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Audi expands Q6 Sportback e-tron range

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Authors: murrellp@bigpond.com

AUDI CONTINUES TO EXPAND ITS range, the latest addition being the new Q6 Sportback e-tron, with three new variants added to the mix. Following the successful launch of the Q6 e-tron SUV body style earlier this year, this latest addition to the brand’s all-electric portfolio introduces a dynamic new silhouette alongside powerful drivetrain options, innovative lighting technology, and a host of advanced assistance and digital features.

Arriving in showrooms imminently, the Q6 Sportback e-tron range expands Audi’s next-generation PPE platform offering with three well-equipped models: a rear-wheel-drive Q6 Sportback, an all-wheel-drive Q6 Sportback quattro, and the performance-focused SQ6 Sportback. With pricing starting from $99,900 (plus on road costs), the new Sportback body style introduces a sportier, more aerodynamic shape to the Q6 range while retaining the practicality, driving range and premium appointments expected of Audi’s flagship electric SUV.

The Audi Q6 Sportback and SQ6 Sportback combines SUV versatility with coupé elegance. Thanks to the aerodynamic body design of the Sportback, the aerodynamic efficiency (cd value of 0.26) enables the Q6 Sportback e-tron to achieve a range of up to 585km (WLTP), the longest in the Q6 e-tron lineup in Australia. Further, an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture and sophisticated thermal management system allows the Audi Q6 Sportback to deliver exceptional charging performance across all variants. Under ideal conditions, the high-voltage battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 21 minutes, regardless of battery size and drive configuration. At a maximum charging power of up to 270kW, a quick 10-minute stop at a fast-charging station can add up to 265km of range, making the Q6 and SQ6 Sportback a highly efficient and practical choice for everyday driving and longer road trips.

“The extraordinary Audi Q6 e-tron becomes even sportier with the arrival of the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron range,” stated Audi Australia Q6 Product Manager, Peter Strudwicke. 

“Featuring all the cutting-edge technology of the Q6 in a lower, sleeker package, the Q6 Sportback is destined to become another Audi success story. With three distinct drivetrain options available — from the value-packed rear-wheel drive variant to the high-performance SQ6 — this model expands our electric portfolio while meeting the evolving expectations of Australian customers seeking premium SUVs.”

Audi Q6 Sportback: Rear-wheel-drive accessibility meets everyday luxury

The entry point into the Q6 Sportback e-tron range is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle, delivering 185kW of continuous power, rising to 215kW with launch control engaged, and 450Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is achieved in 7.6 seconds (or 7.0 seconds with launch control), offering brisk performance paired with rear-wheel-drive dynamics and impressive energy efficiency.

Standard specification mirrors that of the equivalent Q6 SUV bar roof rails, which are optional on the Sportback, and includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a full body colour paint finish, and matrix LED headlights with configurable digital light signatures. Key technology highlights include a 14.5-inch MMI touch display, 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, and a dedicated 10.9-inch front passenger display, encapsulating the brand’s all-new interior concept now available across the Q6, Q5, and A5 range. Passengers benefit from leather-appointed sport front seats, heated front and rear outer seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control.

The Q6 Sportback also includes the e-tron sport sound system, providing adjustable acoustic feedback via Audi drive select, while a 64-litre front luggage compartment (frunk) complements its practical rear storage capacity. As with all variants, the vehicle is equipped with a second AC charging port for added convenience, as well as a Type 2 to Type 2 public charging cable.

Audi Q6 Sportback quattro: All-wheel-drive confidence with a step up in premium appointments

Stepping up to the Q6 Sportback quattro introduces dual electric motors on both axles, creating an all-wheel-drive layout with 285kW of power and 580Nm of torque to the rear wheels and 275Nm to the front. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h is cut to just 5.9 seconds, providing enhanced performance and traction across all conditions.

Beyond the upgraded drivetrain, this variant adds a suite of S line exterior and interior enhancements that further elevate its presence and refinement. The exterior features exclusive S line bumpers with contrasting accents in dark selenite silver, S line badging, and larger 21-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gains leather-appointed seats with S embossing and contrasting stitching, a black headliner, stainless steel pedals, and an S-specific multifunction steering wheel with perforated leather sides, and flat-top and bottom design.

Like its rear-wheel drive Sportback sibling, this model also benefits from Audi’s full suite of next-generation digital displays and assistance systems, as well as ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, and memory function for the driver’s seat. With both luxury and dynamic capability, the Q6 Sportback quattro strikes a compelling balance between performance and practicality.

Audi SQ6 Sportback: Electrified performance in its most striking form

At the top of the range sits the Audi SQ6 Sportback, the most powerful Q6 variant available in Australia. Equipped with dual motors producing 360kW (rising to 380kW with launch control), the SQ6 Sportback propels from zero to 100km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds (with launch control). This performance in combination with standard adaptive air suspension, delivers exceptional acceleration and quattro confidence in all driving conditions.

Its exterior is defined by S-specific styling cues, including matt aluminium and selenite silver accents, black metallic, gloss-turned finish 21-inch Audi Sport wheels, red brake callipers, and an electrically opening panoramic sunroof. OLED rear lighting adds signature visibility and presence on the road, while acoustic glazing (on the front doors) and privacy glass enhance comfort and refinement for occupants.

Inside, the SQ6 features sport front seats plus in fine Nappa leather with massage functionality in the front seats, electrically adjustable steering column, colour ambient lighting with dynamic interaction strip, and an augmented reality head-up display that features special HUD games for the gadget-inclined. The standard Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System ensures exceptional audio quality, while enhanced USB charging ports (including 100W in the rear) cater to modern device needs.

Technology, safety and assistance systems across the range

All Q6 Sportback e-tron models are equipped with Audi’s MMI panoramic display with OLED technology, combining the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment screen into a seamless curved unit. This system supports Audi smartphone interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes inductive phone charging with adaptive cooling. Further, a front passenger display is equipped as standard, providing front passengers with the luxury of their own entertainment and interface. 

In terms of safety, the full suite of Audi’s latest assistance features is included as standard across the range. Highlights include 360-degree cameras with kerb view, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, park assist plus, proactive occupant protection, Audi side assist, lane departure warning with emergency assist, and nine airbags, including a front centre airbag. Speed sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, and rear occupant detection also contribute to one of the most advanced safety packages in the segment. 

The Audi Q6 e-tron has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, reflecting outstanding performance across all key assessment areas. It scored 91 percent for Adult Occupant Protection, 87 percent for Child Occupant Protection, 81 percent for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 82 percent for Safety Assist. Standard safety features include a comprehensive airbag system, autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems, and advanced speed assistance technology.

Peace-of-mind for Audi owners

All models within the Audi Q6 e-tron range come with six years Audi roadside assist, the peace-of-mind of a five-year warranty, and twelve years manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles, as well as an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty. Six-year service plans are available for both models, priced at $2080.

Audi owners also receive a complimentary membership during their warranty period to Audi Experience, Audi Australia’s bespoke loyalty program that offers access to exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.

Market Introduction

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron range is arriving shortly to Audi showrooms nationwide.

Pricing (all plus on road costs) 
Audi Q6 Sportback$99,900
Audi Q6 Sportback quattro$127,500
Audi SQ6 Sportback$156,400

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