The first production vehicle based on Audi’s next-generation electric vehicle architecture, the Q6 e-tron SUV, was unveiled on Monday.
According to the Volkswagen-owned luxury vehicle manufacturer, Audi’s new “Premium Platform Electric” offers up new technological possibilities, such as a quick 158-mile EV recharge time of 10 minutes.
Although the growth of EVs has slowed recently, Audi is still offering more all-electric and plug-in hybrid EVs, and this vehicle heralds in the next generation of EVs for the company.
Audi announced that until 2025, it will launch roughly 20 new or drastically altered models and derivatives worldwide, with over half of them being electrified.
The Q6 and SQ6 e-trons will first be launched with two motors and all-wheel drive, but an entry-level variant with a single motor rear-wheel drive will soon be available in the United States. The Q6 and SQ6 have combined outputs of 422 and 483 horsepower, respectively.
A Boost mode can temporarily increase those numbers to 456 and 510 horsepower. According to Audi, the new 94.4-kWh battery should provide the Q6 with the power to accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and enough energy to give it an EPA range estimate of at least 300 miles. The more potent SQ6 is said to reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, though it probably won’t go as far on a charge.
Maximum power for the United States is 510 horsepower, with a top speed of 143 miles per hour and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.
According to an Audi representative, specific pricing and model information for the United States will be announced closer to the midsize SUV’s domestic launch later this year.
Currently available in the US market are Audi’s all-electric Q4 and Q8 SUVs along with a $106,500 GT sedan.
With its muscular exterior design, mesh-style grille, and sleek headlamps, the Q6 e-tron boasts a new yet recognizable Audi look.
The new EV platform has a maximum charging capacity of 270 kilowatt hours and an 800-volt battery architecture.
