Yahoo Autos 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron Prototype Drive Previews a New EV Era
Located in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are like a different world. The mountainous landforms are covered in grasslands where sheep act as organic lawn mowers, and cascading coastal waterfalls and quaint thatched-roof houses make first-timers feel as if they've been transported into a Lord of the Rings film. The brand of the four rings brought us here to drive prototypes of the 2025 Q6 e-tron Quattro and its sportier SQ6 sibling, models that promise to take Audi EVs into their own new world.
Next-Level EVs
The two SUVs are essentially electric alternatives to the gas-powered Q5 and SQ5. The Q6s have similar dimensions but shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase. More coupelike Sportback variants will be offered too. The new EVs do more than just bridge the gap between the Q4 e-tron and the Q8 e-tron, however. They're the first Audis built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. Co-developed with Porsche, PPE will also underpin the Macan EV, and the platform's arrival starts an important new phase in the Volkswagen Group's electric future.
Specifically developed for EV models, PPE features an 800-volt architecture and uses next-generation motors. The battery, with an estimated capacity of about 93.0 kWh, has 12 modules packed with 180 prismatic-type lithium-ion cells that provide better energy density than pouch-type cells. The peak charging rate is 270 kilowatts. Audi estimates that charging from 10 to 80 percent will take under 30 minutes; it's also targeting a 155-mile refill in 10 minutes. The regular Q6 e-tron, the longest-range version, should be good for 372 miles of range on the European WLTP test cycle, or about 315 miles using EPA methodology.
The Q6 and SQ6 e-trons also debut new electric motors that are unrelated to previous versions. Designed to be modular, more efficient, and quieter, the motors feature hairpin windings and direct oil cooling for the rotor and stator, resulting in a higher power density while reducing the need for rare-earth elements. More compact and efficient than its predecessors, the asynchronous induction front motor is said to provide greater performance at less cost. The permanent-magnet synchronous rear motor is new and improved and weighs about 260 pounds. It's also the primary drive unit, with the front motor taking a more passive role until duty calls or the driver activates specific modes.
Driving in the Faroes
Despite the Faroes' strong Middle-earth vibes, the region has an impressive infrastructure featuring more than 300 miles of well-maintained roads and a network of undersea tunnels, including the world's first underwater roundabout. During two days of driving, our route took us through that landmark and around the southern parts of the three largest islands.
Like California's Pacific Coast Highway, the roads outlining the Faroe Islands offer breathtaking views. They're also quite narrow, with some sections shrinking to a single lane that forced oncoming traffic to yield to our convoy, which was cloaked in eye-popping colorful wraps. These traffic-jam-like moments gave us the opportunity to tinker with the Q6s' regenerative braking system, which finally offers one-pedal driving (two less forceful regenerative settings can be toggled with the steering-wheel paddles). Audi EVs previously lacked one-pedal capability, because the automaker believed most drivers couldn't use it smoothly. Evidently, Audi now has more confidence in us (or its system's tuning).
