In December 2021, Auto Express magazine carried a report on the two special variants of the Audi Q6 e-tron, namely Audi SQ6 and Audi RS Q6. The British publication claims that Audi plans to launch an SQ6 soon after the Q6, and the more performance-focused RS variant 12 months later. The Q6 Sportback line may also induct the hotter variants, installed with the same motors and battery pack. As Audi has not offered an RS Q5/Q5 Sportback, it will be the first RS SUV in the segment.
Preparations
While engineers test and develop the performance variants, Audi’s legal team is gearing up to secure rights to their names across the globe. It has successfully registered the ‘RSQ6’ trademark at the Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt (German Patent and Trademark Office). It is in the process of getting the same word registered as a trademark at WIPO.
Design
The SQ6 e-tron, going by recent spy shots, will carry an inverted lower grille with a honeycomb structure and a new front bumper with side air inlets featuring two horizontal slats and a vertical blade. An upgraded braking system with bigger calipers and rotors is also part of the recipe.
Previous spy pictures had already indicated that an Audi RS Q6 e-tron is undergoing testing. We’ve seen prototypes of the performance variant with a more aggressive lower air intake, vertical side air inlets, and red brake calipers, which could be just a few of its several possible exterior modifications. With regenerative braking also available, the RS Q6 e-tron may not need to rely as much on mechanical brakes as gasoline-engined RS models, hence the small rotors.
Interior
Inside, both Audi SQ6 e-tron and Audi RS Q6 e-tron should have sporty touches to continue the performance theme of the exterior. We expect a flat-bottomed steering wheel with sporty and direct ratios (different for both S & RS variants), special upholstery, natural wood/matt aluminum trim, sports seats, belt straps with colored edging (RS-exclusive), and many more features to be unique to these models.
We think that Audi will offer the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch MMI touch display, and 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display as standard in the SQ6 e-tron and RS Q6 e-tron. The 11.9-inch display, at least in the RS Q6 e-tron, will likely have distinctive layouts. The 14.5-inch MMI touch display should have variant-specific menus for various powertrain and chassis adjustments. Both these screens may play special welcome animations.
While there will be no roaring exhausts, customers will be able to enhance their aural experiences with digitally produced sounds played through speakers. Some of the artificial sounds would be unique, not available in the regular Q6 e-tron even optionally.
Specifications
The Audi SQ6 e-tron and RS Q6 e-tron should sport unique dual-motor powertrains and have a ~100 kWh battery pack as standard. A stiffened suspension, lighter wheels, and grippier tires will also be among the special performance features. With regenerative braking available, Audi might not need to go overboard on friction brakes, but it still may offer a bigger braking system. Carbon fiber ceramic brakes that are lighter and help reduce the unsprung mass would be available as an option on the high-performance SUV.
We expect the SQ6 e-tron to be available with all-wheel steering and the RS Q6 e-tron to pack a dynamic version of the same system as standard. Similarly, the adaptive air suspension should be an optional feature in the SQ6 e-tron and a standard feature in the RSQ6 e-tron, with the latter’s version having a different tuning.
We think that Audi will equip the RS Q6 e-tron with two customizable drive mode buttons on the steering wheel, allowing customers to save the personal preferences of two drivers.
The SQ6 e-tron’s powertrain will develop 380 kW (510 hp), which we reckon should be enough to give it a 0-60 mph acceleration time of less than 4.5 seconds. We think that the RS Q6 e-tron’s motors will be tuned to produce a significantly higher power of at least 466 kW (625 hp), with a target of achieving a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under 3.5 seconds. Audi is likely to restrict the top speed to 155 mph in both models.
Operating at 800 volts, the ~100 kWh battery pack will support charging at up to 270 kW. Thus, a 5-80% charging session using one of Electrify America’s Hyper-Fast 350 kW charging stations should take just ~21 minutes.
Release Date
We expect the Audi SQ6 e-tron to debut along with the Audi Q6 e-tron and start arriving at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2024. As for the Audi RS Q6 e-tron, we think it will debut sometime in the second half of 2024 and go on sale in the U.S. by early 2025. We’re hoping to learn the official release schedule at the Q6 e-tron’s world premiere in Q4 2023 (October-December 2023).
Price
We expect Audi to price the SQ6 e-tron at close to USD 80,000 and the RS Q6 e-tron at approximately USD 135,000.
TopElectricSUV says
The Audi SQ6 e-tron and Audi RS Q6 e-tron are set to be among Audi’s most exhilarating five-seat SUVs. For those who desire tech along the lines of a Tesla, but prefer a more conventional design, sportier styling, and a user-friendly luxury-class interior, these e-SUVs could be an ideal choice.
Featured image: Audi (Q6 e-tron prototype)
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
