The Chinese market has become complicated for electric cars with the strong arrival of local manufacturers. Audi intends to redefine its strategy in China and presents its Q6 e-tron in a long version with a larger battery and increased autonomy.
The big news this year at Audi is the arrival of the new Q6 e-tron, a model that we were able to get up close and personal with a few weeks ago. This technical cousin of the Porsche Macan is based on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform, the new high-end platform from the Volkswagen group.
In a few words, the Q6 e-tron sold in Europe has a battery with a capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh actually usable) which gives it up to 625 km of autonomy according to the WLTP standard.
The 800 volt architecture is there, with a maximum power of 270 kW in direct current, which allows it to recover 255 km of autonomy in ten minutes of charging. The two electric motors develop 280 kW (381 horsepower), allowing it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.
An elongated version with a bigger battery
On the sidelines of the Beijing Motor Show, Audi presents the extended version of its Q6. Soberly called Q6L e-tron, the ringed SUV gains a few centimeters in length, but not only that. It is positioned in the “intermediate premium” segment in China, with a length of 4.88 meters, i.e. 11 cm more than our European Q6, a width of 1.96 meters and a height of 1.69 meters. The 11 cm are gained in the wheelbase since it goes from 2.88 meters in Europe to 2.99 meters in China.
(exterior model) Static photo, Color: Lilac Gray
(exterior model) Static photo, Color: Lilac Gray
Static photo, Color: Lilac Gray
Static photo, Color: Lilac Gray
(exterior model) Detail, Color: Lilac Gray
Detail, Color: Lilac Gray
Thanks to the stretching of its wheelbase, the Q6L e-tron also receives a larger lithium-ion battery than its European counterpart. Thus, the latter goes from 100 kWh to 107 kWh. It is made up of 12 modules and 192 prismatic cells. Audi is already announcing more than 700 km of autonomy according to the CLTC cycle. The CLTC cycle being more optimistic than the European WLTP cycle, this suggests a little more autonomy than the European Q6, probably around 650 km.
In terms of engines, there are also some changes, since the Q6L e-tron will be available in propulsion with a single electric motor of 347 hp and a quattro version with two electric motors of 469 hp.
As a reminder, in Europe, we are not entitled to the rear-wheel drive version. At least for the moment, but it could arrive to soften the prices of this model, very close to its technical cousin with a more prestigious coat of arms, the Porsche Macan, since the Q6 e-tron starts in France from 83,450 euros.
In Europe, the Q6 e-tron quattro develops 387 hp, for 535 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is promised in 5.9 seconds. The SQ6 e-tron, which is not currently offered in China, offers 517 hp and 820 Nm during an overboost. In this case, 0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in 4.3 seconds. Fatally, the autonomy suffers a little, dropping to 598 km WLTP.
More technological than our European version
In terms of on-board technologies, this model will also be more richly equipped than in Europe. Audi to introduce a range of driver assistance functions tailored to Chinaincluding Adaptive Driving Assistant Pro and Parking Assistant Pro.
Based on a sensor system (including LiDAR sensors, cameras and ultrasonic sensors) and V2X technologies, these functions will assist the driver in much wider driving and parking scenarios than any previous Audi model.
The other new feature of the PPE platform mentioned above is a new electronic architecture, called E³ – for End-to-End Electronic Architecture.
Five computers, linked by Ethernet, distribute all on-board tasks, from connectivity to driving, including screens and charging. An architecture promised to be connected, scalable (via remote wireless OTA updates) and secure.
The Audi Q6L e-tron and other models for the Chinese market will be manufactured in a new factory in Changchun. Production of the Q6L e-tron will begin at the end of 2024, and deliveries to customers will begin in 2025. Other models will follow from 2025, including the new Audi A6 e-tron which will surely also be entitled to an L version in China.