Beijing, April 24, 2024 – The Audi Q6 e-tron model family is Audi's first production model based on the PPE luxury electric platform, marking the acceleration of the transformation of the Sihuan brand into a leader in high-end e-mobility. At the 2024 Beijing International Auto Show, the Sihuan brand will debut its Audi Q6L e-tron, which is specially designed for the Chinese market and has more local features.
The all-electric model will be showcased at the Beijing Motor Show. The official production version will be unveiled in the fourth quarter of this year. Production of the Audi Q6L e-tron and other PPE models for the Chinese market will start at the new plant of Audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. in Changchun, with the first deliveries expected to be completed in 2025.
This all-electric SUV model vividly embodies the brand DNA of "Vorsprung durch Technik", which not only has excellent driving and charging performance, excellent efficiency, but also has better range than overseas models. The Audi Q6L e-tron has an extended wheelbase of 105 mm, allowing it to accommodate a larger battery, enabling a range of more than 700 km in CLTC mode. The letter "L" in the model name indicates a long wheelbase and also represents exceptional long-distance travel capabilities.
Over the past few decades, Audi has been developing "L" long-wheelbase models tailored to the Chinese market, with the Audi A6L and Audi A4L being particularly well-known, as well as the Audi Q5L, Audi A8L and Audi A8L Horch Founder's Edition. Now, the Audi Q6 e-tron series is available in the domestic market with an "L" long wheelbase, offering more space, more comfort and more practical features. With the new interior design concept, the Audi Q6L e-tron will create a unique and spacious interior experience for Chinese users.
In terms of exterior design, the Audi Q6L e-tron continues the classic SUV design style of Audi and adopts the ever-evolving e-tron family design language. The difference between the Audi Q6L e-tron and the overseas version is noticeable at first glance. The redesigned front face shows the evolution of the new face of the Audi brand and sets the tone for this bespoke version for the Chinese market.
To highlight its avant-garde and unique exterior design, the Audi Q6L e-tron is also available in exclusive body colours for the Chinese market. The "Lilac Ash" shown at the Beijing International Auto Show is one of them.
Thanks to the long wheelbase and the correspondingly extended curved roofline, the Audi Q6L e-tron features particularly elegant side lines and harmonious proportions. The integration of pioneering technologies represented by lighting also represents the opening of a new chapter in the electric mobility of the Sihuan brand. For Chinese users, the brand spirit of "Breaking through Technology and Inspiring the Future" is becoming a daily experience that can be felt through the Audi Q6L e-tron.
The PPE platform and the E3 1.2 electronic architecture, jointly developed with Porsche, are important milestones in the expansion of Audi's global electrification lineup. Their launch represents the beginning of a comprehensive and strengthened Audi product portfolio.
"With the Audi Q6L e-tron, we are bringing the technical advantages of the PPE luxury pure electric platform to China. By 2027, Audi plans to offer all-electric models in all core segments. The Audi Q6L e-tron is a testament to this commitment. Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, said at the world premiere of the Audi Q6L e-tron on the eve of the Beijing International Motor Show.
Excellent range and charging performance
The Audi Q6L e-tron is equipped with a powerful, compact and efficient electric motor and a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of 12 modules and 192 prismatic cells, with a total capacity of 107 kWh (7 kWh more than the overseas version of the Q6 e-tron), which can achieve a range of more than 700 km in CLTC mode.
The Audi Q6L e-tron comes standard with 800-volt charging technology and a maximum DC charging power of 270 kW, which can be charged in a short time. Under ideal conditions, a 10-minute charge can add nearly 260 km of range and increase the charge level (SoC) from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.
Thanks to the intelligent thermal management system, the high-voltage battery of the Audi Q6L e-tron has excellent charging performance and a long service life.
The Audi Q6L e-tron will be available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions: the rear-wheel drive version with a system output of 255 kW with a greater focus on efficiency and range, and the all-wheel drive version with a system output of 345 kW for superior traction and driving dynamics.
Elegant and novel exterior design
The Audi Q6L e-tron is positioned as a luxury mid-size car with a length of 4,884 mm, a width of 1,965 mm, and a height of 1,687 mm. The wheelbase of 2,995 mm provides rear passengers with plenty of legroom at the business class level.
Thanks to the PPE platform, the proportions of the Audi Q6 e-tron model range are harmonious. With an extended wheelbase and an extended roofline, the Audi Q6L e-tron further accentuates the model's elegant and chic appearance. At the same time, the striking SUV style creates an unrivalled sporty style. The delicate flow of the body outlines the dynamic curved surface, which can present a unique change of light and shadow even when stationary.
The cockpit structure in the upper part of the body is low and tense, and narrows towards the rear. The gradually sloping D-pillar blends elegantly into the sleek shoulders. The opening between the D-pillar and the roof gives the exterior a more dynamic look and the cabin feels more slender. A striking line runs between the taillights and the rear doors, emphasizing the classic wide-body design of the wheel arches of the "quattro blisters" that support the cabin. The emphasis on the wheels reflects the core of Audi's design DNA, the philosophy of "making technology visible". The sporty rear end combines the beauty of sporty elegance with masculine power. The light strip at the rear of the car gives the Audi Q6L e-tron its distinctive identity and calm temperament.
The 21-inch wheels further optimize the vehicle's aerodynamics. The compact opening slightly breaks up the flat design of the wheel surface, which is due to the fact that the wheel brakes are used less frequently, so there is little need for air for cooling.
The door handles, which are almost integrated into the surface of the doors, are also a new highlight of the exterior design. This is the first time that the Audi e-tron series has built-in door handles. There is a proximity sensor under the doorknob that unlocks automatically upon request. Without force, the door springs can be easily opened, and the user can then easily open the door manually.
The straight front face reflects the evolution of the design language of the Audi e-tron family. As the representative of Audi's all-electric models, the front face of the Audi Q6L e-tron features an aerodynamically enclosed recessed design. Not only that, but for the first time for the Chinese market, Audi designers have designed a completely high-gloss black front face. In this way, the front line of the body is like a raised horizontal sculpture, smoothly extending to the sides of the body, making the SUV look more stable and airy and close to the road. The large side air intakes also emphasise the sporty look, while the laterally spaced segmented headlights add a resolute personality to the Audi Q6L e-tron.
For the first time, the four-ring logo on the front and rear of the vehicle has a luminous effect, which is full of novelty. A soft projection of light visually connects the logo to the headlights within the grille. Even at night, the Audi Q6L e-tron will deliver a unique Audi glow.
Groundbreaking lighting technology
With the launch of the Audi Q6 e-tron, Audi is not only ushering in a new chapter in e-mobility, but also a new step in lighting technology. With an innovative dynamic digital light signature, the all-electric SUV model ushers in a new era characterized by Audi's unique aesthetic design.
The Audi Q6L e-tron is equipped with a software module embedded in one of five domain controllers, which makes dynamic digital light signatures possible. The second-generation digital OLED taillights have six OLED panels with a total of 360 light-emitting units, which can generate a new image every ten milliseconds through a specific algorithm.
Thanks to the harmonious combination of lighting design and new technologies, the new Audi Q6L e-tron features smarter and smarter lights.
The innovative design of the dynamic digital light signature also establishes Audi's pioneering position in the industry for lighting technology.
The dynamic digital light signature of the headlamp is formed by an algorithm of 12 light units with adjustable brightness. All digital OLED light-emitting units in the taillights are controlled in the same way to achieve dynamic digital light signatures. The individual light segments interact so that the overall image remains constant in terms of luminous intensity.
With the second-generation digital OLED taillights, the Audi Q6L e-tron expands the vehicle's functional and design dimensions while improving driving safety. For the first time, digital OLED taillights enable instant communication between the vehicle and its surroundings.
In addition, Audi has systematically upgraded its safety features. In addition to the existing distance warning function on other Audi models, the Audi Q6L e-tron has a new interactive light function. In addition to the regular taillight pattern, the Audi Q6L e-tron warns other road users of accidents and faults in critical road conditions by displaying a specific static taillight pattern with a warning symbol.
Another safety feature of the Audi Q6L e-tron is that when the user brakes, the LED lights under the rear spoiler on the roof project a large area of the central brake light onto the rear window, alerting the vehicle behind in a more visible way.
The innovative lighting technology debuts on the new Audi Q6L e-tron and sets new standards for personalisation: With a choice of eight digital light signatures for the redesigned digital daytime running lights in the matrix LED headlights and optional second-generation digital OLED taillights, users can personalise their Audi Q6L e-tron like never before. In the corresponding options menu, users can easily and quickly switch between digital light signatures.
More China-specific features: interior, infotainment and driver assistance systems
"Both in terms of exterior design and digital interior, the Audi Q6L e-tron is more local than previous global versions. In terms of interior, the Audi Q6L e-tron will be more suitable for the needs of Chinese users. Audi CEO Gaudno said. In addition to the unique interior design, Audi engineers from the technical research and development departments in Beijing and Germany have integrated a large number of infotainment functions into the car to meet the expectations of Chinese users, highlighting the unique charm of the customized model for the Chinese market. In this way, the Audi Q6L e-tron has become a space for Chinese users to enjoy a personalized and digital driving experience.
To meet the needs of Chinese users, Audi will equip the Q6L e-tron with a highly proven advanced driver assistance system, including a range of driver assistance features such as Advanced Adaptive Driver Assistance and Advanced Parking Assistance*, which are specific to the Chinese market.
Based on a sophisticated sensor system (including LiDAR sensors, radar sensors, cameras and ultrasonic sensors) and V2X technology, the Audi Q6L e-tron will provide owners with more comprehensive assistance functions than ever before in a wider range of driving and parking scenarios. In addition, the Audi Q6L e-tron will be supported by many new features, such as reversing assist, which will bring a new experience to Chinese users in terms of comfort and safety.
The newly developed E3 1.2 electronic architecture is the technical basis for the Audi Q6L e-tron's in-vehicle infotainment system and driver assistance. E3 stands for End-to-End Electronic Architecture. The primary goal of the architecture development was to create a future-proof, standardized framework. The function-oriented architecture is based on a new domain controller concept and consists of five High-Performance Computing Platforms (HCPs) that control all vehicle functions, including infotainment, driving functions, and the ever-evolving autonomous driving assistance system. As Audi's most powerful electronic architecture to date, the E3 has always been developed with customer needs in mind.
A major focus of the development effort was to ensure that domain controllers, control units, sensors, and actuators are securely networked while operating efficiently, allowing more complex systems to be controlled and modular. In addition, E3 1.2 features seamless, high-performance connectivity to the backend for Car-to-X cluster smart applications and compute-intensive off-vehicle functions.
In China, for China: It will be officially put into production in Changchun
The Audi Q6L e-tron and other PPE models will be produced at the new plant of Audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. in Changchun. Not only will this be Audi's first production site in China dedicated to the production of all-electric models, but it will also set new standards in terms of digitalization, efficiency and sustainability. With the Mission:Zero environmental program for its global production network, Audi is committed to achieving its vision of carbon neutrality around its four core action areas of decarbonization, water use, resource efficiency and biodiversity, as is the case at its new plant in Changchun. Audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. uses energy-efficient and sustainable technologies in all areas of production and continuously monitors the efficiency of all production equipment. At the end of 2024, the Audi Q6L e-tron will go into series production, with deliveries to customers starting in 2025.