Positioned within the North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are like a special world. The mountainous landforms are lined in grasslands the place sheep act as natural garden mowers, and cascading coastal waterfalls and quaint thatched-roof homes make first-timers really feel as if they have been transported right into a Lord of the Rings movie. The model of the 4 rings introduced us right here to drive prototypes of the 2025 Q6 e-tron Quattro and its sportier SQ6 sibling, fashions that promise to take Audi EVs into their very own new world.
Subsequent-Degree EVs
The 2 SUVs are primarily electrical options to the gas-powered Q5 and SQ5. The Q6s have comparable dimensions however shorter entrance and rear overhangs and an extended wheelbase. Extra coupelike Sportback variants can be supplied too. The brand new EVs do extra than simply bridge the hole between the This autumn e-tron and the Q8 e-tron, nevertheless. They’re the primary Audis constructed on the Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) structure. Co-developed with Porsche, PPE may also underpin the Macan EV, and the platform’s arrival begins an vital new section within the Volkswagen Group’s electrical future.
Particularly developed for EV fashions, PPE options an 800-volt structure and makes use of next-generation motors. The battery, with an estimated capability of about 93.0 kWh, has 12 modules filled with 180 prismatic-type lithium-ion cells that present higher power density than pouch-type cells. The height charging charge is 270 kilowatts. Audi estimates that charging from 10 to 80 % will take beneath half-hour; it is also focusing on a 155-mile refill in 10 minutes. The common Q6 e-tron, the longest-range model, must be good for 372 miles of vary on the European WLTP check cycle, or about 315 miles utilizing EPA methodology.
The Q6 and SQ6 e-trons additionally debut new electrical motors which are unrelated to earlier variations. Designed to be modular, extra environment friendly, and quieter, the motors function hairpin windings and direct oil cooling for the rotor and stator, leading to the next energy density whereas decreasing the necessity for rare-earth components. Extra compact and environment friendly than its predecessors, the asynchronous induction entrance motor is claimed to offer better efficiency at much less price. The permanent-magnet synchronous rear motor is new and improved and weighs about 260 kilos. It is also the first drive unit, with the entrance motor taking a extra passive position till responsibility calls or the motive force prompts particular modes.
Driving within the Faroes
Regardless of the Faroes’ sturdy Center-earth vibes, the area has a formidable infrastructure that includes greater than 300 miles of well-maintained roads and a community of undersea tunnels, together with the world’s first underwater roundabout. Throughout two days of driving, our route took us by that landmark and across the southern components of the three largest islands.
Like California’s Pacific Coast Freeway, the roads outlining the Faroe Islands supply breathtaking views. They’re additionally fairly slender, with some sections shrinking to a single lane that compelled oncoming visitors to yield to our convoy, which was cloaked in eye-popping colourful wraps. These traffic-jam-like moments gave us the chance to tinker with the Q6s’ regenerative braking system, which lastly presents one-pedal driving (two much less forceful regenerative settings could be toggled with the steering-wheel paddles). Audi EVs beforehand lacked one-pedal functionality, as a result of the automaker believed most drivers could not use it easily. Evidently, Audi now has extra confidence in us (or its system’s tuning).
The twin-motor all-wheel-drive Q6 e-tron we drove has 375 horsepower, whereas the SQ6 presents 482 ponies; a Enhance mode quickly bumps peak output to 395 and 509 horses, respectively. Torque figures usually are not but obtainable. With the islands’ pace limits capped at 50 mph, we had few alternatives to discover increased speeds, however in our fingers, the higher-performance SQ6 undoubtedly has higher physique management and extra spirited acceleration than the common Q6. Audi estimates the Q6 will scoot to 62 mph in lower than six seconds, with the SQ6 needing beneath 4.5 ticks.
With the Q6 and SQ6 e-trons nonetheless of their pre-production stage, Audi requested us to not focus on the inside design, however we are able to report that the within is sort of a rolling sarcophagus—as in extraordinarily quiet. Certain, some wind noise is audible, however street noise is sort of nonexistent. Switching to Dynamic mode breaks the silence with artificial sounds that develop louder with stronger accelerator inputs. The synthetic noise could be shut off for many who are irritated by that kind of factor.
We do not suppose anybody will complain about both Q6’s journey high quality, although, as a result of each are persistently calm and managed. The prototypes have an air-spring suspension and 21-inch wheels with higher-profile sidewalls. In fact, we’ll reserve ultimate judgment for after we can drive the manufacturing variations on the not-so-smooth roads again house. The steering has variable effort, however we would prefer it to be extra communicative, particularly on the SQ6.
Mild Present
Manufacturing on the Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, possible as 2025 fashions, will not begin till subsequent 12 months. After they attain the streets, they’re going to introduce Audi’s newest lighting know-how. The split-headlight design contains customizable daytime operating lights, and the second-generation OLED taillights have animations warning following drivers of oncoming hazards. Audi says it plans to advertise adoption of this tech by different automakers within the coming years to assist enhance security by vehicle-to-everything communication.
Sadly, any U.S.-bound mannequin will supply mild animations solely whereas the automobile is stopped, per present federal laws. The Q6 and SQ6 e-tron nonetheless supply a alternative of a number of lighting signatures selectable by the infotainment system or Audi’s telephone app. Further designs for daytime operating lights and stationary lighting animations are optionally available and price further. Together with computerized high-beams and the Matrix lighting bundle, they are often manufacturing facility geared up or bought on demand afterward.
The gas-powered Q5 line is presently Audi’s bestseller, that means the brand new Q6 and SQ6 e-trons are poised to introduce the PPE platform to the lots. With all new Audis launched after 2025 set to be EVs, Audi is getting into an entire completely different world.
Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s car habit started earlier than he might stroll, and it has fueled his ardour to write down information, evaluations, and extra for Automobile and Driver since 2016. His aspiration rising up was to change into a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like automobile assortment. Apparently, getting wealthy is tougher than social-media influencers make it appear, so he averted monetary success fully to change into an automotive journalist and drive new vehicles for a dwelling. After incomes a journalism diploma at Central Michigan College and dealing at a day by day newspaper, the years of principally burning cash on failed venture vehicles and lemon-flavored jalopies lastly paid off when Automobile and Driver employed him. His storage presently features a 2010 Acura RDX, a guide ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
