New Audi Q6 e-tron prepares for launch as BMW iX3 rival

The full reveal of the new Audi Q6 e-tron is rapidly approaching and the Ingolstadt-based brand has released a bunch of official teaser images, giving us our best glimpse yet of the new electric SUV.

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.

We can now discern quite a few styling elements from these 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’s shape closely resembles that of the existing Q4 e-tron, and last year even we saw that the two will feature very similar textured front grille designs.

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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 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.