The First of the Next Generation of Audi Electric Vehicles

If you’ve been paying attention to the world of electric vehicles, you’ll know that there’s a fair amount of drama involved—and Elon Musk is only partially responsible. The crux of the issue: car manufacturing is a largely global pursuit, and various governments around the world are still wrestling with how fast to move toward all-out electrification. As a result, manufacturers are caught between “the push” of these governments and “the pull” of what today’s customer actually wants.

One manufacturer that’s dancing in the middle—and more successfully than most—is Audi. A case in point is the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron, which is one of some 10 battery electric vehicles in the current fleet. The SQ6 e-tron is the more potent version of the Q6 e-tron, although both SUVs share much in the way of hardware and software.

These models are built on the same platform, which was developed with Porsche. This starting point can accommodate both single-motor/front-wheel-drive and dual-motor/all-wheel-drive models. The European-spec versions of the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron, debuted and driven in the north of Spain, featured two electric motors and all-wheel drive.

The platform uses an 800-volt architecture and has a maximum charging capacity of 270 kilowatts. This means that when hooked up to a DC fast-charger, the battery pack can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in an estimated 21 minutes. On a full charge, according to the Audi Canada consumer website, the Q6 e-tron should travel in excess of 480 kilometres, making it competitive with other medium-sized, all-electric SUVs on the market.

On paper, the SQ6 e-tron doesn’t seem like it should be a lot more car—but it is. The throttle response is more immediate, and the level of composure is high. Along the winding, mountainous roads near San Sebastián, the Audi proved a joy to drive. It’s a large vehicle for tight European roads, but it never seemed unwieldy.

Both versions of the vehicle featured an air suspension system, but the SQ6 had more aggressive suspension tuning, larger anti-roll bars, and more direct steering feel. Make no mistake, the SQ6 e-tron is not a sports car, but it did barrel into tight corners like a sports car. In terms of straight-line performance, the SQ6 can roar to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.3 seconds with the launch control system activated. This system sees the all-electric powertrain jump from 483 horsepower to 509 horsepower for that extra burst.

Over and above its acceleration and handling, what perhaps impresses most about the SQ6 e-tron is the passenger cabin. While a number of automakers have been criticized for placing too many controls on touchscreens, Audi has managed to load up on technology without sacrificing user-friendliness. There’s a single piece of glass that incorporates two displays. The 14.5-inch curved centre screen oversees the navigation system, climate control, and other systems. The instrument panel is a 11.9-inch number that houses all the critical information the driver needs. An additional head-up display with augmented reality graphics provides yet another source of guidance. There’s also another separate screen, an added-cost option, which is positioned directly forward of the front-seat passenger. The clarity and vibrancy of the screens and the head-up display are impressive.

With its competitive range, speedy recharging capability, and laudable experience behind the wheel, the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron is a new model that deserves your attention.

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