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By Jonathan Crouch

Is the SQ6 e-tron a really credible S-designated Audi? Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 46

The Audi Q6 e-tron was co-developed with Porsche and arguably the most Porsche-like variant is this SQ6 e-tron model. With up to 517PS on tap, this twin motor mid-size performance EV crossover is uber-rapid - as for the near six-figure price tag, it needs to be.

Backgroundword count: 152

When it comes to the upper mid-sized EV design jointly developed by the VW Group to create both the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan Electric, the Audi clearly targets the luxury side of the market, the Porsche the sporty side of it. So where does that leave this car, the SQ6 e-tron, bearer of Ingolstadt's dynamic S moniker, with performance markers of its own to put down at the most premium end of this segment? There was clearly a danger here that the S designation would become merely a badging trim level in the Q6 e-tron range. Audi is developing an RS model to make a real Q6 statement and has given this SQ6 none of the clever tri-motor engineering that used to set the old SQ8 e-tron apart from its lesser siblings. But you'd think the brand must have learnt something from developing this car with Porsche. Has it?

Engines and Tech Specword count: 337

So, what exactly has Audi learned from Porsche here? Well the SQ6 e-tron doesn't have the rearward powertrain bias of its Macan Electric Turbo cousin, but the latest version of Ingolstadt's quattro 4WD system has been tuned to send most of its power rearwards in dynamic driving situations, though only at mid speeds. Audi doesn't think anyone wants the tail splaying out past 80mph. Track day fans might disagree but you can't really imagine a track day fan choosing an SQ6 e-tron. Particularly as there's no clever SQ8 e-tron-style tri-motor arrangement in play here. Just a re-tuning of the standard Q6 e-tron quattro model's 388PS set-up. So that in the SQ6 e-tron, it develops 490PS (or as much as 517PS with launch control engaged). Which, with 275Nm of torque developed on the front axle and 580Nm from the rear one, takes the car to 62mph in just 4.3s en route to 143mph. If that's still not fast enough, talk to your dealer about the forthcoming RS Q6 Sportback e-tron model, expected to produce over 600PS. Range from the Q6 e-tron quattro model's same 100kWh battery falls only slightly on this SQ6 to 360 miles (mainly due to wider tyres). That EV range figure can be slightly improved upon (to 369 miles) if you're prepared to pay the extra for the slightly more aerodynamic Sportback body shape. Audi says that sticking with just two motors in the SQ6 e-tron allows for a more straightforward apportioning of the torque frontward or rearward as required and, as a result, more manageable drive dynamics. Steering feel won't be as sharp and feelsome as it would be in the equivalent Macan, but it aims to set a fresh standard of response for S-branded Audis. And is obviously affected by drive select modes - the fastest is 'Dynamic' - that have more differentiation than those in the old SQ8 e-tron. It sounds better too, thanks to the standardisation of Audi's 'e-tron Sport Sound' system, though if you disagree, you can switch that off.

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