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Positioned within the North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are like a distinct world. The mountainous landforms are lined in grasslands the place sheep act as natural garden mowers, and cascading coastal waterfalls and quaint thatched-roof homes make first-timers really feel as if they have been transported right into a Lord of the Rings movie. The model of the 4 rings introduced us right here to drive prototypes of the 2025 Q6 e-tron Quattro and its sportier SQ6 sibling, fashions that promise to take Audi EVs into their very own new world.
Subsequent-Degree EVs
The 2 SUVs are primarily electrical options to the gas-powered Q5 and SQ5. The Q6s have comparable dimensions however shorter entrance and rear overhangs and an extended wheelbase. Extra coupelike Sportback variants will probably be provided too. The brand new EVs do extra than simply bridge the hole between the This autumn e-tron and the Q8 e-tron, nevertheless. They’re the primary Audis constructed on the Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) structure. Co-developed with Porsche, PPE may also underpin the Macan EV, and the platform’s arrival begins an essential new section within the Volkswagen Group’s electrical future.
Particularly developed for EV fashions, PPE options an 800-volt structure and makes use of next-generation motors. The battery, with an estimated capability of about 93.0 kWh, has 12 modules filled with 180 prismatic-type lithium-ion cells that present higher power density than pouch-type cells. The height charging price is 270 kilowatts. Audi estimates that charging from 10 to 80 p.c will take beneath half-hour; it is also focusing on a 155-mile refill in 10 minutes. The common Q6 e-tron, the longest-range model, needs to be good for 372 miles of vary on the European WLTP check cycle, or about 315 miles utilizing EPA methodology.
The Q6 and SQ6 e-trons additionally debut new electrical motors which are unrelated to earlier variations. Designed to be modular, extra environment friendly, and quieter, the motors characteristic hairpin windings and direct oil cooling for the rotor and stator, leading to the next energy density whereas decreasing the necessity for rare-earth parts. Extra compact and environment friendly than its predecessors, the asynchronous induction entrance motor is alleged to supply better efficiency at much less price. The permanent-magnet synchronous rear motor is new and improved and weighs about 260 kilos. It is also the first drive unit, with the entrance motor taking a extra passive function till obligation calls or the driving force prompts particular modes.
Driving within the Faroes
Regardless of the Faroes’ robust Center-earth vibes, the area has a formidable infrastructure that includes greater than 300 miles of well-maintained roads and a community of undersea tunnels, together with the world’s first underwater roundabout. Throughout two days of driving, our route took us via that landmark and across the southern components of the three largest islands.
Like California’s Pacific Coast Freeway, the roads outlining the Faroe Islands supply breathtaking views. They’re additionally fairly slender, with some sections shrinking to a single lane that pressured oncoming visitors to yield to our convoy, which was cloaked in eye-popping colourful wraps. These traffic-jam-like moments gave us the chance to tinker with the Q6s’ regenerative braking system, which lastly presents one-pedal driving (two much less forceful regenerative settings will be toggled with the steering-wheel paddles). Audi EVs beforehand lacked one-pedal functionality, as a result of the automaker believed most drivers could not use it easily. Evidently, Audi now has extra confidence in us (or its system’s tuning).
The twin-motor all-wheel-drive Q6 e-tron we drove has 375 horsepower, whereas the SQ6 presents 482 ponies; a Enhance mode quickly bumps peak output to 395 and 509 horses, respectively. Torque figures usually are not but accessible. With the islands’ velocity limits capped at 50 mph, we had few alternatives to discover increased speeds, however in our palms, the higher-performance SQ6 positively has higher physique management and extra spirited acceleration than the common Q6. Audi estimates the Q6 will scoot to 62 mph in lower than six seconds, with the SQ6 needing beneath 4.5 ticks.
With the Q6 and SQ6 e-trons nonetheless of their pre-production stage, Audi requested us to not focus on the inside design, however we are able to report that the within is sort of a rolling sarcophagus—as in extraordinarily quiet. Positive, some wind noise is audible, however highway noise is sort of nonexistent. Switching to Dynamic mode breaks the silence with artificial sounds that develop louder with stronger accelerator inputs. The bogus noise will be shut off for individuals who are aggravated by that sort of factor.
We do not suppose anybody will complain about both Q6’s journey high quality, although, as a result of each are persistently calm and managed. The prototypes have an air-spring suspension and 21-inch wheels with higher-profile sidewalls. After all, we’ll reserve last judgment for once we can drive the manufacturing variations on the not-so-smooth roads again residence. The steering has variable effort, however we might prefer it to be extra communicative, particularly on the SQ6.
Mild Present
Manufacturing on the Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, doubtless as 2025 fashions, will not begin till subsequent yr. After they attain the streets, they’re going to introduce Audi’s newest lighting expertise. The split-headlight design contains customizable daytime operating lights, and the second-generation OLED taillights have animations warning following drivers of oncoming hazards. Audi says it plans to advertise adoption of this tech by different automakers within the coming years to assist enhance security via vehicle-to-everything communication.
Sadly, any U.S.-bound mannequin will supply mild animations solely whereas the automobile is stopped, per present federal laws. The Q6 and SQ6 e-tron nonetheless supply a alternative of a number of lighting signatures selectable via the infotainment system or Audi’s telephone app. Further designs for daytime operating lights and stationary lighting animations are elective and price further. Together with computerized high-beams and the Matrix lighting package deal, they are often manufacturing facility geared up or bought on demand afterward.
The gas-powered Q5 line is at the moment Audi’s bestseller, that means the brand new Q6 and SQ6 e-trons are poised to introduce the PPE platform to the plenty. With all new Audis launched after 2025 set to be EVs, Audi is coming into an entire totally different world.
Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s car habit started earlier than he might stroll, and it has fueled his ardour to jot down information, evaluations, and extra for Automotive and Driver since 2016. His aspiration rising up was to change into a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like automobile assortment. Apparently, getting wealthy is more durable than social-media influencers make it appear, so he prevented monetary success solely to change into an automotive journalist and drive new automobiles for a dwelling. After incomes a journalism diploma at Central Michigan College and dealing at a every day newspaper, the years of principally burning cash on failed challenge automobiles and lemon-flavored jalopies lastly paid off when Automotive and Driver employed him. His storage at the moment features a 2010 Acura RDX, a guide ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
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