New Audi Q6 e-tron gets three screens and new head-up display

The full reveal of the new Audi Q6 e-tron is rapidly approaching. We’ve already driven a disguised prototype of the forthcoming BMW iX3 rival, and now the Ingolstadt-based brand has revealed the production Q6 e-tron’s interior, including an augmented-reality head-up display that, in essence, projects its image onto the road ahead.

Set to debut later in 2023, the Audi Q6 e-tron will be available in both regular SUV and Sportback coupe SUV form. It’s designed to slot between the Q4 e-tron and the newly-renamed Q8 e-tron in the lineup and will likely start from just over £60,000 when it eventually goes on sale. This would put the Q6 e-tron in-line with rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, Lexus RZ 450e and Mercedes EQC.

Audi says the “human-centric” design of the Q6’s interior puts the “needs and desires of the occupants” at its core. It’s the first time the brand’s Virtual Cockpit has merged with the central infotainment display, with the 11.9-inch digital dials connected to the 14.5-inch Audi MMI system in a single panel. It’s also the first time Audi has fitted a screen ahead of the passenger seat – like you’ll find in top-spec Porsche Taycans.

In addition to the trio of screens spanning the entire width of the dashboard, Audi is fitting an optional augmented-reality head-up display that can project information into the driver’s line of sight – effectively displaying it on the road up to 200m ahead. Audi says this offers “significant support, particularly in conditions with poor visibility”.

Recycled materials feature on the Q6’s doors, dashboard and seats, while some of the interior paint finishes are produced using renewable raw materials. Even the floor mats are made with old fishing nets, carpets, and upcycled industrial waste.

We’ve still not been given a proper look at the exterior, despite having driven a prototype model on the road. We can, however, discern quite a few styling elements from the latest images, including a new split LED headlight design, large air intakes on either side and at the bottom of the front bumper, and a full-width light bar at the rear, similar to the one on the Audi e-tron GT saloon. Overall, the Q6 e-tron looks to closely resemble the shape of the existing Q4 e-tron.

As always, the only visual difference for the Sportback version is the significantly more aerodynamic and rakish roofline, which should provide a small boost in range over the standard SUV, but at the cost of some boot space.

The Q6 e-tron will use the same 'PPE' (Premium Platform Electric) underpinnings as the new electric Porsche Macan, now due in 2024. We expect the technical details for the Q6 e-tron and Macan EV to be very similar, including the use of a roughly 100kWh battery. Audi has confirmed the Q6 e-tron will also utilise an 800-volt electrical system – like the brand’s flagship e-tron GT – which could, in theory, allow for a 5-80% top-up in just 25 minutes if owners use a 350kW ultra-rapid charger. 

We learned last year that the new Porsche Macan will feature two electric motors – one on each axle – for a total power output of more than 600bhp and over 1,000Nm of torque. Range-topping Audi SQ6 e-tron or Audi RS Q6 e-tron could boast similar numbers, though less powerful models will almost certainly be offered, too. In terms of range, we expect the Q6 e-tron will easily cover more than 300 miles on a single charge.

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Audi has also released boot space figures for the new Q6; the SUV’s 526 litres trumps the iX3’s 510 litres, though the BMW is slightly more spacious with the rear seats folded flat. That said, the Audi will offer an additional 64 litres under the bonnet – where a “charging cable or smaller travel bags can be conveniently stowed” according to the manufacturer.

Audi is planning to have 20 fully electric models on the market by 2025, and it intends for them to make up a third of its total sales by that point. The next additions to Audi’s e-tron range of electric cars will be the A6 e-tron saloon and A6 Avant e-tron estate that are set to go on sale in 2023 and 2024 respectively, and use the PPE platform from the Q6 e-tron.