Audi’s highly anticipated electric counterpart to the Q5 offers a glimpse of a revolutionary approach to cockpit design.
Although Audi had previously teased the Q6 e-tron prototype in July this year, the company has now revealed the vehicle’s interior for the first time at the ongoing Munich Motor Show. The Q6 e-tron SUV introduces a comprehensive redesign of the German brand’s interior aesthetics, embracing a ‘human-centric’ layout focused on digital functionality and user-friendly design. The incorporation of the new PPE EV platform has enabled a reassessment of the brand’s digital interfaces. Noteworthy features include curved panoramic twin-screens with a distinct passenger screen and an optional augmented reality head-up display.
The interior philosophy of the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV.
The Audi Q6 e-tron, riding on the innovative PPE EV platform, pioneers new packaging options and introduces an advanced electronic architecture. This facilitates a comprehensive reevaluation of Audi’s digital interfaces. The design team at Audi emphasizes their commitment to addressing the practical needs of drivers and passengers, resulting in a freshly designed interior.
According to Marc Lichte, the head of design, “By considering the interior as the focal point of our customers’ lives and experiences, we are challenging the established order and methodically crafting the vehicle from the inside-out.”​
Interior design and features of the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV. Â
The Q6 E-tron features a 14.5-inch curved infotainment display, paired with an 11.9-inch digital cockpit. These screens are situated within a curved wraparound panel on the dashboard, accompanied by an optional augmented reality head-up display. Additionally, front passengers have their own 10.9-inch display integrated into the dashboard, offering functions such as setting navigation routes and selecting music. This display can also be shielded from the driver’s view to reduce distractions.
An LED strip encircling the cabin, boasting a brightness of 1,200cd, serves three key functions: welcoming occupants upon entry, flashing during indicator use, and displaying the state of charge when the car is plugged in.
The digital assistant, now personified by an avatar on the digital display, has the ability to locate nearby chargers and adjust specific functions upon command with a simple “Hey Audi.” Audi asserts that the system can learn from users over time, providing proactive support, such as automatically configuring the climate control.
In other areas, the cockpit and center console feature softwrap materials crafted from sustainable sources. The instrument panel offers customization options in wood or brushed aluminum. Both the driver and passenger enjoy a cupholder, two USB charging ports, and a wireless charging pad.
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Foundations and Powertrain of the Audi Q6 e-tron SUVÂ
As part of the brand’s strategy to introduce over 20 new models by 2025, the Q6 E-tron is built on the newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, a collaborative effort with Porsche, also set to be utilized in the Macan EV. Technical development head Oliver Hoffmann, in an interview with Autocar UK, stated that the Q6 E-tron is anticipated to offer a range of 600km. The PPE platform facilitates a charging rate of up to 270kW, thanks to its 800V technology.
While comprehensive performance details for the Q6 E-tron are pending, the Audi A6 E-tron concept claims 470hp and 800Nm from its dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain. The Macan takes this a step further with 603hp and over 953Nm, featuring new permanently excited electric motors employing a ‘double V’ magnet arrangement. However, this advanced technology might be reserved for Porsche or possibly earmarked for a future ‘RS’ variant of the Q6.
Launch and Production of the Audi Q6 e-tron SUV.Â
Initially slated for a release last year, the Q6 E-tron is set to be unveiled in its production form by the end of this year, with availability in the market starting in early 2024. Following this, a Sportback version of the coupé-SUV will be launched, anticipated to prioritize a stylish and aerodynamic body shape at the expense of some practicality and affordability. This variant is expected to achieve a slight increase in range. Notably, it will be the first electric Audi manufactured at the brand’s historic Ingolstadt factory, known for producing the Audi Q2, Audi A3, Audi A4, and Audi A5.