BELIEVE IT OR not, Audi hasn't launched an all-new model in more than three years - a decidedly dry spell for Britain's third-biggest car brand. Things are about to change, though; a deluge of new Audis is due over the next 12 months, and the first is this: the Q6 e-tron.
As you might have guessed, it slots in between the Q4 e-tron and the flagship Q8 e-tron in Audi's electric SUV line-up. That means it counts the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and high-end Tesla Model Ys as its closest rivals. If you're unfamiliar with those electric vehicles (EVs), it's best to think of the Q6 as a battery-powered Q5 - even though the two cars are completely unrelated underneath.
In fact, the closest relation to the Q6 e-tron is the new electric Porsche Macan. However, while the Macan has been tuned for sporty handling, the Q6 has been designed to excel at comfort and long-distance cruising.
What's it like to drive?
In dual-motor quattro form, the Q6 is far from sluggish. This might be a sensiblelooking SUV, but even the slowest initial version can do 0-62mph in 5.9sec.
However, because of how smooth and quiet the Q6 is on the move, acceleration never feels as fast as those numbers suggest. You're obviously aware of the scenery flying by at an increasingly rapid rate, but it's closer to the experience you'd get in a jumbo jet at take-off than when putting your foot down in a similarly fast sports car.
Indeed, we can see why you might want to wait for the cheaper single-motor Performance version that's due later in the year. Unlike the quattro we've tested, only its rear wheels are driven, but it still promises a respectable 6.6sec 0-62mph sprint time.
Another reason you might want to wait for the single-motor model is range. It's lighter, you see, and has the same 94.9kWh (usable capacity) battery as the quattro models, so it can officially take you up to 392 miles on a charge.
Esta historia es de la edición August 2024 de What Car? UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 2024 de What Car? UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Cupra Formentor
This sharp-looking plug-in hybrid family SUV has plenty of punch and a good electric range; can it be fun as well as frugal? We're finding out
OUR MANIFESTO FOR ACHIEVING EV GOALS
If the Government is serious about phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, this is what it should do, says Claire Evans
Bucking the trend
Do you think electric cars are all too expensive? Well, think again, because the number of affordable options is growing steadily. We take three on a road trip to find out which one offers the best value
Kia EV3
Smallest member yet of Kia's EV electric car family spells big trouble for plenty of rivals On sale January Price from £32,995
Dacia Spring
The UK's most affordable electric car arrives on our shores - but is it the bargain it appears to be? On sale Now Price from £14,995
Porsche Macan Electric
Entry-level Macan has the longest official range of the line-up. Could it be the one to have? On sale Now Price from £68,555
Vauxhall Frontera
A familiar name returns to replace the Crossland small SUV, and you can have it in petrol or electric form On sale Early 2025 Price from £23,495
BMW 330e
Plug-in hybrid exec gets a bigger battery for a boost in official electric range – and lower company car tax On sale Now Price from £46,985
BYD Sealion 7
Chinese brand BYD's line-up continues to expand with this new, Tesla-rivalling electric family SUV On sale Late 2024 Price from £45,000 (est)
Alpine A290
Sportier version of the Renault 5 electric car aims to deliver hot hatch thrills for a reasonable price On sale March Price from £33,500