Audi Q6 is car with a curtain of steel around it

Audi Q6 e-tron drive by Steve Rogers

Audi is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to keeping us safe.

This Q6 is loaded with safety aids and laden with tech. They have virtually thrown a curtain of steel around the car with a string of warnings and collision avoidance aids.

Adaptive cruise control, emergency front, and rear braking to head off a crash when reversing are pretty common but I liked the side warning which could stop you taking out a cyclist when turning left as well exiting either side. As a cyclist it has nearly happened to me a few times.

Then you get audible warnings of hazards and a neat diagram in the driver’s display showing a roundabout, crossroads, or the steepness of a hill and the need to brake. On a brighter note you can use digital services to book a ferry crossing or hotel room. This is some tech fest.

Well, Audi, along with the rest of the premium brands, have to come up with something special to counter the Chinese onslaught of electric cars with their exotic shapes and staggering value for money, so quality and safety are front and centre of the package.

Q6 was a landmark model in 2024 as it was Audi’s first electric SUV. Back then all they had to worry about were premium rivals Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Volvo. They offered much the same, and at the same price, now the competition is vehicles half the price.

Audi is banking on a reputation built over the last 30 years; plush fixtures and fittings and nailed on build quality. Whether that is enough to win the sales battle will play out over the next five years. That said, the Q6 is some car.

Its credentials stack up well. A sizeable 100kWh battery feeding a 225kW electric motor for a claimed range of 365 to 381 miles. I say claimed because my car came with a 90 per cent charge yielding 244 miles. I wasn’t any good at maths but even I know another 10 per cent does not come to 365.

I topped up to 50 per cent midweek which gave me 152 miles then drove four miles downhill and gained an extra 20 miles through regenerative braking which reduced fairly quickly but that would seem to push the range well over the 300 mile mark which isn’t bad given that you have to be driving in perfect conditions to get anywhere near a manufacturer’s range claim.

That aside I felt very comfortable behind the wheel of Q6. It is a big car, but doesn’t feel big. The high driving position gives a good view of the car’s extremities which is handy when pulling into tight parking spaces.

The dashboard layout is typical of the times: A twin screen storing a lot of menus and information. I make no apology for preferring Audi’s old rotary controller for accessing menus but it is gone for good and surprised myself by not just coping but even liking this set up.

The central section is curved towards the driver which adds a bit of style while sound German logic has made it relatively easy to operate with quick keys for heating controls

and discreet switches for accessing regular features. A pad on the door armrest controls lights, powered seat memory and door mirrors, all functions annoyingly stored in a touchscreen on most Chinese cars.

As is the way with Audi every bit of trim fits perfectly, no rattles or creeks here. My S Line model threw up a surprise with a lot of fabric trim along the dashboard and door cards matching the seat covers. Not at all Audi and I’m not sure I liked it, and would it show wear over time? At least it is a welcome change from the usual swathes of black.

Q6 is a big car so no need to dwell on passenger and boot space, there is plenty of it. It is comfortable to a degree but the firm suspension can get unruly on rougher roads and you will feel the thuds over pitted surfaces. On decent roads and motorways it is a cracking drive and stable ride.

With 382bhp on tap there is no shortage of rip roaring acceleration but best to curb your enthusiasm to conserve the range. I managed 3.4 m/kWh which is a very good return on economy. The updated model can take a maximum charge of 270kW and can store up to 158 miles in 10 minutes at a high powered charging station.

Not much not to like about the Q6 e-tron, apart from the price but that is what you pay for premium cars although I would like to have seen a better 360 degree view camera. It sometimes gives a distorted view and is strangely pale.

Favourite features: The 64 litre under bonnet storage for the cables and a terrific head up display.

Fast facts

Q6 e-tron S Line

£66,145

Battery: 100kWh

Range: 365-381 miles

Output 225kW

Efficiency: 3.5m/kWh

0-62mph 6.7secs; 382bhp

Boot: 526-1529 litres

Insurance group 44-50

Towing: 2000kg