Audi has taken a new approach to their e-tron electrification of new SUVs that starts with the new Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, along with the Sportback version that I get to review this week. While my previous run-in with the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron seemed to be missing the thrill I expect out of a luxury EV, the SQ6 e-tron seems to have addressed such with some new forward-thinking elements that elevate the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron.
The endearment of luxury SUVs that are electrified has been somewhat of a difficult quest for some, but Audi seems to have found a good place with the release of the new SQ6 e-tron. It feels more engaging and complete than what I experienced in the Q4 Sportback e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron last year. Performance is serious with as much as 509 horsepower from its dual motor and quattro all-wheel-drive setup. Audi, surprisingly, doesn’t list the combined torque figure, but we imagine it’s over 500 lb-ft, which helps the just-over 5,400-pound crossover get up to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds.
Overall, performance from the SQ6 Sportback e-tron is what I expect out of a sporty-ish luxury SUV instead of what felt like leftovers in the larger Q8 Sportback e-tron experience. The SQ6 Sportback e-tron feels surefooted, and its quick and sensitive steering rack that’s nicely weighted gives the impression of a decently handling vehicle, which is partly true until you really start to push that hard around bends. Audi did justice here in giving the SQ6 Sportback e-tron a mature driving character that’s also smooth when it needs to be and adaptive to virtually rise or lower to the occasion, thanks to its adaptive air suspension that automatically lowers the vehicle at highway speeds.
I do enjoy the option of changing the braking regen rate as well, which normally starts off by default without any regen, as the vehicle will just coast when you let off the throttle. Otherwise, there are two braking regen settings that can be selected through the steering wheel paddles, with the second, more aggressive setting being the one that will turn the brake lights on upon letting off the throttle, while it mostly acts as a one-pedal driving experience, but technically it is not when compared to other dedicated one-pedal driving modes in electric vehicles. There is an auto setting for regen that utilizes the front radar to slow add in extra regen upon closing in on a vehicle.
The range of the SQ6 Sportback e-tron, at around 270 miles with a full charge, seems to vary greatly in my test. That’s not a bad thing, considering I may have mustered out nearly 280 miles on a single charge by the range leftover estimate, just puttering around town on back roads. Then again, on the highway, things seemed to count down a bit faster with the range estimate potentially ending up just below 270 miles in total. EPA estimates are 97 MPGe city, 85 MPGe highway, and 91 MPGe combined.
The 94-kWh battery pack utilizing 800-volt architecture is a benefit to allow DC fast charging from 10 percent state of charge up to 80 percent in just 21 minutes – if you find such a station pumping out that much power. One of the few party tricks of the Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron is that it has two charging ports – one on either side. However, only the driver’s side port is capable of doing DC fast charging. Still, the convenience of the dual port helps at home for parking situations to charge up the vehicle from either side using your standard J1772. I only wish the charging doors were not powered, as they are very slow to open and close.
The cabin of the Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron is a nice space with the traditional feel of what you expect out of an Audi. As such, the tactile button press feeling remains, as you get it mostly from onscreen button presses, and a new control panel on the door trim for your characterized dazzling LED exterior lighting elements and headlights, mirror controls, driver’s seat memory, and door locks. Then, you still have your traditional power window switched further back from that panel.
The updated dashboard features a new 14.5-inch touchscreen that has a learning curve that may take a while for some to become accustomed to, but it proves to have a wide range of features and controls for the vehicle, combining quite a lot into that one screen. The 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster is touted as a virtual cockpit, but departs slightly from what you remember in modern Audi vehicles, as the cluster no longer supports a full or even a portion view of a navigation map. Instead, the cluster has only a few preset screen views, which feels like a step backwards considering Audi helped pave the way for having a live navigation map in the cluster. There’s also an optional 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen allowing the front passenger to access vehicle functions and entertainment features. In all, the interior could use just a hair more polishing to live up to the luxury theme, as there are many competitors that have a more luxurious experience.
Seating areas are good with a decent amount of space and power adjustability. The front heated and massaging seats prove to be comfy yet supportive with the added benefit of headrest speakers that add a 3D sound effect or primarily feed navigation and smartphone integrated voices to your ears. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the package and seemed to work well pairing up to my iPhone, along with the wireless charging pad slotted just in front of the quirky gear shifter rocker.
Cargo area appears to be large at first glance, but then you realize the Sportback aspect of the vehicle cuts down on placement of tall objects in the back, leaving you with 26.1 cubic feet of storage compared to the normal Q6 or SQ6 e-tron’s area, which has at least 30 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats.
Safety remains an important aspect for Audi, just like most manufacturers these days. You get all of the expected active safety features, including lane keep assist/warning, blind spot monitors, rear cross-path detection, a 360-degree camera system, and a rather overly sensitive forward collision warning. I do really like the large color head-up display that has augmented reality to overlay 3D-ish arrows to point you to the proper exit upon using the navigation system. Additionally, the 3D effects expand to display speed limit sights flying into view as you approach the next speed limit sight. It’s all a nice touch that isn’t surprising to see from Audi.
The price of new electric vehicles remains to be a sore spot for many, but considering how good and likable the new Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron is, its as-tested price at $85,395 may not bother its target audience. The only issue I have with the pricing is the Sportback version having a slightly higher price over the normal SQ6 e-tron SUV, which is essentially the same vehicle but with the Sportback having the coupe-like sloping rear roof line, all for a $2,700 premium.
Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice in the automotive media world for over two decades. With 20+ years of hands-on experience covering the industry, Malcolm has built a reputation for delivering honest reviews, sharp insights, and in-depth coverage of everything from new car debuts to high-performance test drives. Passionate about the evolving car culture and staying ahead of the curve, Malcolm continues to lead Automotive Addicts as a go-to destination for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
