Overview Audi’s SQ6 e-tron is ostensibly the performance variant of the mainstream Q6 e-tron EV, and both are similar in size to the gas-fed Q5 and SQ5. Like the Q5, everything in the Q6 lineup is available as either a standard-silhouette SUV or a fastback Sportback model. While the latter shape cuts into rear-seat and cargo space, its more slippery aero does bring small benefits in driving range and efficiency.With a max output of 510 horsepower, the SQ6 is up 54 horsepower on the Q6. It’s even quicker, too, but not by a huge amount. The S model also benefits from sharper suspension tuning but remains docile on the road.
Expert Tip: For similar thrills powered by an internal-combustion engine, the SQ5 comes in about 15 grand lower than the SQ6’s starting price.What’s New for 2026?There are no major changes to the SQ6 e-tron expected for this model year.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe SQ6 e-tron follows a similar trim-level structure as other Audi SUVs, offering Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige equipment groups. All-wheel drive is standard, thanks to an electric motor positioned at each axle. Though all trims are well equipped, we think the Premium Plus is the one to go with as it adds Bang & Olufsen audio and a panoramic sunroof. Shoppers looking for a more dramatic exterior can opt for the Sportback Premium Plus for a bit more cash.EV Motor, Power, and Performance
- EV Motors: 510-hp dual motor
- Drivetrain: all-wheel-drive
The performance-minded SQ6 picks up where the Q6 e-tron leaves off. Output is rated at 483 horsepower, but a push of the Boost button unleashes a mighty 510 horsepower for short spurts. When we drove the SQ6 e-tron in Europe, we found it to be both responsive and quick while remaining well-mannered.Those initial observations proved to be accurate, as our test of the domestic SQ6 revealed a smooth ride with well-controlled body motions and linear steering. Thanks to its standard adaptive dampers and air springs, the S is slightly more aggressive than the Q6 e-tron, especially in the Dynamic driving mode.There are some strange fake noises meant to make this EV sound more exciting, but they can be deactivated. Regenerative braking can be adjusted to different levels, but we liked the Auto mode that uses navigation data and exterior sensors to determine how much to slow the car.0–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 3.8 seconds
In Comparison: The tame-by-comparison Q6 e-tron ran to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is still quick.Additional ResearchRange, Charging, and Battery Life
- C/D Range Test: 250 miles
- EPA EV Range: 275-283 miles
The SQ6 e-tron’s PPE platform utilizes Audi and Porsche’s 800-volt architecture. The 94.4-kWh battery pack has a peak charging rate of 270 kW, which Audi says can take the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 21 minutes, and the automaker claims 158 miles can be added in just ten minutes when ideal charging conditions are met.In terms of range, the EPA estimates the SQ6 e-tron will deliver 275 miles on a charge, while the Sportback does a little better, at 283. In our 75-mph real-world range test, the squareback SQ6 e-tron demonstrated a range of 250 miles.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
- C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test:75 MPGe
- EPA City Ratings: 96-97 MPGe
- EPA Highway Ratings: 82-85 MPGe
The EPA hasn’t released any fuel-economy information for the 2026 SQ6 e-tron yet, but 2025 models earned ratings of 96-97 MPGe city, 82-85 MPGe highway, and 89-91 MPGe combined. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. In C/D testing, the SQ6 e-tron returned 75 MPGe. For more information about the SQ6 e-tron’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.In Comparison: The Q6 e-tron did better in our efficiency testing, averaging 94 MPGe during the evaluation.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: The SQ6 e-tron takes the typical Audi interior aesthetic and ramps it up to underscore the modern EV agenda. That directive includes a panoramic display and a high contrast design motif rendered in high-quality materials; Audi calls the approach “Softwrap,” a concerted effort to balance the potentially overwhelming tech and control elements rendered in gloss black with soft surfaces for the comfort zones to create a “homely ambiance.”Second Row: Like its Q6 e-tron sibling, the SQ6 e-tron is close in size to the gas-powered Q5 SUV. Legroom is nearly the same in the second row, whether you opt for gas or electric propulsion.Cargo Capacity: Cargo space behind the second row isn’t as generous here as in some other EV SUVs, but the Audi does offer a small “frunk” storage compartment under the hood.Infotainment and Connectivity
- Infotainment: 14.5-inch touchscreen (standard), 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen (optional)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Audio System: 10-speaker stereo (standard), 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo (optional)
The dashboard in the SQ6 houses numerous screens; a standard curved 11.9-inch gauge display and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen team up to provide critical data and access to apps and settings, while an available 10.9-inch touchscreen is on offer to keep the front passenger occupied and entertained. Crucially, its content is blocked from the view of the driver.The software used is an Android-based interface which, despite its lack of physical buttons, we found easy to adapt to during our test drive of a prototype model. A head-up display and a navigation system with an augmented reality feature are available, as is an 830-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo system with 20 speakers, four of which are mounted in the headrests of the front occupants to facilitate new sound zones tailored to individual passengers.Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesAudi offers many standard driver-assistance features, including basics such as automated emergency braking and a driver-drowsiness monitor. More advanced features, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, are available as options.
- Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control
- Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
For information about the SQ6 e-tron’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.Warranty and Maintenance CoverageThe Audi SQ6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron Sportback offer the same limited and powertrain warranty as the Q8 e-tron SUV.
- Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
- Electric Components Warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: none
C/D Test Results and SpecsWe test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $74,195/$83,395
Options: Prestige package (adaptive cruise-control assist, acoustic front side windows, head-up display with augmented reality overlays, Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, cabin pre-conditioning, OLED taillights, heated steering wheel and outboard rear seats, LED interior lighting, 10.9-inch passenger display, panoramic sunroof, seven daytime running light signatures, 360-degree camera system), $6400; Black Edition One (21-inch darkened aero-design wheels, summer tires, Audi rings in anthracite, black exterior trim, darkened headlights, e-tron edition puddle lights, nappa leather upholstery), $2800
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: induction AC, 188 hp, 203 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 375 hp, 428 lb-ft
Combined Power: 510 hp
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 94 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 270 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect
F: 255/45R-21 106W RO
R: 285/40R-21 109W RO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 in
Length: 187.9 in
Width: 77.4 in
Height: 66.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/47 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 60/30 ft3
Front Trunk Volume: 2 ft3
Curb Weight: 5446 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.8 sec
100 mph: 9.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.2 sec @ 115 mph
130 mph: 16.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 142 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 154 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 311 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.91 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 79 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 250 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 89/96/82 MPGe
Range: 275 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
