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q6

Audi’s latest electric SUV redefines the EV wheel.

By Joe Santos

Fri, Dec 19, 2025 05:00 AM PST

Featured image above: The new Audi Q6 e-tron is the next step in the brand’s EV evolution and its exterior is evidence of that (Joe Santos photograph).

“This is almost too much technology,” I thought to myself as I looked around at the dashboard in the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron.

Its infotainment screens were crisp and large and there aren’t many buttons to press, which means that most of the cabin’s functions are controlled via those screens.

There is even a screen that sits in front of the passenger, which ultimately made the little SUV feel like a little much.

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The new Audi Q6 e-tron has a bold but familiar look (Joe Santos)

However, after driving the Q6 e-tron for a week, I realized that it’s just the next evolution of electric SUVs, especially since Audi plans to release more of these battery-powered cars in the next few years.

So, it’s time we just get used to it. Otherwise, I found the Audi Q6 e-tron to be as comfortable and luxurious as the rest of the German brand’s fleet, but with a few added touches that I have never seen before.

It may have a lot of tech, but it sure is welcomed.

Exterior 

At first glance, this new version of Audi’s e-tron looks familiar since it has the same shape as the original model that came out in 2019.

However, this new model adds a sleek and understated appeal with its wide stance, short overhangs, and the kind of build quality that gives it instant credibility.

The blanked-out front grille and sharp front and rear LED lighting (the front headlights are of the digital matrix variety) make it clear that this is an EV, but Audi doesn’t overdo the futuristic aesthetic.

The Q6 e-tron makes a statement that it’s modern without having to shout it.

Interior

As I stated before, the Audi Q6 e-tron’s interior is stacked with features and is possibly the most advanced cabin stitched together by the automaker to date.

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In true Audi fashion, the new Q6 e-tron has an elegant and luxurious interior that lacks buttons in favor of screens (Joe Santos)

The curved dual-screen setup (comprised of an 11.9-inch digital cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment display) looks premium, but can be a little overwhelming at first.

Of course, you get used to them over time, especially once you figure out how it all works.

Looking around the cabin, the materials feel expensive, there are soft leathers abound, accompanied by brushed metals and sustainable trims, which all blend into a clean, driver-focused environment.

A head-up display with augmented-reality navigation is standard on the higher trims, like my tester, but even the base model comes loaded with tech.

That augmented reality display also take a minutes for your eyes to get used to as well, but it’s a cool feature once you get used to it.

Additionally, rear seat space is generous, and the 18.6-cubic-foot cargo area expands to around 60 cubes with the rear seat folded, making it a usable daily EV.

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The Q6 e-tron has a sculpted look from every angle (Joe Santos).

Powertrain and Driving Experience

Underneath the Q6’s clean sheet metal lies a dual-motor setup that delivers 422 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, which get boosted to 456 horsepower when the car is put in “boost mode” for short acceleration bursts.

That’s enough power to move the 5,300-pound SUV up to 60 mph in around 4.9 seconds, which feels brisk and composed rather than neck-snapping.

Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system and adaptive air suspension complement the powertrain well and give the Q6 a planted feel when hustling through corners quickly.

The car’s steering is light and precise, and although it lacks some of the sporty feedback you would find in a Porsche Macan EV, it’s better balance than most of the rivals in the segment.

The Q6 e-tron is also very quiet. There is a serenity to its ride that’s reminiscent of an A6 on air suspension, and even at highway speeds, the cabin remains whisper-quiet.

Acceleration is smooth, braking is responsive, and transitions between regen and friction braking are seamless.

Speaking of regen, there are four different regeneration modes to promotes the level of one-pedal driving you might be used to. The regen is not jarring like in other cars, and I found it to be smooth when coming to a complete stop.

Range and Charging

The electric range varies depending on the trim and wheels setup you choose, but the Audi Q6 e-tron is expected to deliver around 300 miles on a full charge thank to its 100-kWh battery.

As for charging, the Audi’s 800-volt architecture allows for DC fast charging, which can add 10-80% in around 21 minutes at a 270 kW charge rate.

Those numbers put it in the same league as the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE, but the real-world story is a little different.

I had to charge the car in the wild and luckily found a fast charger to use. It took around 38 minutes to charge the car from 69% to 94% at a rate of 56 kW, which slowed to 22 kW after the 80% mark.

Just remember that your charge times can vary depending on the charger you use, the time of day, and if there is another car hooked up to the same charger.

Fortunately, you can play a racing game on the car’s infotainment screen while you wait.

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A favorite feature is the touchscreen that sits in front of the passenger, which allows them to change radio stations and even play a racing game (Joe Santos).

Safety

Audi loaded the Q6 with safety features as well. The Q6 e-tron is equipped with brand’s latest suite of driver-assist systems, which are anchored by a new zonal architecture that allows faster data processing from cameras, radar, and lidar sensors.

Standard features include the usual suspects like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera with parking assist.

Higher trims add lane guidance, intersection assist, blind-spot monitoring with exit warning, and rear-cross-traffic assist, which all work seamlessly in the background.

Summary

Although the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron doesn’t reinvent the EV wheel, it does refine it.

Audi has built EV platforms in the past, but the Q6 feels fully integrated as it’s not just an ICE model converted to battery power.

With solid range, premium comfort, and unmistakable Audi DNA, the Q6 e-tron position itself as one of the most well-rounded electric SUVs in the current luxury space.

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2025 Audi Q6 e-tron (Joe Santos photograph)

The Pertinent Specifications

Name of vehicle: 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
Price:
$65,095 (base)
$76,790 (as tested)
EPA Fuel economy rating: 104 MPGe (RWD), 99 MPGe (AWD
EPA vehicle size classification: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle (electric)
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Location of final assembly: Ingolstadt, Germany 
For more information about this vehicle, visit audiusa.com.

About The Author

Joe Santos's profile picture

Joe Santos

Joe Santos is an automotive journalist with over 10 years of professional writing and editing experience. His article topics range from full-length car reviews to car-buying advice. He even spent four years selling cars at a few different dealerships, so he may know a thing or two if you’re in the market for a new or used car.

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