• Choice of two battery sizes
• Claimed range of up to 393 miles
• Disappointing real-world efficiency

What are the running costs?

Audi offers the Q6 e-tron with two battery packs, depending on how much range you’ll need. The entry-level Sport powertrain (not to be confused with the Sport trim level) is equipped with an 83kWh battery, which Audi claims allows for a range of up to 326 miles. 

Meanwhile the rest of the Q6 line-up, including the sportier SQ6, use a larger 100kWh battery that enables a range of up to 393 miles. The mid-range, rear-wheel-drive Sport Performance powertrain is the most efficient. 

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We were, however, disappointed with the Q6’s real-world efficiency, as we couldn’t even manage 3mi/kWh (miles per kilowatt hour). That means the real-world range is more like 280 miles if not less – 100 less than the claimed figures. Audi’s last-generation electric cars returned poor efficiency and it’s disappointing the brand hasn’t fixed this, especially given this new PPE platform. 

A Tesla Model Y will prove more efficient and will also have easier access to the firm’s impressive Supercharger network, even if most of Tesla’s chargers are now open to other electric car brands. 

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More positive, however, is the Q6’s hugely impressive ultra-rapid charging speeds. It’s capable of being topped up at 270kW, which can mean a 10-80% charge will take just 21 minutes in ideal conditions and with a fast enough public charger. 

Servicing and warranty

Audi’s warranty isn’t the most extensive, lasting for two years with unlimited mileage and then a third year with an overall limit of 60,000 miles. It’s very similar to those offered by BMW and Mercedes, however. The battery is also separately covered for degradation up to eight years or 100,000 miles. 

The Q6 e-tron will be one of the more expensive electric cars to service, and Audi is currently offering a two-year service plan for £455, which is a huge amount of money for one service of an EV. 

Reliability

The Audi Q6 e-tron is a brand-new model using a new platform, and therefore there are plenty of unknowns surrounding its reliability. 

What we do know is that there were lots of delays during the development of cars on the platform as Audi ironed out software issues. Our test car also had a recurring issue where the majority of the driver assists – such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist – were disabled for no apparent reason. It seems like Audi still has some work to do in this respect.