Audi presents long-wheelbase version of the Q6 e-tron for China
Officially, Audi is still talking about an “exterior model” at the Beijing premiere – the series version is not scheduled to go into production until the fourth quarter of 2024 (when production in Changchun will also begin), with first deliveries planned for 2025. Audi is not giving any further details on the start of deliveries.
Long-wheelbase versions of global models for the Chinese market already have a tradition, not only at Audi. While the longer wheelbase of combustion engine versions primarily benefited the interior, particularly the space in the back seat, there is another advantage for electric cars: a longer wheelbase creates space for a larger battery in the underbody.
In the case of the Q6L e-tron, the wheelbase is extended by 105 millimetres – from 2.90 to 3.05 metres. According to Audi, a 107-kWh instead of a 100-kWh will now fit in the Q6L e-tron. It has 192 prismatic cells in twelve modules – the global version has 180 cells in twelve modules. That should enable a CLCT range of 700 kilometres – the international model has a WLTP range of up to 625 kilometres. However, Audi sticks with an 800-volt system and a maximum charging power of 270 kW.
It is not clear from the press release who will supply the larger battery to Audi. The version built in Ingolstadt uses cells from the Chinese manufacturer CATL from its European plant in Thuringia. It is not known whether CATL will also supply the new Changchun plant.
Despite the similarities, it is clear at first glance whether this is a global Q6 e-tron or a Q6L e-tron for China. Audi slightly adapted the front end of the China model. The single-frame grille no longer characterises the front design, but by a grey element that extends beyond the grille to the headlights – the upper part of the single frame with the Audi logo is in body colour. Audi states, “the redesigned front end, with an evolution of the Audi brand face, sets its own accents for the China-specific version”. At 4.88 metres, the Chinese version is (unsurprisingly) also eleven centimetres longer than the global version.
There are also differences in the drive’s performance data. In China, Audi also offers the Q6L e-tron with a large battery as a rear-wheel drive model; here, the output is 255 kW – this is also the 700-kilometre model. Alternatively, there is a 345 kW all-wheel drive, which focuses on traction and driving dynamics.
“With the Q6L e-tron, we are bringing the technological benefits of our new Premium Platform Electric to China. The model underscores our promise to offer electric vehicles in all core segments by 2027”, Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi, said at the world premiere at the Beijing Auto Show.
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