Audi’s game-changer: Q6 e-tron heralds flood of electric models

It kicks open the door to the digital future wherein electric cars operate like computers on wheels.

So say hi to the new Q6 e-tron electric mid-sized premium SUV that Audi is convinced will be a real game-changer.

The Q6 e-tron is the first production model built on the premium platform electric (PPE) made in partnership with Porsche.

It is the first of its Audi kind to have been built purely as an electric vehicle.

And that leads the way for it to begin the process of building only electric cars in the relatively near future.

The new SUV benefits in so many ways from being the first born of PPE. A relatively short test around sunlit south Tipperary showed that to be the case.

The look of it speaks volumes about the freedom an electric platform can generate on so many fronts, not least design and efficiency. It is much less bulky.

PPE lets them lower the body, thereby reducing the centre of gravity. There was little bodyroll. The test model had air suspension which can make for a softer feel to the dynamics of a car. Not on this.

It is nicely proportioned. The key dimensions (4,771mm long, 1,993mm wide and 1,648mm tall with a 2,899mm wheelbase) give it presence without going to excess. It’s all about how so much is possible by digital.

For example there are five high-performance computers (HCPs) controlling all vehicle functions – Audi’s most powerful electronic architecture to date.

New systems increase efficiency and there are some eye-catching figures for how far different models will travel on a single charge. One version has a claimed range of 635km. Even if it realistically does 535km, it is a decent number.

And when you do need a charge, 800-volt technology and a maximum charging capacity of 270kW (standard) means you might not have time for a cup of tea.

At best, up to 255km-worth of energy can be taken on board in just 10 minutes, while you can replenish from 10pc to 80pc in around 21 minutes.

And if a charging station can only handle 400-volt technology, the e-tron can automatically divide the 800-volt battery in equal voltage so they can be charged in parallel with up to 135kW.

If you are AC charging at home you can get up to 11kW. The car recuperates energy at up to 220kW and Audi says around 95pc of all braking can be handled by the system.

The cabin was sporty/comfortable, while the digital stage panoramic screen, information slot and passenger display are central to how the cabin looks.

Your front-seat passenger can use the display in front of them to work certain functions, such as volume control, navigation and, if they want to, go on to YouTube. Incidentally they have moved much of the clutter you normally get on the dash or central console to the driver’s door-arm inset.

For the first time the new infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system. It allows for frequent over-the-air updates. There is also the latest heads-up display.

The cabin had good room for two of us at the front but I’d dispute the claim of sufficient space for three passengers in the back – unless one of them is quite small. Well, it is a family SUV, I suppose.

The long 526-litre boot can be extended to 1,529 litres with the rear seats folded.

And there are 64 litres of storage in the frunk (front trunk) under the bonnet.

Then there is price. Look, ordinary car prices have gone mad. People don’t blink when asked for €60,000 for a well-decked out, mainstream model.

On that basis, this Audi is well priced, given its new tech and premium badging.

I’ve worked a little at-a-glance summary to give an idea of price, arrival, power and battery-size.

The entry-level Q6 e-tron (€75,600) is pencilled in for October. In Advance/S Line trim it has a 78kWh (net battery capacity), rear-wheel drive, 215kw of power (0-100kmh in seven seconds), and range of 520km. The e-tron Performance is here now (from €81,000).

In Advance/S Line trim, net battery is 94.9kWh, rear drive 225kw, 0-100kmh in 6.6 seconds, and 635km range.

The e-tron quattro is a January arrival (from €87,600), Advance/S Line. Net battery is 94.9kWh, quattro AWD, 285kw, 0-100kmh in 5.9 seconds and a claimed range of 622km.

The e-tron SQ6 is here now, from €107,235, S trimline, net battery capacity 94.9kWh, quattro AWD, 360kw, 0-100kmh in 4.2 in seconds, and range of 596km.

Launch Edition, from €87,600, in Advance/S Line, net battery 94.9kWh, quattro AWD, 285kw, 0-100kmh in 5.9 seconds, and 564km range.

Audi claims the launch edition represents a €5,000 saving over the Q6 quattro S line. Would I buy it? Yes.