What is it?

Audi is quickly moving its electric range of vehicles up a gear. Things, of course, kicked off with the original e-tron and since then we’ve seen the arrival of the Q4 e-tron, but not a whole lot else. That all changes with this - the Q6 e-tron - which is a car set to start a significant increase in the number of battery-powered Audi models available.

It’s a new EV which is brimmed with the very latest technology that Audi has to offer and we’ve been driving it - so let’s see what the Q6 e-tron has to offer.

What’s new?

The Q6 e-tron is one of the first Audi models to be underpinned by a brand-new platform. Called Premium Platform Electric - or PPE, for short - it’s a new setup which brings increased range and, because it’s a flexible platform, will be used underneath a variety of different-sized models. For example, you’ll be able to find it being used on the upcoming A6 e-tron and A6 e-tron Avant, as well as the new electric Porsche Macan.

Another benefit of this platform is increased spaciousness within the confines of reasonably compact dimensions. It’s how the Q6 e-tron is able to feature a completely flat floor in the back, as well as boot space which is on par with that of the petrol-powered Q5.

What’s under the bonnet?

You’ll be able to get the Q6 e-tron in many different battery and motor flavours, including more range-focused single-motor setups. The one we’re looking at here is the all-wheel-drive quattro model, which uses two electric motors to deliver extra performance. A range-topping SQ6 e-tron is also available for those who want a little more punch, too.

In terms of range, Audi claims 388 miles from a single charge in this version, while a charging rate of up to 270kW could see a 10 to 80 per cent top-up finished in around 21 minutes if you find a suitably rapid charger. Audi has also confirmed that a smaller-battery version - which uses an 83kWh pack over the 94.9kWh one you’lll find in this car - will be available soon, albeit only in single-motor form.

What’s it like to drive?

The Q6 e-tron delivers the kind of comfortable, refined and premium-feeling driving experience that you’d expect from any SUV at this kind of level. With its electric motors, the Q6 e-tron is a quiet and assured way to make progress and while this quattro version will do 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds, it doesn’t feel like the kind of car you want to hurry. Instead, you lean on the quietness to simply saunter along at decent speeds.

Our test car came on air suspension which helped with ride quality and while the weighty steering does suggest some level of sportiness, this is a car which feels happiest when driven at a more moderate pace - though it still has great levels of balance and agility should you want to go a little quicker.

How does it look?

The Q6 e-tron has all of those tell-tale Audi styling hallmarks from its large grille - which is now used to hide much of the car’s forward safety equipment - to the prominent four-ring logos. It is, in truth, similar in appearance to the smaller Q4 e-tron, so there’s some family lineage to be seen there.

We’re big fans of the intricate LED headlights, too, which can be configured to show a variety of different patterns depending on what the driver fancies. Around the back, there are similarly eye-catching light designs while the clever flashes along the flanks help to break up the side body panels nicely.

What’s it like inside

The interior of the Q6 e-tron is dominated by technology. In fact, you’re able to have as many as three screens up front in the cabin, made up of a driver’s display, a main infotainment display and a passenger monitor - the third of which is optional, but provides the ability for whoever is in the passenger’s seat to control aspects such as the navigation or media functions. It’s a little overwhelming to begin with, but good responsiveness and decent shortcut menus mean you settle into it all quite quickly.

Space is good, too, with excellent levels of head- and legroom in the rear making this a very usable electric SUV.

What’s the spec like?

What is good about the Q6 e-tron’s specifications is that regardless of the variant you choose, you’re getting that impressive technology level included as standard. Prices for the Q6 start from £63,475 and rise to £68,975 for the quattro version before topping out at a punchy £92,950 for tip-top SQ6 versions. Remember, too, that the entry price will be lowered by the arrival of the smaller battery version, which should dip the Q6’s price to just below £60,000.

It puts the Q6 e-tron in a very strong position. Its pricing undercuts many key rivals, yet it delivers well in terms of spaciousness and technology, too.

Verdict

The Q6 e-tron feels like a model to make waves in the SUV segment. It has plenty of range, a well-made interior and lots of equipment to keep even the most avid of button-pressers happy. On top of this, you’ve got speedy charging and plenty of space that can really help to make this an easier car to live with on a day-to-day basis.

Factor in its competitive pricing and you’re left with a car which truly is one to beat.