Audi presents a dedicated variant from the Q6 e-tron family for its largest market, China, at Auto China in Beijing Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: "With the Q6L e-tron, we are bringing a tailor-made offering for our customers in China" The Q6L e-tron is the first PPE model to be built in the new factory in Changchun
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 new Audi Q6 e-tron sets standards in terms of performance, range, charging, driving dynamics and design Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: "Built on the new PPE platform, the Audi Q6 e-tron is the next technological leap in premium electric mobility for our customers" The new model takes the digital experience at Audi to a new level
The Audi Q6 e-tron is the first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), marking the next step in the company's transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility. With its characteristics, the electric SUV stands for Vorsprung durch Technik. The model is defined not only by impressive driving and charging performance, but also by increased efficiency and long range. 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 range, e-mobility is coming from the Ingolstadt plant for the first time.
Optimized off-road capability: Ground clearance raised by 31 millimeters A unique design language: Striking exterior and optional decals inspired by the RS Q e-tron from the Dakar Rally More grip: Off-road ready General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires improve acceleration and braking on loose surfaces
It is inspired by the world’s premier desert rally: the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. On the exterior, the special model’s raised chassis and the optional decals are reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron designed for the Dakar Rally and featuring an electric drive system and an energy converter. The off-road capabilities of this exclusive SUV, combined with its high and instantly available torque, are perfect for adventurous people who also want to drive off the beaten path electrically. The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar will be available to order from the end of February 2024. The base price in Germany starts at € 119,900.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. The net battery size is 106 kWh (gross: 114 kWh) and the quattro drivetrain, with its two motors, delivers 300 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm.
“Following the world debut of the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Audi Q6L e-tron, which was just introduced in Beijing and was developed specifically for the Chinese market, the next fully electric model will follow this summer in the form of the A6 e-tron. With the new generation of the A5 and Q5, we’ll also be launching our first models based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) in the second half of the year. This transition will be demanding for us. With our strong team, highly attractive new models and a clear agenda for more speed, we’re positioning ourselves for the future. We’re shaping the transformation from a position of strength.” Deliveries to customers In the first quarter of the year, Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini delivered 402,048 vehicles for the Brand Group Progressive (Q1 2023: 421,824). The decline of 4.7 percent year on year was mainly caused by a difficult market and supply situation. On top of that were 12,394 motorcycles from the Ducati brand (Q1 2023: 14,769). The Audi brand handed over 396,912 vehicles to customers (Q1 2023: 415,684). Deliveries of fully electric models increased by 3 percent to 35,630 vehicles (Q1 2023: 34,584). Overview of regions In Europe, the Audi brand delivered 162,432 vehicles in the first quarter (Q1 2023: 181,001). The decline of around 10 percent was mainly caused by the intense competitive situation in Europe, the difficult supply situation and a strike in Mexico. After all, the Audi Q5 is also produced for the European market at the Mexican plant. Deliveries of fully electric vehicles were around 9 percent lower than the same period last year. In Germany, customers’ reluctance showed following the elimination of the environmental bonus. After a strong end to 2023, deliveries in Germany fell to 46,237 vehicles in the first quarter, including 5,434 fully electric models.
Optimized off-road capability: Ground clearance raised by 31 millimeters A unique design language: Striking exterior and optional decals inspired by the RS Q e-tron from the Dakar Rally More grip: Off-road ready General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires improve acceleration and braking on loose surfaces
It is inspired by the world’s premier desert rally: the Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar. On the exterior, the special model’s raised chassis and the optional decals are reminiscent of the RS Q e-tron designed for the Dakar Rally and featuring an electric drive system and an energy converter. The off-road capabilities of this exclusive SUV, combined with its high and instantly available torque, are perfect for adventurous people who also want to drive off the beaten path electrically. The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can be ordered in the first quarter of 2024. In Germany prices start from around 120,000 euros.
The Audi Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. The net battery size is 106 kWh (gross: 114 kWh) and the quattro drivetrain, with its two motors, delivers 300 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm. This means the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds with the standard tires.
The manufacture of the Audi Q6 e-tron series is a collaboration across locations. The electrically powered SUV marks the first time the brand with the four rings has produced an all-electric Audi model at its headquarters in Ingolstadt. Audi is building the electric motors for the premiere Premium Platform Electric (PPE) model in Győr, Hungary. In this interview, Siegfried Schmidtner, plant manager in Ingolstadt, and Alfons Dintner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi Hungaria, discuss the collaboration between the two sites, the mood among employees in the light of the company’s ongoing transformation, and the future prospects for Ingolstadt and Győr.
Mr. Schmidtner, what’s the attitude of the workforce in Ingolstadt toward the upcoming shift to electric mobility? Siegfried Schmidtner: Our employees are key to the transformation; I observe daily that they are incredibly positive and motivated by the shift. There is a palpable sense of optimism. We’ve been working hard to prepare for the transformation to electric mobility – so we’re ready to get going. Electric mobility represents a tremendous opportunity for Ingolstadt. We will be the pioneer for the Premium Platform Electric and the new E3 electronics architecture. We’re proud to play a vital role in shaping the company’s transformation. What challenges do Győr and Ingolstadt face in view of the impending changes? Alfons Dintner: Győr has been manufacturing for 30 years. The site has successfully handled numerous model launches, so it is prepared for the transformation, the changeover, and the zeitgeist. The people who work here have been with the company for a long time and are therefore very experienced. In addition, Audi Hungaria doesn’t only build engines but also entire vehicles. It has its own technical development department, in-house toolmaking shop and offers services to the whole Volkswagen Group.
More than other e-models, the Audi Q4 e-tron family has contributed to the strong growth in deliveries in the first half of 2023 (+51.2 percent). It is being comprehensively updated in the 2024 model year with a newly tuned suspension, increased efficiency, characteristic sound, and enhanced standard equipment. In addition to an optimized drive concept and higher charging power, Audi is expanding the models’ range of functions in the driver assistance systems. With the optional adaptive cruise assist, both models now also aid lane changes. The updated models will be available to order from September 26, starting at 52,950 euros.
All Q4 e-tron models feature a large battery that provides 77 kWh of net energy (82 kWh gross). Optimized cell chemistry has improved the DC charging power so that they charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 28 minutes under ideal conditions. The quattro models now achieve a maximum DC charging power of 175 kW, and the rear-wheel drive models a maximum of 135 kW. The battery protection function automatically limits the charge level to 80 percent to extend battery life. To ensure intelligent trip and charge planning, the e-tron route planner prioritizes high-performance HPC stations (High-Power Charging facilitates ultrafast charging). If the driver takes the suggested route, the system activates battery preconditioning for the period before the new Audi Q4 e-tron models reach the selected, stored charging station. If the driver selects an HPC station as the destination, the system activates thermal conditioning to ensure the battery charges as quickly as possible at the station. For the first time, the Audi Q4 e-tron model family also features post-conditioning. Here, the vehicle’s thermal management system cools the battery, for example, if it exceeds a fixed temperature threshold after driving or charging.
Expressive appearance guarantees high recognition value for the flagship in Audi’s SUV range Individualization of headlights and rear lights through digitalization Equipment range with new exterior colors, wheels, and decorative inlays underscores dynamically elegant look
Audi is updating the flagship of the Q family with a pure design and upgraded technology. The revised exterior aesthetic with new front and rear aprons underscores the strong character of the SUV coupé. The optionally available S line exterior package caters to customers who desire more sportiness. For the first time, Audi is equipping the Q8 with HD Matrix LED headlights, including a laser as an additional high beam. These headlights feature digital daytime running lights and selectable light signatures. Digital OLED rear lights with four selectable rear light designs complete the expanded light offering. New wheels, colors, decorative inlays, and seats with contrast stitching highlight the car’s top position among the Q models. The new Audi Q8 starts at 86,700 euros.
Revised, generous, striking: the exterior design With its expressive design, the revised Q8 is a sporty, elegant SUV coupé from the brand with the four rings. With its clean shape, generous surfaces, and clear volumes, the Q8 paints a dynamic picture. The short overhangs and long wheelbase make for sporty, elegant proportions that can be accentuated with distinctive exterior colors and wheels. The unmistakably powerful and upright Audi Singleframe with an octagon design now impresses with vertical inlays. They are arranged in teardrop shape in the base exterior and designed in the shape of an L in the S line exterior package and the SQ8 TFSI.