Audi Q6 E-Tron Tech Deep Dive: Details about the electric Macan's Audi sibling

Last summer, we had a brief chance to drive the new Audi Q6 e-tron in the Faroe Islands. It was a good tease of what to expect, though details and technological developments were somewhat scarce. After attending a deep dive into these aspects in Munich, it's clear this latest EV from Audi is a solid all-electric SUV, though it doesn't really break much new ground. Instead, it increases efficiencies throughout the drivetrain while adding some notable tech improvements.

First and foremost, the Q6 e-tron is the first Audi vehicle to ride on the new PPE platform (for Premium Platform Electric) that is shared with the all-electric Porsche Macan. Unlike some of the previous Audi EVs, it will largely be produced in-house as compared to the Porsche-sourced e-tron GT and VW-sourced Q4 e-tron.

The lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh is usable), though other markets will also get a smaller 83 kWh capacity battery. The physical difference between the two comes down to a 12-module pack and 10 modules for the 83-kWh battery. Those modules are pulled from the center sections of the same pack to maintain a consistent weight distribution. This modularity allows Audi to produce them on the same assembly line, saving money as a result of this flexibility.

Initial models in the U.S. will have two electric motors that power the front and rear axles. A single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant will likely follow the Quattro all-wheel-drive to market — possibly in the first model year. Efficiencies also allow for cost savings as the motors vary in stator length, rather than diameter, and greatly simplify production. A single-gear transmission mated to the rear motor uses a dry-sump oil system, which reduces friction losses. Combined power output is 422 horsepower (456 hp in launch mode), which is potent enough to accelerate the Q6 e-tron Quattro to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, according to Audi. Other markets have a slightly reduced output of 382 hp, so yay America! The SQ6, pictured below, increases output to 483 hp (510 hp in launch mode) and chops acceleration time down to 4.2 seconds.