Audi is launching its new XXL battery electric car, the Q6L e-tron

The Chinese market has been tough for electric cars with the strong arrival of local manufacturers. Audi intends to redefine its strategy in China and present its Q6 e-tron in a longer version with a larger battery and increased autonomy.

The big news this year at Audi is the arrival of the new Q6 e-tron, a model we were able to get up close and personal a few weeks ago. This technical cousin of the Porsche Macan is based on the PPE platform (Premium Platform Electric), the new advanced platform from the Volkswagen group.

In a few words, the Q6 e-tron sold in Europe has a battery with a capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh usable) which provides up to 625 km of autonomy according to the WLTP standard.

The 800 volt design is present, with a maximum power of 270 kW for direct current, which allows to recover 255 kilometers of freedom in ten minutes of charging. Two electric motors develop 280 kW (381 horses), allowing to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 210 km / h.

A longer version with a bigger battery

On the sidelines of the Beijing Motor Show, Audi presents an extended version of its Q6. With the so-called Q6L e-tron, the ringed SUV gets a few centimeters longer, but that’s not all. Positioned in the “middle premium” segment in China, with a height of 4.88 meters, ie 11 cm more than our European Q6, 1.96 meters wide and 1.69 meters long. 11 centimeters are found in the wheelbase as it goes from 2.88 meters in Europe to 2.99 meters in China.

(external model) Still image, Color: Lilac Grey

(external model) Still image, Color: Lilac Grey

Still image, Color: Lilac Grey

Still image, Color: Lilac Grey

(external model) Description, Color: Lilac Grey

Description, Color: Lilac Grey

Thanks to its wheel alignment, the Q6L e-tron also receives a larger lithium-ion battery than its European counterpart. So, the end goes from 100 kWh to 107 kWh. It is composed of 12 modules and 192 prismatic cells. Audi already advertises more than 700 km of freedom according to CLTC cycle. The CLTC cycle being more optimistic than the European WLTP cycle, this suggests more freedom than the European Q6, maybe around 650 km.

In terms of the engine, there are also some changes, as the Q6L e-tron will be available with a single electric motor. 347 chapters and the quattro version with two electric motors 469 chapters.

As a reminder, in Europe, we are not entitled to a rear-wheel drive version. At least for now, but it can arrive to reduce the price of this model, very close to its technical cousin and more elegant coat of arms, the Porsche Macan, since the Q6 e-tron starts in France from 83,450 euros.

In Europe, the Q6 e-tron quattro develops 387 hp, with 535 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is promised in 5.9 seconds. The SQ6 e-tron, which is currently unavailable in China, delivers 517 hp and 820 Nm during acceleration. In this case, 0 to 100 km / h is sent in 4.3 seconds. Unfortunately, the range suffers a bit, dropping to 598 km WLTP.

More technological than our European version

In terms of on-board technologies, this model will also have more equipment than in Europe. Audi will launch a range of driver assistance activities aimed at Chinaincluding Adaptive Driving Assistant Pro and Parking Assistant Pro.

Based on a system of sensors (including LiDAR sensors, cameras and aerial sensors) and V2X technologies, this function will support the driver in a wider range of driving and parking situations than any previous Audi model.

Another new feature of the PPE platform mentioned above is a new electronic architecture, called E³ – for End-to-End Electronic Architecture.

Five computers, connected by Ethernet, distribute all the on-board functions, from connection to driving, including screen and charging. The architecture promised to be connected, streamlined (via remote wireless OTA updates) and secure.

Audi Q6L e-tron and other models intended for the Chinese market will be manufactured locally new factory in Changchun. Production of the Q6L e-tron it will start in late 2024, with customer deliveries starting in 2025. Other models will follow from 2025, including the new Audi A6. e-tron which will also be eligible to get the L version in China.