Audi adds the Sportback to the Q6 e-tron model range
For the world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, Audi is talking about a “dynamic-looking Sportback [that] combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the elegance of a coupé.” And as the flatter Sportback rear is more aerodynamic – as with the Q4 and Q8 e-tron – the new body shape also offers the longest range in the Q6 model range: the Q6 Sportback e-tron Performance has a range of up to 656 kilometres according to WLTP.
The fact that Audi is adding a coupé offshoot to its first electric SUV based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) has nothing to do with a few kilometres more range, of course, but with customer demand. Audi emphasises that the Sportback is “one of the most popular body designs among customers.” Or as Audi CEO Gernot Döllner puts it: “The new model demonstrates the versatility of our new generation of electric vehicles. The Sportback variant is the next step in the expansion of our electric model portfolio. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron combines the strengths of our new electric models – efficiency, range, and performance – with the evocative, functional design of its distinct body.”
At 4.77 metres, the Q6 Sportback e-tron is the same length as the SUV, and the wheelbase of 2.90 metres is also identical. However, the SUV coupé is 37 millimetres flatter, which, in combination with the more aerodynamic rear end, results in a drag coefficient of 0.26 – instead of 0.28 for the SUV. On paper, the boot is only slightly smaller at 511 litres (instead of 526 litres), while the frunk under the bonnet is the same size at 64 litres.
The difference in cargo space naturally becomes greater if you don’t just measure the boot up to the parcel shelf: If you fold down the backrests of the rear seats, you can still fit 1,373 litres in the Sportback – the SUV has up to 1,529 litres here. The rear-wheel-drive models have a towing capacity of two tonnes, while the all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 2,400 kilograms.
Speaking of drive systems, while Audi has added further drive variants to the Q6 e-tron, all known drive systems are available for the Sportback at market launch. The Q6 Sportback e-tron thus offers the full range from the smaller 83-kWh battery (85.8 kWh net) with rear-wheel drive to the long-range ‘Performance’ offshoot with 100-kWh battery (94.9 kWh net) and rear-wheel drive to the powerful SQ6 Sportback e-tron.
| Audi Q6 Sportback | e-tron | e-tron Performance | e-tron quattro | SQ6 e-tron quattro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Output | 185 (210) kW | 225 (240) kW | 285 kW | 360 (380) kW |
| Acceleration | 7.0 (7.0) s | 6.7 (6.6) s | 5.9 s | 4.4 (4.3) s |
| Top speed | 210 kph | 210 kph | 210 kph | 230 kph |
| WLTP range | 545 km | 656 km | 636 km | 607 km |
| Battery | 83 kWh | 100 kWh | 100 kWh | 100 kWh |
| Charging capacity DC | 225 kW | 260 kW | 270 kW | 270 kW |
| Charging time DC 10-80% | 21 min | 22 min | 21 min | 21 min |
| Price | 65,900 euros | 71,200 euros | 77,100 euros | 96,200 euros |
While the drives are the same, there are some changes to the chassis. “The redesigned front axle significantly influences the driving dynamics of the electric Sportback,” writes Audi. “The optimised axle kinematics achieve a noticeable increase in driving dynamics and simultaneously improve the steering response, not least thanks to the subframe holding the steering securely in place. This makes the vehicle much more agile.”
The entry-level model, the Q6 Sportback e-tron with an 83 kWh (net 75.8 kWh) battery and rear-wheel drive, is priced from 65,900 euros. The rear-wheel drive Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron performance is available from 71,200 euros. The Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro costs from €77,100, and the SQ6 Sportback e-tron starts at €96,200. That makes the Sportback 2,400 euros more expensive than the SUV.
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