Audi's rapidly expanding e-tron lineup shows no signs of slowing down as the upcoming Q6 Sportback e-tron has been spied undergoing winter testing for the first time.

Like the smaller Q4 Sportback e-tron, the Q6 Sportback e-tron is an all-electric SUV with a coupe-style sloping roofline. This particular electric Audi has been spied before, but this is the first time it's been caught in the snow, no doubt to ensure that the quattro all-wheel-drive system is as secure and stable in slippery, wet conditions as it is in the dry.

This is also another opportunity to see some of the styling details, although this test mule was still very much concealed behind a camo wrap. Like the high-performance RS Q6 e-tron spotted earlier this year, the Q6 Sportback e-tron has a split-headlight design.

The rest is much the same as the normal Q6 e-tron, but from the B-pillar back, the roofline slopes smoothly to the back. Slim taillights with Audi's typically intricate lighting elements and a spoiler below the rear window are visible, but not much more can be gleaned from the spy shots. As usual, we expect the Sportback version to have less cargo space and rear headroom than the blockier Q6 e-tron.

More interesting is what lies beneath, as the Q6 Sportback e-tron will share the same PPE platform with the upcoming Porsche Macan EV. That should indicate that the Audi will be good to drive, and it should be capable of fast charging up to 350 kW at a compatible charging point.

Dual motors should provide around 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, while an RS version should be closer to 600 hp. Either way, no Q6 Sportback e-tron will be slow.

While the spy shots don't reveal anything in the cabin, the Q6 e-tron was recently spied with an interior that was unlike most other recent Audis. It had a new digital driver's display and a different center touchscreen. Still, we found the touch-capacitive buttons on the steering wheel and the removal of some physical controls to be potential drawbacks. Of course, this is merely speculative, and we'll have to reserve final judgment on the ergonomics for when we get behind the wheel.

As for when that will be, well, the Q6 Sportback e-tron is expected to debut in 2023, but that could be two months or a year from now. We hope to learn more about this electric SUV in the first half of next year.