2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 Sportback e-Tron: Fastback SUV Fans, Rejoice
If you prefer a swoopy fastback roof on your SUV, good news: Audi has added the all-electric Q6 Sportback e-Tron and SQ6 Sportback e-Tron to its Q6 e-Tron model family for the 2025 model year.
Related: 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-Tron Detailed, Up to 307 Miles of Range
Do It for the Aesthetic
The main difference between the standard Q6 and SQ6 e-Tron and the new Sportback models is their roofline, which swaps a bit of headroom and rear cargo space for the fastback look. The Sportback’s roof sits 1.4 inches lower than that of the regular SUV body, so here’s hoping we get the chance to fit our tallest staff member inside to see whether it’s still comfortable for taller drivers and occupants. And most probably won’t fill the rear cargo space to the Sportback’s angled roof for daily use, but should you need a bit more space after all, the Sportbacks can tow up to 4,400 pounds.
We’ll have to wait and see as to whether this more aerodynamic-looking shape helps the Q6’s efficiency figures, as EPA ratings will be released closer to the Sportbacks’ on-sale date. The Q6 Sportback e-Tron is only available with all-wheel drive, so it likely won’t reach the Audi-claimed 321-mile range of the single-motor base Q6 e-Tron. However, Audi expects the Sportbacks to achieve a similar range as the regular Q6 e-Tron and SQ6 e-Tron, which can travel up to 307 miles and 275 miles on one charge, respectively, per the EPA.
A Solid Foundation
Even without the extra vertical space out back, you’ve still got a pretty useful-sounding SUV. Both the regular and Sportback versions of the Q6 and SQ6 are based on parent automaker Volkswagen Group’s new EV-specific platform and are largely the same under that fancy new roofline right down to the motors and battery.
The SQ6 Sportback e-Tron is the more performance-oriented of the two models, with a 143 mph top speed and dual motors good for a combined 509 horsepower at peak output. Meanwhile, the regular Q6 Sportback e-Tron features a 130 mph top speed and a combined maximum of 456 hp from its dual-motor powertrain. As with its efficiency figures, more details about performance will be released closer to when the models go on sale.
The new Q6 Sportback e-Tron’s power delivery is biased toward the rear wheels thanks to tuning and a slightly larger rear motor, all in the name of better handling in the twisties. An adaptive air suspension with controlled damping also adjusts the suspension’s settings for different driving conditions.
Both new models have a 100-kilowatt-hour battery (94.4 kWh of which is usable) and feature an 800-volt electrical system capable of charging at speeds up to 270 kilowatts on a DC fast charger. Audi claims it can go from a 10% state of charge to 80% in only 21 minutes.
Inside the Q6 Sportback e-Tron and SQ6 Sportback e-Tron, you’re greeted with a panoramic display that houses the center 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen alongside an 11.9-inch driver’s instrument panel in one wide display. An available, separate 10.9-inch display peeks out to the side of the infotainment screen for the passenger to use, as well. The driver also gets to use an optional 88-inch-diagonal head-up display with augmented-reality-style navigation instructions that can appear as if they’re up to 200 yards ahead of the vehicle.
The Android-based infotainment system features downloadable apps and recognizes up to 800 different voice commands. A 20-speaker, 830-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system features four speakers in the driver’s head restraint that make it easier than ever for the driver to hear things like phone calls or navigation commands.
If you found the customizable daytime running light patterns on the regular Q6 e-Tron and SQ6 e-Tron charming, good news: They’re available on the Sportbacks, too, with eight different patterns to choose from. As with the standard versions, the Sportbacks feature matrix LED headlights in front and organic light-emitting diode lighting in the rear.
When to Expect It
The 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 Sportback e-Tron will be available after the standard Q6 e-Tron models in spring or summer 2025.
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