It’s the pricier, less practical, but more stylish sibling of the Q6 e-tron
Is it even a modern SUV if it doesn’t have a more stylish, coupe-like sibling? The new Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron officially goes on sale this month, having been revealed for the first time last year. Although it shares much with the normal Q6 e-tron, the Sportback version boasts more distinctive rear styling and a higher base price. It’s also joined by the powerful SQ6 Sportback e-tron, and considering that the normal Q6 e-tron is one of Audi’s best-selling electric models right now, the arrival of the Sportback version is big news.
Standard Quattro But Same Trim Structure
Audi
Audi
Audi
Like the standard Q6 e-tron, the Q6 Sportback e-tron is available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels, each adding more features than the previous model. Notably, the Sportback gets standard dual motors and quattro AWD, whereas the Q6 e-tron comes standard with RWD and a single motor.
Pricing for the new Q6 Sportback e-tron is as follows:
- Premium: $69,600
- Premium Plus: $73,400
- Prestige: $75,400
By comparison, the base Q6 e-tron Premium starts at $63,800, a full $5,800 less than its Sportback sibling. Even after adding the dual motors and AWD to the non-Sportback model, it’s still $3,800 cheaper than its Sportback sibling.
The single-motor Q6 e-tron produces 322 horsepower and has a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, whereas the dual-motor powertrain (standard on the Sportback) makes 456 hp and drops the 0-60 time down to 4.9 seconds. That’s quite a difference, so we’d be inclined to upgrade to the dual-motor variant on the Q6 e-tron.
The total range on a full charge is barely affected by whether or not you go for RWD (up to 321 miles) or AWD (up to 319 miles).
Sportback Is Generously Equipped
Audi
Audi
Audi
Even the base Q6 Sportback e-tron comes with features like 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and the sportier S line exterior. Upgrading to the Premium Plus adds an augmented reality head-up display, a top-view camera system, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a heated steering wheel. Finally, the range-topping Prestige gets an adaptive air suspension, acoustic front door glass, a 10.9-inch passenger-side display, and more advanced daytime running lights.
The Sportback model is still decently practical, although it loses 1.4 inches of rear headroom due to that sloping roofline. Trunk space behind the second row is 26.1 cubic feet, down from 30.2 cubes in the non-Sportback Q6 e-tron.
High-Performance SQ6 Sportback e-tron
Audi
Audi
Audi
Power-hungry buyers will prefer the SQ6 Sportback e-tron, which combines the sportiest looks with a dual-motor powertrain that produces up to 509 hp. With standard AWD, it flies to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, but the range does drop to 283 miles.
This variant is a pricey prospect, as shown below:
- Premium: $76,300
- Premium Plus: $79,700
- Prestige: $81,700
Standard 20-inch alloys, massaging front seats, and carbon micro-twill inlays in the cabin elevate this model above the normal Q6 Sportback e-tron, though. You may notice that these prices overlap with the Q8 e-tron, although 2024 was the latter’s last model year, and the Q8 e-tron was starting to show its age.
These new Q6 and SQ6 Sportback e-trons are now the electric Audi SUVs to have. They can now be configured on Audi’s USA website, and sales begin this month.
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About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog