Just as the Mercedes-Benz CLS spawned the so-called “four-door coupe” segment, it appears that BMW’s X6 has created a “crossover coupe” niche of its own. The first imitator was the Acura ZDX, and now Volkswagen has confirmed that Audi will get a X6-fighter of its own.

“We will definitely launch a sportier crossover in between the Q7 and Q5,” Volkswagen Group design chief Walter de’ Silva told Automotive News.

The vehicle, likely to be called the Q6, could use the Q7′s platform but will definitely seat just five and feature distinctive styling cues including a wider, more athletic stance a sloping roofing. Engine choices will probably include one or both of the Q7′s supercharged V6 options, while a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 or VW Group’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo four are also possibilities.

No word on when the Q6 will arrive, but its likely to be at least a few years away.

de’ Silvia also indicated that Audi is mulling over a competitor to the upcoming BMW X4, an X6-inspired crossover coupe based on the X3 that is expected to hit the market by 2014. The vehicle would be positioned between Q3 and Q5 and, rumor has it, could have just two doors, placing it closer to the traditional definition of a coupe.

Audi is working on an electric SUV that will challenge Tesla Motors’ Model X when it arrives on the market in 2018. Today, the German automaker released some teaser shots of a concept previewing the new electric SUV. The concept is called the Audi e-tron quattro and will make its debut on September 15 at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.

It’s built around the latest MLB Evo platform and was designed from the ground up as an electric car, with its shape designed in such a way as to reduce drag while also highlighting the technical aspects with its clean surfaces and edgy look. The concept also features an aerodynamically optimized underbody that’s completely closed, helping to achieve a low coefficient of drag of 0.25—a record for the SUV segment, according to Audi.

Its electric drivetrain was developed using knowledge gained in the development of the R8 e-tron electric supercar. Three electric motors—one on the front axle and two on the rear—are featured in the concept and create an all-wheel-drive system. A large lithium-ion battery is positioned between the axles and below the passengercompartment, helping to lower the center of gravity and provide better balance.

Inside, there are four individual seats. From the teaser shots, we can see that designers have added a high-tech interface with numerous display screens. There are screens for the main instrument cluster, central infotainment system, and separate HVAC controls for front- and rear-seat passengers. Audi has already confirmed with its series of forward-looking Prolouge concepts that such a design will feature in its next-generation models.

In terms of size, Audi says the concept sits between the small Q5 and mid-size Q7. This makes sense as the production version it will spawn is expected to be called a Q6 e-tron quattro. Audi has confirmed the vehicle will utilize batteries supplied by Korean firms LG Chem and Samsung SDI and feature a range of 310 miles on a single charge. This range is almost certainly based on the European testing cycle, which produces longer range ratings than our own EPA tests. A reasonable rating for the Q6 e-tron here might be 240 miles or so.

The Q6 is being heavily promoted as an electric crossover but Audi is investigating other options for the vehicle including a likely plug-in hybrid option as well as a less certain hydrogen fuel cell option.

The Audi Q6 e-tron is the first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) and thus the new reference for Vorsprung durch Technik. Through its characteristics, the electric SUV embodies the next step in the company's transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility. The model is defined not only by impressive driving and charging performance, but also by increased efficiency and electric range of up to 381 miles (UK models). The Audi Q6 e-tron embodies typical Audi SUV styling with a further refined e-tron design language. The new design philosophy in the interior and pioneering technologies debuting in the new model, begin the next chapter in electric mobility for the Four Rings and make Vorsprung durch Technik a tangible experience every day. With the Q6 e-tron, e-mobility is coming from the Ingolstadt plant for the first time. The Audi Q6 e-tron quattro and SQ6 e-tron will be available to order in the UK from April 2024 priced from £68,975 and £92,950 (OTR) respectively.

The PPE, developed jointly with Porsche, and the E3 electronic architecture are important milestones in the expansion of Audi's global range of electrically powered models. They mark the start of a comprehensive strengthening and rejuvenation of the model portfolio. The Q6 e-tron underpins Audi's promise to offer electric vehicles in all core segments by 2027. "Built on the new PPE platform, the Audi Q6 e-tron is the next technological leap in premium electric mobility for our customers," said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, at the world premiere at the main plant in Ingolstadt. "The PPE shows how we are pooling expertise within the Volkswagen Group and thus making electric mobility scalable. Thanks to the PPE, we are able to launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments and thus further electrify our portfolio," the Audi CEO added. The flexibility of the PPE helps in giving the future models their independent character and the typical Audi DNA, despite shared technical underpinnings. The Q6 e-tron sets standards in terms of range and embodies typical Audi SUV styling with a further refined e-tron design language. Thanks to the new E3 electronic architecture, the Q6 e-tron model series represents the technological spearhead of the Audi portfolio.

Impressive range and charging performance

Powerful, compact, and scalable electric motors, as well as a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 net) ensure a range of up to 381 miles on UK models. The new Audi Q6 e tron ensures the sporty performance Audi is known for with a system output of 285 kW (388PS) and the SQ6 e-tron with a system output of up to 380 kW (517PS) when launch control is is engaged thus set standards in terms of performance, range, charging, driving dynamics, and design. At market launch, two model variants with all-wheel drive will be available, followed by particularly efficient models with rear-wheel drive designed for range, which will also mark the entry into the Q6 e-tron series. The Q6 e-tron quattro accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds. The SQ6 e-tron takes just 4.3 seconds (with launch control). The vehicles' top speeds are 130mph and 142mph respectively.

Thanks to 800-volt technology and a maximum charging capacity of 270 kW as standard, short charging stops are possible with the Audi Q6 e-tron. Up to 158 miles can be recharged in just 10 minutes at a high power charging station on the quattro powertrain. The state-of-charge (SoC) increases from 10 to 80 percent in around 21 minutes. Equipped with Plug & Charge, the vehicle authorizes itself at compatible charging stations when the charging cable is plugged in and commences the charging process. Charging is also fully automatic. If a charging station works with 400-volt technology, the Audi Q6 e-tron can, for the first time, enable bank charging. The 800-volt battery is automatically divided into two batteries at equal voltage, which can then be charged in parallel with up to 150 kW. Depending on the state of charge, both halves of the battery are first equalized and then charged simultaneously.

Typical Audi SUV design: the exterior

The Audi Q6 e-tron is positioned in the premium midsize segment, and with a length of 4,771mm, a width of 2,193mm (including mirrors), and a height of 1,702mm, the SUV offers maximum space, comfort, and suitability for everyday use. The wheelbase of 2,899mm allows plenty of legroom in the second row of seats. With these dimensions, the Audi Q6 e-tron offers sufficient space for five passengers and luggage and offers high utility value. Audi thus fulfils the requirements customers place on an SUV.

The Audi Q6 e-tron comes with perfect proportions thanks to the PPE. The ratio of a long wheelbase to very short overhangs forms the basis for the familiar, powerful, dynamic package seen in the exterior of Audi's Q models. The Audi Q6 e-tron embodies the further developed e-tron-specific design language.

Its striking SUV look makes for an impressive and sporty appearance. In the car's bodywork, soft shapes are in constant interplay with the creases and edges, lending dynamism to the shadows even when stationary. The upright front features a completely closed Singleframe and a mask in selenite silver or gloss black, which surrounds the three-dimensionally shaped Singleframe and the side air intakes. The high-positioned digital daytime running lights give the Q6 e-tron a very distinctive and independent appearance.

The greenhouse is stretched low and taut over the powerful body. It is slightly tapered towards the rear, and the gently sloping D-pillars flow elegantly into the bodywork's muscular shoulders. The opening between the D-pillar and the roof gives the vehicle a more dynamic appearance and makes the cabin appear more stretched and longer. A prominent line running from the rear lights to the rear doors emphasises the upper section of the "quattro blisters" - the contours of the body on which the gently sloping D-pillars are supported. The blisters are a core element of Audi's design DNA. Audi calls this central design principle "making technology visible." The dynamically tightened rear creates a mixture of sporty elegance and masculine power. The clean and broad rear architecture with its continuous light strip lends the Q6 e-tron quattro the clarity and aplomb typical of Audi.

World first in lighting technology

With the Q6 e-tron, Audi is not only starting a new chapter in electric mobility, but also in an important part of Audi's DNA: lighting technology. With the world's first active digital light signature, the electric SUV is ushering in a new era characterised by design and aesthetics that are unique to Audi.

A software module in one of the five domain computers of the Audi Q6 e-tron makes this form of light signature possible. In the case of the second-generation digital OLED rear lights, the six OLED panels with a total of 360 segments generate a new image every 10 milliseconds using a specially developed algorithm. Thanks to the perfect symbiosis between the lighting design and the new technology, the light in the new Audi Q6 e-tron appears livelier and more intelligent than ever before. The active digital light signature also points the way to the future of Audi lighting technology.

At the front, the active digital light signature is created by the interaction of the algorithm with twelve segments that dim up and down. At the rear, all digital OLED segments are used for this purpose. The individual light segments interact in such a way that the total light intensity of the light signature does not vary.

With the second generation of digital OLED rear lights, the Audi Q6 e-tron takes lighting design, functionality, and therefore road safety to a new level. The second generation of innovative digital OLED technology not only shapes the appearance, but also increases the range of functions. The technology, which is debuting in the Audi Q6 e-tron, also sets new standards in terms of individualization: With a total of up to eight digital light signatures in the redesigned daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and in the digital OLED rear lights 2.0, owners can individualise their Q6 e-tron in a completely new way.

For the first time, the digital OLED rear lights can communicate with their immediate surroundings in a targeted manner (Car-to-X). Audi has also taken safety functions to a new level. The proximity detection system already familiar from other Audi models has been extended in the new Q6 e-tron to include the communication light. It warns other road users in advance of accidents and breakdowns. In addition to the regular taillight graphics, the communication light displays a specific static taillight signature with integrated warning symbols in the digital OLED combination rear light in critical driving or traffic situations.

A new design philosophy goes into series production with the Q6 e-tron

The interior of the Audi Q6 e-tron is oriented more towards the needs of the user than ever. The three-dimensional and high-contrast design of the interior deliberately places elements in the foreground or background, creating a spatial architecture that is tailored to the occupants in terms of design and ergonomics. The Audi MMI panoramic display and the MMI passenger display form a visually clear digital stage. The interior emphasises a homely ambience. The "soft wrap" extends from the doors across the entire cockpit to the centre console, creating a homogeneous and enveloping feeling of space. The same colours and high-quality materials, some of which are recycled, can also be found in the seats. The materials used were selected from a functional point of view and, at the same time, ensured a clear design differentiation between the various vehicle areas in the interior. Comfort-oriented areas are designed with generous surfaces and soft materials. In contrast, the precisely designed control areas in high-quality, high-gloss black emphasise the clarity of interaction with the vehicle.

Thanks to the new PPE, which was developed specifically for e-mobility, the vehicle has a generous feeling of space and roominess as well as a high level of everyday practicality. The interior offers plenty of storage space and compartments. The increased comfort of the middle seat in the rear is typical of an electric car without a centre tunnel. The trunk offers 526 litres of storage space. If the rear seat bench is folded down, the storage space increases to up to 1,529 litres. The rear seats can be folded down separately (40:20:40). A further 64 litres of storage are optionally available in the frunk (front trunk) under the front hood - a convenient place to stow smaller travel bags, for example.

E3 - high-performance and future-oriented electronic architecture

With the newly developed electronic architecture E3, customers experience digitalization in the vehicle more directly than ever before. The name E3 stands for End-to-End Electronic Architecture. During development, the overriding goal was to create a future-proof, standardised framework. The function-oriented architecture is based on a new domain computer structure with five high-performance computers (High-Performance Computing Platform, HCP), which control all vehicle functions - from infotainment and driving functions through to semi-automated driving in later evolutionary stages. The most powerful electronic architecture to date in terms of computing power is consistently geared towards customer requirements. One focus of development was on high-performance and secure networking of domain computers, control units, sensors, and actuators in order to master more complex systems and maintain modularity. In addition, the E3 enables a high-performance and seamless backend connection for Car-to-X swarm data applications and computationally intensive offboard functions.

Digital Stage: new display and operating concept

The Audi Q6 e-tron model series has a fully connected and digital interior based on the new electronic architecture. Made up by the Audi MMI panoramic display and the MMI passenger display, the so-called Digital Stage is a key feature of the interior. The clearly grouped displays are perfectly integrated into the design concept and give the interior a generous and airy feeling of space. The slim, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and OLED technology and consists of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. The driver's area is designed as a curve, and the display, with its concave shape, is oriented towards the driver. The contours of the curved display are also reminiscent of the single frame typical of Audi. The ambient lighting makes the curved display seem to float at night and creates a suitable setting. Especially for the front passengers, Audi complements the digital stage with the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display with Active Privacy Mode, which prevents it from distracting the driver while on the move. This allows the front passenger to stream films/video content, assist with navigation, or even find a charging station.

With the Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, another central element of the digital stage, Audi is taking a major step forward in display technology. It reflects a large tilted image plane across the windscreen towards the driver and shows relevant information such as speed, traffic signs, assistance, and navigation symbols. The image plane is tilted forward to enhance the augmented reality impression. The focus of the human eye moves with it. This process and the far virtual distance of the image create the impression that the elements shown are floating up to 200 metres (656 ft) away. Virtual content is thus seamlessly integrated into reality. The information can be understood quickly without irritating or distracting the person driving.

The field of view of the augmented reality function corresponds to a diagonal of around 88 inches viewed from the driver's position.

Audi's self-learning voice assistant, the Audi Assistant, can be used to control numerous vehicle functions. The digital assistant with AI support is deeply integrated into the vehicle and, for the first time, is displayed using an avatar in the central touch display of the MMI and in the augmented reality head-up display. The new voice assistant understands more than 800 voice commands. It can also be activated via various touchpoints and via the myAudi app, for example. The voice assistant provides support in three categories: proactive suggestions (context information is used to proactively suggest functions for activation based on this data), smart routines (automatically recognises recurring operating sequences, such as using the seat climate control at certain outside temperatures), and intelligent lists (such as call lists). The spoken commands are also shown on the display (see-what-you-speak principle). The assistant constantly learns from user behaviour and thus supports the driver.

Infotainment - integrates customers' digital world

The new infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system for the first time. Content is always up-to-date thanks to over-the-air updates. The latest Audi connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner are therefore always up to date. Apps such as YouTube are available via the store for third-party apps, which are integrated directly into the MMI and do not require a smartphone.

The store gives customers access to a wide range of apps. The following applications are available at launch: music, video, gaming, navigation, parking and charging, productivity, weather, and news services. The store is constantly being expanded, and the app portfolio is market-specific.

The heart of the Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system is a highly efficient amplifier. It drives 22 loudspeakers with 830 watts of power. Four of these are integrated into the headrests of the front seats, enabling sound zones in an Audi for the first time. The dynamic interaction light (IAL) offers a variety of communication functions and thus supports the car's interaction with the occupants. It spans the interior and cockpit in a broad arc. The standard equipment of the Q6 e-tron series also includes the enhanced e-tron route planner.

Precisely tuned driving dynamics thanks to new steering and torque distribution Most of the systems and components making up the chassis are newly developed. Typical for Audi are the superior and easily controllable acceleration and deceleration in all driving situations. There is a precisely defined set-up philosophy with regard to the chassis. The suspension control systems involved are precisely coordinated with each other. The driving dynamics of the Q6 e-tron are significantly influenced by the partially redesigned front axle. For the first time in an Audi model, the control arms are positioned in front of the suspension arms. This results, above all, in package advantages for the positioning of the high-voltage battery. The newly developed components lead to improved kinematic properties. The steering rack is now fixed to a subframe. The refined axle kinematics provide noticeably increased driving dynamics. The new front axle also improves the steering behaviour. This makes the vehicle feel significantly more agile.

The rear-biased torque distribution as part of a highly variable all-wheel drive system also enhances the dynamic driving characteristics of the Q6 e-tron. The different dimensions of the electric motors on the rear and front axles enable rear-biased torque distribution even under full load. For the first time in an Audi model, the rear tyres of the Q6 e-tron are wider than the front tyres to accommodate the rear-biased weight distribution, for even more grip and driving dynamics.

Always ready to assist - the driver assistance systems

Relating to the driver assistance systems of the new Q6 e-tron, Audi provides a wide range of functions that significantly improve everyday driving and road safety for all road users.

Parking system plus with 360° display, swerve assist and turn assist, top-view camera, traffic-sign-based speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking in front and rear, camera-based traffic sign recognition, intersection assist, lane departure warning, lane change assistant and exit warning system, rear cross traffic assist, rear turn assist, and advanced driver attention and fatigue monitor system are all on board as standard from launch.

Park Assist Plus enables the vehicle to fully take over the entering and exiting parking manoeuvre for forwards and reverse parking in to kerbside and bay parking spaces between vehicles - the vehicle steers, accelerates, brakes and switches off the motor. Customers have the option of further assistance systems and a safety package as part of various equipment packages.

Materials from recycling processes

Materials prepared using recycling processes reduce the use of primary resources in the production of the Q6 e-tron and ensure a closed and therefore efficient and sustainable material cycle. In addition to materials made from recycled polyester, the plastic components typical of electric models, such as the frunk and the adjacent covers in the front section of the Q6 e-tron, are also made from recycled material. This also applies to the covers below the windscreen and over the HVAC intake.

To produce the steel required for all variants of the outer roof section, Audi uses scrap steel, some of which comes from end-of-life vehicles previously in use by customers. The proportion of scrap used in steel production averages up to 15 percent (mass balance approach based on currently planned production figures). This component is a good example of how Audi intends to use more post-consumer secondary materials in its products in the future.

Sustainable and flexible: production of the Audi Q6 e-tron

The Q6 e-tron model family, the first all-electric model series produced at the Ingolstadt plant, stands for Audi's commitment to sustainability, from production to product. The company is gradually refitting all production sites for the manufacture of all-electric models instead of building new ones. In line with the early decision to phase out the combustion engine, Audi has also intensively promoted the transformation of its employees and trained the workforce for fields of the future, for example, in the new battery assembly plant in Ingolstadt. The brand with the four rings is thus increasing vertical integration and bringing important skills to the sites. At the same time, Audi is creating new job opportunities.

In order to produce the Q6 e-tron series sustainably and efficiently, Audi uses existing structures and systems. The brand seamlessly integrates the model series into existing assembly lines, such as the body shop for the PPE. The bodies for the PPE models are produced at the Ingolstadt plant in a building covering around 148,000 square metres (almost 1,600,000 sq ft). The bodywork components for the Q6 e-tron series are made by 328 employees per shift and 1,150 robots with a degree of automation of 87 percent.

The Audi Q6 e-tron series are the first production models on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), marking the next step in the company's transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility. At the Beijing Auto Show 2024, the brand with the four rings is presenting a tailored variant for the Chinese market - the Audi Q6L e-tron.

The electrically powered car will be shown as an exterior model at the spring motor show in the Chinese capital; the series version will then make its public debut in the fourth quarter of 2024. Like other PPE models for the Chinese market, the Audi Q6L e-tron will be locally produced in a new factory in Changchun. The first deliveries to customers will take place in 2025.

The Audi Q6L e-tron is defined by impressive driving and charging performance, excellent efficiency, and an even greater range than the global model. The wheelbase, longer by 105 millimeters, also allows the installation of a larger battery. With it, CLTC ranges of more than 700 kilometers will be possible. The letter "L" in the name signals the long wheelbase, which is also becoming the hallmark of outstanding long-distance capability.

Audi has been building "L" models with an extended wheelbase for the Chinese market for decades. The A6L and A4L are the best-known large-volume versions, alongside the Q5L, A8L, and A8L Horch. Now, Audi is adding the L model to the Q6 e-tron family - providing even more space, comfort, and everyday usability. Together with the new interior design philosophy, the Q6L e-tron is creating a very exclusive and generous space for passengers in the market.

The Audi Q6L e-tron epitomizes Audi's distinctive SUV design with consistently further developed e-tron-specific design language. The Audi Q6L e-tron differs from the global version, and this becomes apparent from the start. Above all, the redesigned front end, with an evolution of the Audi brand face, sets its own accents for the China-specific version.

To accentuate the progressive and unique exterior design of the Q6L e-tron, exclusive colors will be available for this China-specific version. Lilac Grey, shown on the exterior model at the auto show in Beijing, is one of them.

With the extended wheelbase and a correspondingly stretched, sweeping roofline, the side lines are particularly elegant and in perfect proportion. Pioneering technologies, not least in the lighting units, begin the next chapter in electromobility for the Four Rings and will continue to make "Vorsprung durch Technik" a daily experience in China.

The PPE, developed jointly with Porsche, and the E3 1.2 electronic architecture are important milestones in the expansion of Audi's global range of electrically powered models. They mark the start of a comprehensive strengthening and rejuvenation of the model portfolio.

"With the Q6L e-tron, we are bringing the technological benefits of our new Premium Platform Electric to China. The model underscores our promise to offer electric vehicles in all core segments by 2027," said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, during the world premiere at the Beijing Auto Show.

Impressive range and charging performance

Powerful, compact, and highly efficient electric motors, and a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of 12 modules and 192 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 107 kWh (+7 kWh compared to the variant that will be available upon launch in the Q6 e-tron quattro and the SQ6 e-tron ensure a range of more than 700 kilometers according to CLTC.

Thanks to the 800-volt technology and a maximum DC charging capacity of 270 kW as standard, short charging stops are possible with the Audi Q6L e-tron. Up to 260 kilometers of range can be recharged in just ten minutes at an appropriate charging station (High Power Charging, HPC). The State of Charge (SoC) will increase from 10 to 80 percent within 25 minutes.

Intelligent thermal management makes an essential contribution to the high charging performance and long service life of the high-voltage battery in the Q6L e-tron.

The Audi Q6L e-tron will be offered as a rear-wheel drive version with a system power output of 255 kW and a quattro all-wheel drive with 345 kW. The rear-wheel drive version offers significant efficiency and range, and the quattro version provides excellent traction and driving dynamics.

Elegance and evolution: the exterior

The Audi Q6L e-tron is positioned in the premium mid-size segment. With a vehicle length of 4,884 millimeters, a width of 1,965 millimeters, and a height of 1,687 millimeters, the SUV offers maximum space, comfort, and suitability for everyday use. The wheelbase of 2,995 millimeters allows business-class legroom in the rear seats.

Thanks to the Premium Platform Electric, the Audi Q6 e-tron model family has perfect proportions. The L-version surpasses the appearance of the other models with the remarkable elegance of its long wheelbase and stretched roofline. Combined with this elegance, its striking SUV look ensures an incomparably dynamic appearance. Organically shaped surfaces are structured by the precise lines of the body and create a characteristic interplay between light and shadow even when stationary.

The greenhouse stretches flat and taut over the powerful body. It is tapered towards the rear, and the gently sloping D-pillars flow elegantly into the characteristically shaped body shoulders. The opening of the D-pillars towards the roof makes the vehicle more dynamic, making the cabin appear linger. A striking line running from the rear lights to the rear doors emphasizes the upper section of the "quattro blisters" - the contours of the body on which the cabin appears to rest. This sculptural emphasis on the wheel is a core element of Audi's design DNA. Audi calls this central design principle "making technology visible." The dynamic rear creates a mixture of sporty elegance and power. With its continuous light strip, this rear architecture gives the Q6L e-tron the clarity and authority typical of Audi.

The 21-inch wheels are aerodynamically optimized, visually reversing the classic surface distribution of slim spokes and flat air intakes. Here, the compact openings only slightly break up the flat design of the wheels because the disk brakes are rarely used and, therefore, require little cooling air.

The handles integrated almost flush into the door surfaces are also new and a first for Audi. A proximity sensor on the underside of the handles unlatches the lock when needed - the door springs open easily without any effort and only needs to be swung open manually.

The upright front is an evolutionary development of the e-tron brand face. As is typical for an electrically powered Audi, the central area of the Q6L e-tron is aerodynamically optimally closed and integrated. For the first time, for the Chinese market, the brand has developed a completely new front design: the Audi designers have incorporated the central element into the broader fascia, both are colored gloss black. This turns the front into an emphatically horizontal sculpture that extends far into the sides, making the SUV appear flatter and oriented towards the road. Large side air inlets emphasize the dynamic appearance, while the flat proportions of the split light unit give the Q6L e-tron a determined expression.

The brand logos with the four rings, illuminated for the first time, are new at the front and rear. A soft projection light visually connects them to the headlights in the grille. The Q6L e-tron is also clearly recognizable as an Audi in its night design.

Innovative lighting technology

With the Q6 e-tron family, Audi is starting a new chapter in electric mobility and lighting technology. With the active digital light signature, the electric SUV is ushering in a new era characterized by unique design and aesthetics found only at Audi.

A software module in one of the five domain computers of the Audi Q6L e-tron makes this form of light signature possible. In the case of the second-generation digital OLED rear lights, the six OLED panels with 360 segments generate a new image every ten milliseconds using a specially developed algorithm.

Thanks to the perfect synthesis of light design and pioneering technology, the light in the new Audi Q6L e-tron appears livelier and more intelligent than ever.

The active digital light signature confirms Audi's status as an industry pioneer in lighting technology.

At the front, the active digital light signature is created by the algorithm interacting with twelve segments that dim up and down. At the rear, all digital OLED segments are used for this purpose. The individual light segments interact in such a way that the overall image of the light signature always remains constant, even in terms of brightness.

The technology, which is being used for the first time in the Audi Q6L e-tron, also sets new standards in terms of individualization: with eight digital light signatures in the redesigned daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and the optional second-generation digital OLED rear lights, the Q6L e-tron can be personalized in an entirely new way. Switching between the signatures in the corresponding vehicle menu is quick and easy.

With the second generation of digital OLED rear lights, the Audi Q6L e-tron takes lighting design, functionality, and, therefore, road safety to a new level. For the first time, the digital OLED rear lights can communicate with the immediate surroundings in a targeted manner.

Audi has also systematically enhanced its safety functions. The proximity detection function, already present in other Audi models, has been enhanced in the new Q6L e-tron to include the communication light. It warns other road users of accidents and breakdowns. For this purpose, in critical driving or traffic situations, the communication light displays a specific static rear light signature with integrated warning symbols in the digital OLED combination rear light.

Also a clear benefit for safety: an LED light element is located on the lower side of the rear spoiler, which projects the central brake light onto the rear window in a large and highly visible area when the brakes are applied.

More tailored for China than ever: interior, infotainment, and driver assistance systems

"The Q6L e-tron will have more differentiation from the global model than ever before, both regarding exterior design and the digital interior experience. The interior of the Audi Q6L e-tron will be more consistently geared towards the needs of Chinese customers than ever before", said CEO Gernot Döllner. Apart from an exclusive interior design offering, Audi engineers in the Technical Development departments in Beijing and Germany have integrated numerous infotainment functions designed to meet customers' wishes and reflect the requirements of the Chinese market. Thus, the vehicle interior becomes an individualized digital experience for Chinese drivers and passengers.

For the first time, a set of highly sophisticated driver assistance systems was also exclusively developed to meet Chinese customer expectations. Audi will present a range of China-tailored driving assistance functions in the Q6L e-tron, including the adaptive Driving Assistant Pro and the Parking Assistant Pro. Based on a comprehensive sensor system (including lidar and radar sensors, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors) and V2X technologies, those functions will assist the driver in much broader scenarios for driving and parking than any previous Audi model. Together with several additional functions, such as Reversing Assist, the Q6L e-tron will open up brand new dimensions of comfort and safety for Chinese customers.

The basis - both for infotainment and driver assistance - is the newly developed electronic architecture E3 1.2. The name E3 stands for End-to-End Electronic Architecture. During development, the overriding goal was to create a future-proof, standardized framework. The function-oriented architecture is based on a new domain computer structure with five high-performance computers (High-Performance Computing Platform, HCP), which control all vehicle functions - from infotainment and driving functions through to semi-automated driving in later evolutionary stages. The most powerful electronic architecture to date in terms of computing power is consistently geared toward customer requirements.

One focus of development was on high-performance and secure networking of domain computers, control units, sensors, and actuators to master more complex systems and maintain modularity. In addition, the E3 1.2 is characterized by a seamless, high-performance backend connection for Car-to-X swarm data applications and computationally intensive offboard functions.

In China, for China - production in Changchun

The Audi Q6L e-tron and other models for the Chinese market based on the PPE platform will be built in a new factory in Changchun. The production site and headquarters of the Audi FAW NEV Company is not only the first Audi plant in China to exclusively produce all-electric vehicles, but it also sets new standards in digitalization, efficiency, and sustainability. With its global environmental program "Mission:Zero", Audi is committed to decarbonization, responsible water use, resource efficiency, and biodiversity - also at this new plant.

That means that the Audi FAW NEV Company utilizes energy-efficient and sustainable technologies in all production areas. The company also continuously monitors the efficiency of all equipment.

The Q6L e-tron will commence local production in late 2024, with deliveries to customers beginning in 2025. Further volume models will follow from 2025 with versions of the Audi A6 e-tron.