2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron Review: Electrifying Speed Wrapped in Classic Audi Refinement
The electric revolution within Audi’s lineup continues with the debut of the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron, a model designed to bridge the gap between luxury daily driving and performance-oriented EV power. Built on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) co-developed with Porsche, the SQ6 e-tron aims to deliver sports-car-like acceleration with SUV practicality. But does it go beyond numbers to offer an engaging experience behind the wheel? Here’s a full breakdown of its design, powertrain, technology, and road performance.
Gallery: 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron
A New Electric Era: The PPE Platform
Audi’s latest EVs, including the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron, are the first to ride on the all-new PPE architecture, shared with Porsche’s Macan Electric. This platform represents a major step forward from the older MEB architecture used in the Q4 e-tron, introducing an 800-volt electrical system, dual-motor layout, and next-generation battery management.
The SQ6 e-tron benefits directly from this advanced setup. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration generates up to 509 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque in Boost mode, or 483 hp in normal driving. The system channels this energy to all four wheels via a single-speed transmission.
Audi claims the SUV sprints from 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds, but independent testing by automotive journalists recorded times as quick as 3.7 seconds, putting it in the same league as performance rivals like the BMW iX M60 and Tesla Model Y Performance.
Performance: Brutal Speed Meets Predictable Control
If there’s one thing Audi gets right, it’s blending performance with composure. The SQ6 e-tron may not have the drama of a supercar, but it offers relentless thrust that’s easy to manage. Press the accelerator, and there’s no delay—the torque hits instantly, and the 5,400-pound SUV rockets forward in silence.
On winding roads, the SQ6 handles with precision. Its adaptive air suspension automatically adjusts damping rates, switching between comfort and dynamic modes seamlessly. Despite its weight, the SUV remains composed through corners, and body roll is minimal.
In controlled tests, the SQ6 achieved 0.80 g on the skidpad and completed the figure-eight course in 24.7 seconds—a performance on par with rivals like the Polestar 3 and Mercedes EQE SUV. Steering feedback, while accurate, leans toward the familiar Audi philosophy: confident but somewhat detached. Enthusiasts may wish for more communication through the wheel, but for most luxury buyers, the balance between comfort and grip is spot on.
Battery, Range, and Charging: Everyday Usability with Speed
Underneath the floor sits a 94.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering an EPA-estimated range of around 275 miles on a full charge. While not class-leading, it’s an honest number that aligns well with real-world testing.
Where the SQ6 e-tron truly impresses is in its charging performance. Thanks to its 800-volt system, the SUV supports up to 270 kW of DC fast-charging, which can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 21 minutes. In testing, it gained about 160 miles of range in 15 minutes, which is among the fastest recharge times in its segment.
Home charging via Level 2 systems offers around 11 kW AC charging, which fills the battery overnight. Audi also integrates a clever dual-side charging port design—one on each side of the car—for easier cable management at tight public chargers or home garages.
Charging and Range Comparison
| Model | Power Output | Range (EPA est.) | 0–60 mph | Max DC Fast-Charge |
| Audi SQ6 e-tron | 509 hp | 275 miles | 3.7 sec | 270 kW |
| BMW iX M60 | 532 hp | 296 miles | 3.6 sec | 195 kW |
| Polestar 3 Dual Motor | 517 hp | 279 miles | 4.0 sec | 250 kW |
| Tesla Model Y Performance | 455 hp | 303 miles | 3.5 sec | 250 kW |
The SQ6 may not have the longest range, but it combines performance and recharge speed better than most of its direct rivals, striking a solid middle ground between efficiency and excitement.
Interior Design: Minimalism Meets Audi Luxury
The cabin of the SQ6 e-tron reflects Audi’s modern design ethos—clean lines, soft ambient lighting, and impeccable material quality. It’s futuristic yet familiar, balancing digital innovation with tactile craftsmanship.
The focal point is Audi’s new “Digital Stage” cockpit, which combines a 14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen with an 11.9-inch driver display, both curved toward the driver. For passengers, an optional 10.9-inch secondary screen offers entertainment or navigation input without distracting the driver.
Physical buttons are kept to a minimum, though essential controls—like climate and drive modes—remain accessible. The MMI interface is fluid, responsive, and backed by the latest Snapdragon Cockpit Platform for faster processing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system supports over-the-air updates.
Audi’s hallmark Softwrap interior extends premium materials across the dashboard and doors, with customizable upholstery in sustainable leather alternatives. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system enhances the cabin’s acoustic luxury, while ambient lighting options elevate the night-time aesthetic.
Comfort and Practicality: An Everyday Performer
For all its power and tech, the SQ6 e-tron remains a family-friendly SUV. Seating for five adults comes standard, with generous legroom in both rows. The flat EV floor improves space efficiency, and visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent.
Cargo capacity stands at approximately 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to over 54 cubic feet with seats folded flat. A small front trunk (frunk) adds about 2 cubic feet—ideal for charging cables or small bags.
Ride quality, while slightly firmer than the standard Q6 e-tron, remains supple thanks to the adaptive air suspension. Road imperfections are absorbed gracefully, especially in Comfort mode. However, some testers noted a “bouncy” feel on uneven surfaces—a side effect of the heavy chassis and sporty tuning.
Noise insulation is excellent, with almost no wind or tire noise at highway speeds. Audi’s use of acoustic glass and active sound dampening keeps the cabin serene, emphasizing the brand’s reputation for refinement.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron is equipped with the latest suite of driver-assistance technologies, branded as Audi Pre Sense. Standard systems include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist.
Higher trims add 360-degree cameras, adaptive headlights, and Audi’s new Predictive Efficiency Assist, which adjusts energy recuperation and speed based on navigation data. Level 2+ semi-autonomous capability allows hands-free cruising on mapped highways, positioning Audi among the leaders in premium EV safety technology.
Pricing and Trims: Where It Fits in the Market
Audi offers the SQ6 e-tron in three trims—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
- Premium (Base) – Starts around $74,000, including the dual-motor setup, adaptive air suspension, 20-inch wheels, and full digital cockpit.
- Premium Plus – Adds the panoramic glass roof, matrix LED headlights, and advanced driver-assist functions for roughly $78,000.
- Prestige – Tops the range at about $82,000, introducing ventilated sport seats, head-up display, and the 3D Bang & Olufsen sound system.
With pricing set slightly below the BMW iX M60 and Mercedes EQE SUV, Audi is clearly targeting buyers who want performance and luxury without the six-figure sticker shock.
Driving Impressions: Balanced, Not Breathtaking
In motion, the SQ6 e-tron feels predictably Audi—fast, stable, and impeccably built. Yet, it stops short of delivering a deeply emotional driving experience. The acceleration thrills, but the steering and chassis tuning remain measured rather than exhilarating.
Reviewers agree the SQ6 is “competent, not captivating.” That might sound like faint praise, but it reflects Audi’s decision to prioritize refinement over rawness. For most buyers, this equilibrium is precisely what makes the SQ6 so appealing—it’s a car that can commute quietly, crush highway miles, and still impress when you press the throttle.
Verdict: The Sweet Spot Between Performance and Practicality
The 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron isn’t the flashiest EV SUV on the road, nor the most range-efficient—but it might be the most well-rounded. It embodies Audi’s evolution toward electrification while preserving the core traits that define the brand: sophistication, comfort, and composure.
For buyers who value high performance without sacrificing refinement, the SQ6 e-tron offers a convincing balance. It’s fast enough to thrill, smart enough to simplify, and comfortable enough to drive daily.
As Audi continues expanding its e-tron family, the SQ6 stands out as a symbol of maturity—a luxury EV that doesn’t just chase specs, but seeks harmony between speed, silence, and style.
Read: 2026 Audi A5 Sedan e-Hybrid: The Perfect Balance of Performance, Efficiency, and Style
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the 0–60 mph time of the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron?
The SQ6 e-tron accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, faster than Audi’s official 4.1-second estimate.
2. How far can the SQ6 e-tron travel on a single charge?
It offers an EPA-estimated range of 275 miles, depending on wheel size, driving style, and weather conditions.
3. What is the charging speed of the SQ6 e-tron?
The SUV supports 270 kW DC fast charging, adding up to 160 miles in 15 minutes under ideal conditions.
4. How much does the 2025 SQ6 e-tron cost?
Pricing starts around $74,000 for the base trim and can exceed $82,000 for fully equipped Prestige models.
5. Does the SQ6 e-tron qualify for EV tax credits?
Eligibility varies by market and battery sourcing. Buyers should check local regulations for updated incentive information.
