The Audi Q6 e-tron series is the first production model on a high-end electric platform (PPE) and marks the next step in the company's transformation into a premium electric vehicle provider. At the 2024 Beijing Motor Show, the four-ring brand unveiled a model tailored specifically for the Chinese market – the Audi Q6L e-tron. The series version will make its public debut in the fourth quarter of 2024. Like other PPE models in the Chinese market, the Audi Q6L e-tron will be produced locally at its new plant in Changchun. The first deliveries will take place in 2025.
The Audi Q6L e-tron is characterized by impressive driving and charging performance, superior efficiency, and a greater range than models worldwide. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 105 mm, and a larger battery can also be installed. With it, the CLTC will have a range of more than 700 km (435 miles). The letter "L" in the name stands for a long wheelbase, which is also a sign of excellent long-distance capability.
For decades, Audi has been creating the "L" model with an extended wheelbase for the Chinese market. The A6L and A4L are the most well-known high-capacity versions, alongside the Q5L, A8L, and A8L Horch. Now, Audi is adding the L model to the Q6 e-tron range, offering more space, comfort and everyday usability. Together with the all-new interior design concept, the Q6L e-tron is creating a very unique and spacious space for passengers on the market.
The Audi Q6L e-tron embodies Audi's unique SUV design and continues to further develop the e-tron-specific design language. The difference between the Audi Q6L e-tron and the global version was obvious from the start. On top of that, the redesigned front end and the evolution of the Audi brand image set its own accent for the Chinese-specific version. To highlight the avant-garde and unique exterior design of the Q6L e-tron, the Chinese version will be available in exclusive colours. The lilac ash displayed on the exterior models at the Beijing Auto Show is one of them.
The elongated wheelbase and the correspondingly elongated, wide roofline make the side lines particularly elegant and perfectly proportioned. Pioneering technologies, especially in lighting installations, have opened a new chapter in the four-ring electric vehicle and will continue to make "Vorsprung durch Technik" an everyday experience in China.
Innovative lighting technology
With the Q6 e-tron series, Audi is opening a new chapter in e-mobility and lighting technology. With the active digital light logo, this electric SUV is ushering in a new era, featuring a unique design and aesthetic that is unique to Audi.
This form of light signature is made possible by a software module in one of the five field computers of the Audi Q6L e-tron. In the case of the second-generation digital OLED taillights, six 360-segment OLED panels use a specially developed algorithm to generate a new image every ten milliseconds.
Thanks to the perfect combination of lighting design and cutting-edge technology, the lighting of the new Audi Q6L e-tron is more lively and intelligent than ever.
Active digital light signatures confirm Audi's position as a pioneer in the lighting technology industry.
Range and charging performance
Powerful, compact and efficient electric motors, as well as a newly developed lithium-ion battery, consisting of 12 modules and 192 prismatic batteries, with a total capacity of 107 kWh (an increase of 7 kWh compared to the upcoming model in 2019) The Q6 e-tron quattro 1 and SQ6 e-tron ensure a range of more than 700 km, according to CLTC.
Thanks to 800-volt technology and a standard maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW, the Audi Q6L e-tron can be charged for short periods of time. In the appropriate charging station (high-power charging, HPC), it can be charged in just 10 minutes for a range of up to 260 km. The state of charge (SoC) will increase from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.
Intelligent thermal management makes an important contribution to the high charging performance and long service life of the Q6L e-tron high-voltage battery.
The Q6L e-tron will be available in a rear-wheel drive version with a system power output of 255 kW and a quattro all-wheel drive version with 345 kW. The rear-wheel drive version offers significant efficiency and range, and the quattro version offers excellent traction and driving dynamics.
Elegance and Evolution: Looks
The Audi Q6L e-tron is targeted at the premium midsize segment. With a length of 4,884 mm, a width of 1,965 mm, and a height of 1,687 mm, the SUV offers maximum space, comfort, and suitability for everyday use. The wheelbase of 2,995 mm provides plenty of legroom for the rear seats in business class.
Thanks to the premium electric platform, the Audi Q6 e-tron model range is perfectly proportioned. The L version surpasses the exterior of other models with its extraordinary elegance with its long wheelbase and elongated roofline. Combined with this elegance, its striking SUV exterior ensures an unrivalled sporty look. The organically shaped surface is made up of precise lines of the body that create a unique interplay between light and shadow even when at rest.
The greenhouse is flat and taut on a strong body. It tapers back and the gently sloping D-pillar fits elegantly into the uniquely shaped shoulders. The opening of the D-pillar to the roof gives the vehicle a more dynamic look and makes the cab look like a lingering one. A striking line from the taillights to the rear doors emphasizes the top half of the "quattro blister" – the silhouette of the body on which the cab seems to stop. This sculptural touch to the wheels is a core element of Audi's design DNA. Audi calls this central design principle "Making Technology Visible". The sporty rear combines sporty elegance with a sense of power. With its continuous light strip, this rear architecture gives the Q6L e-tron the clarity and authority typical of Audi.
The 21-inch wheels are aerodynamically optimized to visually reverse the classic surface distribution of elongated spokes and flat air intakes. Here, the compact opening only slightly spoils the flat design of the wheels, since disc brakes are rarely used and therefore require very little cooling air.
The handles, which are integrated almost flush with the door surface, are also completely new – a first for Audi. The proximity sensor on the underside of the handle unlocks when needed – the door opens easily without any effort and can be opened with a manual rotation.
The upright front face is an evolution of the front face of the e-tron brand. As typical of the electric Audi, the central area of the Q6L e-tron features an aerodynamically optimised closed and integrated design. For the first time, the brand has developed a new front design for the Chinese market: Audi designers have incorporated a central element into a wider dashboard, both in gloss black. This turns the front into a distinctly horizontal sculpture that extends all the way to the sides, giving the SUV a flatter and road-facing look. The wide side air intakes emphasise the sporty look, while the flat proportions of the split light clusters give the Q6L e-tron a determined expression.
For the first time, the new four-ring logo is featured on the front and back. The soft projection lights visually connect them with the headlights in the grille. The Q6L e-tron's nighttime design is also clearly recognizable in the Audi style.
In China, it is produced in Changchun, China
Models for the Chinese market, including the Audi Q6L e-tron based on the PPE platform, will be produced at the new plant in Changchun. The production site and headquarters of Audi FAW New Energy Automotive is not only the first Audi plant in China dedicated to the production of all-electric vehicles, but also sets new standards in terms of digitalization, efficiency and sustainability. Through its global environmental program "Mission: Zero", Audi is committed to decarbonization, responsible water use, resource efficiency and biodiversity – also at this new plant.
This means that AUDI FAW New Energy uses energy-efficient and sustainable technologies in all areas of production. The company also continuously monitors the efficiency of all equipment.
The Q6L e-tron will begin local production by the end of 2024 and customer deliveries will begin in 2025. From 2025 onwards, more production models will be available in the Audi A6 e-tron version.