The Audi Q6 E-Tron electrical crossover wasn’t designed for hardcore off-road use, however a brand new idea automotive explores the chances of a extra rugged EV from the German automaker.
Audi posted photographs of the idea—dubbed the Q6 E-Tron Off-Highway—on social media Thursday, however did not present a lot element on its options. However it seems to make use of portal axles to boost floor clearance and permit for the biggest-possible tires.
Audi Q6 E-Tron Off-Highway idea
In contrast to typical axles, portal axles situate the wheel hub beneath the axle hub, separated by gears. Along with growing floor clearance, portal axles permit for a wider stance, and the extra set of gears permits for decrease gearing past the differential.
Mercedes-Benz beforehand used portal axles for an idea model of its EQC electrical crossover, which was initially slated for U.S. gross sales however by no means made it right here. That idea scouted the path for Mercedes’ electrical G-Class, however it’s unclear if Audi has an identical off-road manufacturing mannequin in thoughts.
Audi Q6 E-Tron Off-Highway idea
Audi teased a extra rugged EV in 2023 with the Activesphere idea, which was based mostly on the identical Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) because the Q6 E-Tron. PPE, which brings high-power charging {hardware} pioneered within the Audi E-Tron GT to extra EVs, can be shared with the A6 E-Tron sedan and the electrical model of the Porsche Macan.
The Q6 E-Tron Off-Highway is predicated on the sleeker Sportback physique type of the Q6 E-Tron, which hasn’t reached the U.S. but. Solely the usual SUV physique type is presently accessible to order within the U.S., as a 2025 mannequin, with a $65,095 base value together with a $1,295 vacation spot cost. It presents as much as 321 miles of EPA, and a first drive in California indicated attaining one thing near that in the true world is not a stretch.