Audi SQ6 e-tron Review & Prices

Where a petrol Audi ‘S’ model comes with a highly-tuned engine with a spicy exhaust note, the all-electric SQ6 e-tron is pretty much a Q6 e-tron with the motors turned up to 11. That means it’s great to look at, spacious inside and comfortable on the motorway, but the cabin is a let-down for just how expensive it is - and it isn’t actually very fun to drive.

Choosing the SQ6 is a bit like choosing the range-topping iPhone Pro with the biggest possible storage capacity. Yes, it’s nice showing off that your device is the highest-performance version going, but the reality is that you’re not going to use all of its power on a daily basis. You’re better off saving some money and opting for a less expensive version instead.

And the truth is, if you want some properly mind-blowing stats, the SQ6 e-tron shouldn’t be at the top of your list anyway. No, you need to look at the Tesla Model Y Performance or Polestar 3 Performance for outrageous acceleration or the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 for exemplary range. The Mercedes GLC Electric offers similar performance and a touch more range, but it isn’t as kind to your eyeballs as the Audi.

While the entry-level Q6 is a bit awkward to look at, the SQ6 is far sharper. The deep, aggressive bumpers, flared wheel arches and the excellent - but sadly optional - alloy wheels all look brilliant. Avoid the two-tone paint finishes, though, as the gloss black lower trims look cheap and weedy compared to the body colour fare.

Shame the interior isn’t as convincing as the exterior, and it’s the SQ6’s biggest disappointment. It looks pleasant from a distance, with the sweeping two-in-one driver and infotainment displays set behind a single sheet of glass and a pair of very cool bucket seats up front, but things get worse as soon as you sit down.

With the screens on, you notice the cheap-looking black bezels around them, while the third display for the front passenger looks like an afterthought. You can tell that Audi was going for a wraparound cabin design, but the panel gaps between the doors and dashboard break it up too much and there are far too many creaky, hollow-sounding plastics for a car that costs nearly six figures.

The 14.5-inch infotainment system itself is pretty crisp and easy to use, but there are a few settings and toggles in sub-menus where you might not expect to find them. Going into the car settings to turn on the massage seats takes a few tries to get used to.

At least the interior space is unchanged from the regular Q6, meaning there’s loads of room to get comfortable both front and back, with plenty of storage space for small items, too. You’ll easily fit four six-footers inside with no complaints, even squeezing a fifth in without much fuss thanks to the flat floor.

The 526-litre boot and 64-litre front boot are pretty much on par with the BMW iX3 (520 + 58 litres) but down on the mighty Mercedes GLC Electric (570 + 128 litres).

Range varies from 348 - 364 miles depending on which trim level you choose, which is massively down on the 500-mile BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 (the latter of which is faster too). The 100kWh battery can be topped up from 10-80% in 21 mins at 270kW DC, or 10 hours on an 11kW AC charger.

Audi has been a bit stingy with the SQ6 e-tron. While you’d expect a range-topping, speedy halo model to come with all the performance bells and whistles, the SQ6 is better to drive if you tick an option box - the air suspension, which really ought to come as standard.

With it fitted it’s really very comfortable around town, and even on the big 21-inch wheels it does a good job of absorbing potholes and rough surfaces. Drop it down into its sporty setting or raise it up for more ground clearance and it firms up, but even then it’s far from intolerable. Saving money with the basic suspension means you’ll be rattled around on the very same roads.

It’s very refined on the motorway, too, where the SQ6 glides along quietly with little intrusive noise - even on its wide tyres. You won’t struggle to get up to highway speeds thanks to its 490hp dual-motor setup, but the acceleration isn’t as neck-snapping as that in a Polestar or Tesla.

There’s no denying that the SQ6 e-tron is very capable when you point its tall nose down a flowing, twisty road. It certainly feels its weight, though, and has a habit of wallowing a bit over mid-corner bumps. Plenty of grip and darty steering (especially in ‘dynamic mode’) means you’ll have enough confidence to carry speed through the bends…until all four of your passengers puke in protest.

Verdict

The Audi SQ6 e-tron is a very desirable car in a lot of ways. It looks great both inside and out, it’s certainly fast and there’s something nice about having an ‘S’ in front of the ‘Q6’ model badge. But the alternatives are not only faster, offer more range and feel more premium inside than the Audi, they’re cheaper to buy, too.

Still, you should check out the latest Audi SQ6 e-tron deals and lease offers on Carwow, as well as a range of used SQ6 e-trons and other used Audi models through our trusted dealer network. Remember, you can sell your current car through Carwow, too.

The SQ6 e-tron commands a significant premium over the regular Q6 e-tron - almost £12,000 extra over the Q6 Vorsprung range-topper, for that matter, not far off £88,000. That’s a big chunk over the £70,000 Volvo EX60 in mind-warping P12 guise, the £73,000 Mercedes GLC 400 Electric Premier Edition and the £62,000 Tesla Model Y Performance.

You do get a ton of equipment with Black Edition trim level, though, which kicks off the range. All models have the passenger-side display, for example, and the brilliant sports seats with quilted stitching as standard.

All SQ6s come with 21-inch alloy wheels, Audi’s fancy OLED taillights, Matrix headlights, Bang & Olufsen sound system and a free home charger - should you need one.