’s even a useful front trunk, perfect for a briefcase, overnight bag, or to store charging equipment. Towing capacity is an impressive 5,000 pounds, too.
Range and Charging of the Q6 e-tron Sportback
Audi says that, thanks to its lower roof and sleeker profile, the Q6 e-tron Sportback will have a longer range than the Q6 e-tron SUV, claiming a range of 407 miles on the European WLTP standard test. European range estimates tend to be higher than those issued by the U.S. EPA; we tend to drive at higher speeds for longer on North American roads. What we do know is that the longest-range Q6 e-tron SUV is currently estimated by the EPA to deliver 322 miles, and that the Sportback should go further on a full charge.
What we do know is that the Sportback’s drivetrain options will mirror those of the Q6 e-tron SUV. That means a base model with 322 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a 0-60 mph time in the low sixes; an all-wheel drive Quattro model with two motors, 456 hp, and 0-60 in less than 5 seconds; and a high-end SQ6 model with 509 hp and a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds.
Expect EPA range estimates of the base model to be close to 340 miles, the Quattro to hit around 320, and the SQ6 to be just under 300. All Q6 e-tron models sold in North America will have a 100-kWh battery, which has the capability to charge at up to 270 kW on a compatible charger – faster than most of its competition.
Q6 e-tron Sportback Interior and Tech
Like its close relative, the Q6 e-tron Sportback features Audi’s latest interior design, with a huge panoramic display incorporating the instrument cluster and infotainment screens, as well as an optional passenger screen. Recycled materials give the feel of high-end leather while improving overall sustainability.
An all-new infotainment system is easier to use than previous systems, and offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with an augmented reality heads-up display that projects information directly onto the windshield, including speed, traffic signs, assistance, and navigation directions. You can also interact with a self-learning AI digital assistant by voice; it provides driving tips, and can learn your routines, such as your desired temperature at different times of the day, the time you make phone calls home, or your desired routes.
A huge range driver assists is available. The new Driving Assistant Plus feature manages acceleration, maintaining speed, keeping a safe distance, and lane guidance, but also uses map data and data from other connected vehicles to drive more smoothly and safely. Parking assistance, lane departure warning, emergency assist, pre-collision braking, and a distraction and drowsiness warning system are also standard.
Conclusion: More Style for More Money
Audi has only announced pricing in Europe for the new Q6 e-tron Sportback. In the U.S., we would expect a price premium of about $5,000 more for this sleeker, more stylish version of the Q6 – which has a starting MSRP of $63,800 for the rear-drive version, $65,800 for the Quattro and $72,900 for the SQ6.
Even with the premium for the sleeker body, you’ll pay less for the Q6 e-tron Sportback than for a similarly-equipped electric Porsche Macan. On the other hand, a BMW iX is also a great product with impressive range and performance, and offers more space for the money. Tesla’s aging Model Y is also cheaper, though doesn’t have nearly the same level of luxury as the Audi.
While it may seem counterintuitive to pay more for less space in the Q6 e-tron Sportback, it’s hard to put a price on style – and if you’re looking to justify the purchase to yourself, you can take solace in the fact that the Sportback models are not just more stylish, but also more efficient, than their boxier siblings.
