To be frank, Tesla’s Cybertruck has been dominating headlines when it comes to electric pickups. But if Audi has their way, those sentiments may well change in the near future. That is, of course, if the Audi Q6 e-tron offroad concept makes it to the assembly lines as a full production model.
Breaking cover recently, Audi’s iconic prototype showcases the potential of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform. At first glances, the Audi Q6 concept is undoubtedly a highly emotive vehicle. The newly developed prototype is designed for blazing new trails.
The Q6’s wider track and increased ride height combine for a spectacular appearance.
“The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is a reinterpretation of quattro. The model shows the potential that our platform for all electric vehicles already has today, “explains Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “This vehicle can claim new ground. We look forward to seeing our customers’ reactions to this highly emotive car.”
Electric Trailblazer
Audi’s new concept is a highly emotive reinterpretation of quattro.
The Q6 Concept’s capability is primarily centred on two electric motors providing a combined power output of 380 kW. According to Audi, the vehicle can climb gradients of up to 100 percent thanks to its newly designed portal axles.
While conventional portal axles enable an increase in torque of around 20 to 30 percent at the wheels, the new design from Audi increases torque at the wheel by 50 percent. This lowers its top speed to 175 kmh – adequate for an off-roader – but enables it to climb gradients up to 45 degrees.
The debuting Q6 gives a taste of a potential vehicle in the progressive off-road segment. It is quite a looker too, with its 160mm ride height and 250mm wider track contributing to its spectacular appearance.
Newly developed portal axles enable it to climb gradients of up to 100 percent.
The four portal axles were developed from scratch and integrated into the wheel hub assemblies at the front and rear. This, however, necessitated partial changes to the suspension links. The portal axles increase the combined torque at all wheels (10-second peak) to 13,400 Nm.
Concept To Reality
The Audi Q6 e-tron serves as the basis for the concept car and is the first production model built on the PPE. As such, it serves as the new reference point for electrically driven Vorsprung durch Technik– both on and off the road.
Iconic prototype showcases the potential of the PPE platform.
On paper, the Audi Q6 model series certainly alludes to an exciting future for electric off-roaders. The German automaker also claims that the prototype not only delivers impressive driving but also charging performance, setting new standards in range and efficiency.
Whether or not the Q6 e-tron offroad concept can deliver as promised remains to be seen. But by all accounts, judging by its recent performance at the F.A.T. Ice Race, it seems to be delivering as advertised.
