2024 Audi RS Q6 e-tron: What We Know So Far
Most new Audi models require as much brainpower as solving a mathematical equation to determine where they fit in - blame complicated EV names for that. In this case, we have the RS (a high-performance Audi model), plus Q6 (an SUV smaller than the Q8 but larger than the Q4), plus e-tron (indicating all-electric propulsion), all equaling what can be considered a rival to the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq-V. The Q6 e-tron as a range will be based on the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform that will underpin the new Porsche Macan EV, although we expect the hottest version of this Porsche to be more Q4-sized. The RS Q6 e-tron will no doubt offer tire-shredding performance but delivered from a typically luxurious cocoon in the best Audi tradition. Here's what we know about it so far.
When Is The 2024 Audi RS Q6 e-tron Coming Out?
The regular Q6 e-tron is only coming out later in 2023 at the earliest, so it's likely that the release date for the Audi RS Q6 e-tron will only be sometime in 2024. Considering how long we've been waiting for the Q6 e-tron in the USA, it wouldn't be a great surprise if the RS model was pushed back even further, possibly making it a 2025 model.
What’s The Price Of The 2024 RS Q6 e-tron?
We estimated that the regular Q6 e-tron would cost in the region of $60,000 to $80,000, so the RS model could easily go for an MSRP of about $85,000 or so to start. By the time it arrives, the price of the 2024 Audi RS Q6 e-tron could increase to even more than this.
Rivals are challenging to pin down as it's not obvious if the Q6 will occupy the compact or midsize segments - it will likely be close in size to the compact Q5, though. Either way, shoppers are likely to consider other potent electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y Performance, the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq-V, and the Porsche Macan EV against the 2024 RS Q6 e-tron.
New Audi RS Q6 e-tron Exterior And Colors
So far, we have only seen heavily camouflaged examples of the Audi RS Q6 e-tron to preview its exterior design. Its profile isn't far removed from other Audi SUVs, but it will introduce a split-headlight design to the Audi stable. This is in line with industry trends and should do a good job of setting it apart from the Q4 e-tron.
Like the Q4 e-tron, we should see a closed-off interpretation of the Audi Singleframe grille, while the rear seems to have more conventional taillights but with some snazzy detailing that will be best shown off at night.
A more obviously sloping roofline is likely to be found on the future Q6 Sportback e-tron, so this will be the more practical of the two. Being an RS, the usual combination of more aggressive detailing, larger wheels and tires, and big brakes will be on display.
Colors for the new Audi RS Q6 e-tron electric SUV won't be all that exciting if the Q4 e-tron is anything to go by, as the latter only comes in a limited selection of shades like Pebble Gray or Mythos Black. Then again, another RS-badged Audi - the RS Q8 - can be had in more exciting colors like Dragon Orange and Matador Red, which are more reflective of its sporty nature.
Audi RS Q6 e-tron Dimensions
The dimensions of the Audi RS Q6 e-tron are likely to be similar to those of the Q5, if not slightly larger. For reference, the Q5 measures 184.3 inches in length, 65.5 inches in height, and 84.2 inches in width, including its mirrors, while the wheelbase works out to 111 inches. We do know that the PPE platform supports wheelbase lengths of between 113.8 and 121.2 inches, so the RS Q6 e-tron will have a slightly longer wheelbase than the Q5.
Based on the curb weight of the Q4 e-tron, the RS Q6 e-tron will probably weigh over 5,000 pounds.
Audi RS Q6 e-tron Powertrain And Performance
Technical specs are still under wraps, but the Audi RS Q6 e-tron will likely come with a dual-motor powertrain linked to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. We know that the Macan EV will produce up to around 600 horsepower, but just as the Audi RS e-tron GT has been tuned to deliver less power than the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, we also don't expect the RS Q6 e-tron to be more powerful than the Porsche.
Around 550 hp seems about right for the Audi, and that should be enough for a 0-60 mph time of about 3.5 seconds. Like the RS e-tron GT, there could be a Boost mode that temporarily increases power for the most potent acceleration runs.
An RS-tuned suspension and available ceramic brakes should give the RS Q6 e-tron the composure to handle all that power.
Range, Charging, And Battery Life
Like the normal Q6 e-tron, the RS model will come with an 800-volt electric system that will allow the battery to be recharged at up to 350 kW, which should get it up to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. The specific battery capacity hasn't been shared yet, but around 100 kWh sounds reasonable.
Being the high-performance model, we aren't expecting a stellar range. After all, the RS e-tron GT can only manage 232 miles on a full charge and has a sleeker sedan body that is likely more aerodynamic. Then again, the PPE platform does promise good efficiency, so the RS Q6 e-tron could end up getting closer to the more useful 300-mile mark.
Audi RS Q6 e-tron Interior And Cargo
We can get an idea of what to expect from the Audi RS Q6 e-tron's interior based on a few spy shots of the regular Q6 e-tron's cabin, pictured below. The latter has quite a unique look inside with a different gauge cluster to other Audi models, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel that houses touch-capacitive controls.
Moving to the center console, the Q6 e-tron has a new and larger touchscreen interface that Audi has obviously decided is so good, that physical climate controls are no longer necessary. There does seem to be a physical volume knob, however, and that should provide access to an available Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi's preferred partner for high-end audio. Whether the new interior is as user-friendly as we'd like it to be remains to be seen.
Based on the Q4 e-tron, this range-topping RS Q6 e-tron should come with LED interior lighting, automatic climate control, and adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance as standard. The seats in the Audi RS Q6 e-tron are likely to be sporty buckets in leather or with some suede-like inserts, and possibly some of Audi's sporty Carbon Atlas Matte inlays. Being smaller than a Q7, the Q6 is expected to be a two-row SUV, so Audi won't need to worry about squeezing a third row into the back.
Thanks to fewer components due to its electric powertrain, it's possible that the cargo space in the Audi RS Q6 e-tron will exceed that of the Q5, which has around 25 cubic feet behind its second row. That's good rather than great, so the potential for extra packing space in the RS Q6 e-tron is welcome.