Audi Q6 e-tron arrives in 2018

It’s been confirmed that the Audi Q6 e-tron – an all-electric SUV – will go into production in early 2018 – just in time to take on the likes of the rumoured BMW i5 and already-available Tesla Model X.
Likely to be based on the same underpinnings as the Audi Q7, the Q6 (although this name has yet to be confirmed, it is logical) will sit between the forthcoming new Audi Q5 and the Q7 in an extensively revamped Audi SUV range.
As well as the recently launched Audi Q2 small SUV, an Audi Q4 is also likely to sit between the Q3 and Q5, while an even smaller Q1 is also rumoured. At the other end of the range, a super-luxurious SUV, likely to be called the Audi Q8, will take on the Range Rover SVAutobiography and upcoming BMW X7.

In terms of design, the new Audi Q6 e-tron will look just about identical to the concept that was first shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, which you can see in these pictures. It’s the product of a collaborative effort between German and American design teams.
Audi’s head of total vehicle development, Dr Rudiger Chmielewski, told our sister site Auto Express that: “We have found the right height. You will find this in the exterior. You’ll also find the headlight pattern in all our electric cars.”
This concept saw the debut of Audi’s ‘Matrix’ Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) lighting technology, which is continuously variable and can keep the road ahead illuminated without dazzling other drivers. This works by moving and turning off individual OLEDs to ‘bend’ and curve their beams around other cars on the road.
Dr Chmielewski continued: “The flush door handles will feature, too. A lot of heart went into these. We hope we can use them with rear-view cameras [instead of door mirrors].” Regulations will have to change for this to become a reality, however.

On that subject, Dr Chmielewski said: “This is an electric car suitable for the long haul. It’ll have a 500km (310-mile) range and is tangible proof of our commitment to electric mobility.”
The car’s launch will coincide with big changes in electric car infrastructure – especially in Audi’s home market of Germany. Dr Chmielewski said: “By the time we launch the e-tron, we’ll have a fast-charge network in Germany. An 80% charge will take 30 minutes. The success of a model like this will depend on the infrastructure.” He also confirmed that Audi was developing wireless inductive charging for installation at owners’ homes.

Expect to see the Audi Q6 e-tron in 2018, when it’ll take on the likes of the Tesla Model X, BMW i5, Mercedes GLE Coupe and BMW X6. There’s no official word on price as yet, but we wouldn’t expect much change from around £70,000 when it goes on sale