In case you missed it, Queen Camilla and King Charles recently rolled up Down Under in an Audi Q8 e-tron. And, though I don’t have much in common with His and Her Royal Highness, I like to think that hopping behind the wheel of the Q8’s little sibling – the new, fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron (and the SQ6 e-tron – a slightly sportier version of the same SVU) – is pretty close to rubbing elbows with the royals. These brand-new models, landing in Australia in early 2025, promise to bring a regal amount of style, innovation, and luxury. And if Queen Camilla approved, who am I to argue?
A modern royal carriage
Audi has long been known for its sleek, muscular designs, and the Q6 e-tron series is no exception. The Q6 and SQ6 are positioned between the Q4 and the slightly larger Q8 e-tron, giving them that “just right” royal appeal. While the Q6 e-tron is ideal for those seeking a balanced, efficient, and comfortable ride, the SQ6 is the choice for those craving a bit more thrill with their daily commute. However both strike the perfect balance of sporty and spacious, turning heads in the city and command attention on the freeway.
Each vehicle features Matrix LED headlights that almost seem to wink as they adjust to driving conditions and exclusive OLED rear lights that create animated light signatures during parking. The SQ6 also ups the ante, with 21” sport alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and red brake callipers, which give it an extra edge. It’s almost like the SQ6 is dressed in royal robes, complete with fine Nappa leather seats and a lumbar support and pneumatic massager – which is designed to deliver a decadent back massage as you drive.
Road rules and rulers
The Q6 e-tron lineup offers a range of driving experiences suited to different “royal” needs. The rear-wheel-drive Q6 Performance comes in at $115,500, featuring a punchy 225 kW engine that can boost to 240 kW when you engage launch control, doing 0-100 km/h in a respectable 6.6 seconds. Want more versatility? The Q6 quattro, priced at $122,500, adds Audi’s all-wheel drive and a power boost to 285 kW, shaving down the 0-100 km/h time to 5.9 seconds.
And for those who want to feel like they’re leaving every “commoner” in the dust, the SQ6 takes things to another level. With a dual-motor setup cranking out an impressive 380 kW, it zooms from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 4.3 seconds – faster than you can say “Your Royal Highness.” The SQ6’s speed isn’t just for show; it’s got real performance credentials with Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, offering a balance of power and agility.
With 100 kWh battery and 800-volt architecture, both the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron also achieve charging speeds up to 270 kW. This means you could add 255 km of range in just 10 minutes, making long trips a breeze. If you’re planning a road trip along the coast (or your Summer palace in Windsor, perhaps), you won’t be spending more than 21 minutes to go from 10% to 80% at a compatible station. This electric efficiency makes these SUVs a superb choice for anyone ready to leave petrol stations in the past.
Castle in a car
The interior of these e-trons feels nothing short of royal. Audi’s MMI panoramic curved display includes a 14.5-inch MMI touch screen for the driver and a dedicated 10.9-inch screen for passengers – perfect for on-the-go entertainment. Each SUV has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available augmented reality head-up display (standard on the SQ6) that projects navigation and speed onto the windshield.
Changing of the guards
With a suite of advanced safety features, the Q6 and SQ6 e-trons are like a royal security on wheels. Active Front Assist alerts drivers to potential collisions, and adaptive cruise control keeps you at a safe following distance. Lane departure warning and Audi’s proactive occupant protection ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The SQ6 even adds exclusive OLED rear lighting for enhanced visibility, alerting other drivers during critical moments.
Audi also understand that every driver is unique, and that’s why they’ve introduced a series of optional packages for the Q6 and SQ6 e-trons. The Tech Pro Package adds adaptive air suspension and OLED rear lights for a sportier drive and greater road presence, while the Premium Package brings augmented reality, Bang & Olufsen audio, and a panoramic sunroof to take the cabin’s luxury feel to another level.
As an Audi owner, you’re part of the Audi Experience loyalty program. This provides perks like access to exclusive events and offers from Audi’s premium partners. Each e-tron comes with a six-year roadside assist, an eight-year battery warranty, and a one-year public charging subscription through Chargefox, Australia’s largest EV network.
Fit for a Queen and King (Or, anyone who wants to feel like one!)
It would be too simplistic to refer the Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron as mere people movers. In fact, it would be more apt to honour them with a title reflects their status in style, power and cutting-edge technology. With luxurious interiors, futuristic tech, and a performance that can handle city streets and winding country roads alike, the Q6 and SQ6 might just make you feel a bit like royalty yourself.
