All-New 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro Review

If you want to be at the forefront of innovative technology and German engineering at its finest, this is how you do it. Introducing the all-new 2026 Q6 e-tron - an SUV that ushers in a new era of Audi electrification.  It's also the first of 20 new Audis due out by the end of 2026- half of them electric.  So clearly, Audi has been busy!

The 2025 Q6 is built on Audi's new Premium Platform Electric - or PPE - that will underpin its second-generation EVs.  It features 800-volt architecture which allows for faster charging, along with new motors that are smaller and lighter which enhances performance, driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, range and charging. Like I said, Audi's been busy.

My test vehicle is the top range Prestige Quattro - which means it's loaded with goodies, plus it has a warm weather package and optional wheels.

Exterior

SUVs just do not getting any better looking that this. The new Q6 e-tron with its signature Audi styling is a beauty to behold especially in Plasma Blue Metallic.

Personally, I love it's shape and Quattro-inspired wheel arches. An inverted single frame grille features a new 2D Audi logo and the optional 20-inch wheels are definitely worth the $1000. 

By far the coolest thing about the exterior is its advanced lighting tech. Audi calls it the world's first active digital light signature. It's a customizable lighting signature for both the daytime running lights (where there are 61 individual segments per side) and taillights, which have Audi's latest OLED tech.   There are over a dozen signatures to choose from in the Prestige model.

The 2025 Q6 e-tron is also the first Audi to sport a quad headlight design. The DRLs on top, with separate LED headlights underneath.  Other cool lighting features include exterior puddle lights.

Powertrain

The Q6 e-tron Quattro has a 100 kwh battery and two electric motors - one in front and one in the rear- a powertrain that delivers 422 horsepower that feels great - you can get up to 456 hp with launch control.

Range is 307 mile range when equipped with the standard 19-inch tires. I don't have the exact figure for this 20-inch equipped model. (The RWD variant nets 321 miles.)

Interior  

If a driver-centric cabin and immersive technology is your thing - you'll be right at home in the new Q6 e-tron cabin.  

Behold, the Digital Stage. I'm talking a huge, free-standing curved panoramic dual screen display that's the best I've ever seen.  It's comprised of a 11.9-inch OLED virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch center touch OLED display. Screen and graphics quality cannot be understated. The top view camera system is also excellent.

There's even a first-ever passenger screen, not viewable by the driver. I'll share more on the Audi's MMI system later.

In another Audi first, a new dynamic interaction light spans the full width of the lower windshield and extends into the A-pillar areas of the front dashboard. It's made up of 84 LED elements and changes colors to communicate key vehicle functions, one of those is green for when you are charging.

Audi's luxurious yet understated elegance is also masterfully executed in this next-gen SUV that features brown sweetgum natural wood inlays, an abundance of soft-touch surfaces along with some glossy piano black.  

My test vehicle's two-tone Pearl Beige Interior features power front sport seats with thigh extenders. They're both heated and ventilated. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is heated, too. 

A slim center glossy black console is where you find a wireless charger, 2 USB C ports, the shift-by-wire gear shift and other functions like drive select.

A panoramic sunroof lights up the cabin in the day. It's quite a different light show at night, thanks to an interior Lighting plus package. It provides ambient lighting both above and under the dash along with the door panels.

Forgive me if I haven't said so yet - but the two-row Q6 e-tron is roomy with space for five.  There's plenty of leg and head-room for both rows.  Prestige second-row passengers enjoy their own digital climate controls, a drop-down center armrest with a pass-through, heated seats, and manual rear sunshades are optional with a warm weather package. 

Cargo area is spacious and includes under storage.  A lever releases the 2nd row seats. There is also extra cargo space in the 'frunk', where an engine would typically be.   

Out of This World Technology  

The 2025 Q6 e-tron debuts Audi's new Android-based MMI system - not to be confused with Android Auto for your smartphone. It's an advanced tech system that's quick and responsive.  (Though I do wish you could change the A/C speed through the home screen. )

Since there are very few physical knobs in here,  you'll operate most vehicle functions through the easy to access touchscreen.  However, there's a volume button on the center console to crank up the incredible 20-speaker B&O 3D audio system that includes four in the front-seat headrests. 

Graphics are absolutely next level on Audi's Digital Stage. The navigation map is FANTASTIC and passengers can get it on their screen too along with things like YouTube. By the way,  it has a unique digital curtain function that can block the view from the driver.

The new multimedia system also introduces new self-learning voice-activated system called Audi Assistant. It controls 800 functions, can understand more than 100 voice commands and understands 23 difference languages.

Audi's next generation AR Head-Up Display is also fantastic and featuring a wider field of view.  A new-to-me feature is a dual speed limit indicator - which shows you the speed limit and how fast your are going side by side.  

Advanced recuperation system

The Q6 e-tron's regenerative braking system - a crucial facet of an EV - has five modes,  one of those being true one-pedal driving, a feature you'll fall in love with once you try it once, trust me. It did take me a minute to find it in the MMI.

There are also three deceleration modes you can control manually through the paddle shifters. They can be set for strong, medium, or coasting deceleration. An Auto deceleration mode uses a forward-facing camera to decide which one is best for the situation.

Ride and Drive  

The Q6 delivers exceptional driving dynamics. Handling is superb, steering engaging, especially in Dynamic mode which amps up the throttle response.

While acceleration is terrific, the off-the-line acceleration isn't as quick as some other EVs out there, due to its over 5,000-pound weight. Adaptive variable suspension keeps the ride smooth and utterly comfortable. Acoustic front door glass keeps things quiet in the cabin.   

Charging 

Several things lead to faster charging in the new-generation of Audi EVS.  One is the battery. Audi says it's made up of fewer module components,  so it's more compact and weighs less, which improves charging performance.  Another key element is a predictive thermal management that adjusts the batteries temperature for faster DC charging.   Of course,  the PPE's new 800-volt architecture also plays a big role in things.   All this said, we're talking an Audi cited 10%-80% charge in as little as 21 minutes using DC Fast Charging.

Audi also gets my two thumbs up for the dual charging ports. You can use AC charging on either side - and DC Fast Charging on the driver's side. 

As of this week,  Audi Q6 e-tron owners now receive a free year of DC Fast Charging from Electrify America.

Safety

The new Q6 e-tron also introduces a new suite of driver assistance features that includes Adaptive cruise control, Lane change warning, Exit warning, Collision avoidance assist, Emergency brake assist, Traffic sign recognition, swerve assist and front turn assist, and a distraction and drowsiness warning system. Also new: Rear Turn Assist and Rear Occupant Detection.

Adaptive Cruise Assist is also new to the Q6 e-tron and part of the Prestige package - and it is excellent.

It's an outstanding suite of safety features - with exceptional driver display graphics -  but I wish I could activate the features directly from the steering wheel as opposed to the steering wheel stalk. Just a preference thing.   

Options and What You'll Pay 

This vehicle is equipped with the Prestige Package ($6800), Warm weather package ($1300), 20-inch wheel package ($1,000) which brings the MSRP to just shy of $77,000.

Verdict 

The all-new 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Quattro is most certainly a triumph for the brand -- marking an exciting new era of electrification and innovation.  This is an all-electric SUV that's a true pleasure to drive with excellent driving dynamics, out of this world technology and everything I love about Audi style and design.

• What I Liked Most:  Exterior looks, all of the innovative technology inside and out, and the driving dynamics.
• What I would change:  Add a massage feature.
• MSRP:  Base: $65,800. As equipped: $76,790
• Official Color:   Plasma Blue Metallic. ($595) 
  
• Fuel Economy:  105 mpge city/93 mpge highway/99 mpge combined  (figures based on 19 inch tires.)
• Odometer reading when tested:   1,331 miles.
  
• Curb Weight:  5,269 pounds.
• Spare tire:   All-season run-flat tires.
• Length-Width-Height: 187.8" length/86.3” wide w/mirrors/66.6” high.
• Fuel Tank Capacity:  N/A.
• Towing Capacity:  4,400 pounds.   
• 2025 Audi Q6 e-Tron in a few words:  Audi innovation at its best!
• Warranty:   4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, 8-year/100,000-miles High Voltage Battery Coverage; 12-year limited warranty against Corrosion Perforation; 4-year Roadside Assistance provided by a third-party supplier.
• Final Assembly Location:  Ingolstadt, Germany.
• Manufacturer's website:  Audi

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