Howdy, hoons! Will here. In an effort to provide some genuine consumer advice, today we’re exploring a rather intriguing comparison. Let’s say you’re in the market for an upscale compact electric vehicle. There are some fantastic options available, like the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron. As you browse the showroom, you notice a lower, sportier version. It’s the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron, which starts at $9,100 more than the Q6. So, which one is the best? I had the opportunity to spend a week with both and have some thoughts!
Let’s get it on!
First, let’s set the stage for this epic super review. As you can see from the cool image comparo above, the SQ6 is lower, features fancier headlights, sports some brightwork on the front end, and has different wheels. But it’s more than just some sporty aesthetics.
Both utilize the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) found in the Audi A6 e-tron and the new electric Porsche Macan. With an additional starting MSRP of $9,100 compared to the Q6, you gain more power, of course, but there’s a lot more to it. The SQ6 boasts a sportier suspension, a sportier exterior, and, you guessed it, a sportier interior.
Of course, we didn’t just receive them as they were; each e-tron EV SUV came with various packages. The window sticker displays the primary option, the Prestige Package, which costs $6,800 for the Q6 and $6,400 for the SQ6, and that makes sense since they are the Prestige trim after all. Each adds a $595 premium paint option, while the Q6 includes the Warm Weather Package and 20-inch wheel package, and the SQ6 features the “Fine Nappa leather,” larger 21-inch wheels, and the Black Optic package.
You can read through the details below in our cool image comparo’inator. Out the door, the Q6 is $76,790 while the SQ6 is $83,840. So, we’re only looking at a $7,050 price difference. Let’s compare to see if it’s worth the upgrade.
Wait, before we continue into the details of the comparison, here’s a cheat sheet on which Audi is which:
- Exterior: Q6 is a blueish gray, while SQ6 is a regular gray.
- Interior: Q6 is light, SQ6 is dark.
Got it? Good. Let’s goooo!
2025 Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron: Exterior
The general theme of the SQ6 vs. the Q6 from a design perspective is “sporty aggression.” It’s noticeably lower, sports larger wheels, and surprisingly is shinier than the Q6. At least stock vs. stock, our tester has the Black Optic Package which adds darker Audi rings and other trim.
The aesthetics aren’t dramatically different and won’t necessarily be distinguished in a meaningful way by the general public. Personally, I prefer the SQ6 a bit more, but it still feels a little anonymous at that price point. A brighter color would help, but you can only choose from gray, black, white, dark blue, and bright blue. I’m an extrovert, and I’d go with the bright Ascari Blue metallic paint color.
Here, you can browse them yourself before we move on to the interior.
2025 Q6 e-tron Prestige
2025 SQ6 e-tron Prestige
2025 Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron: Interior
The interior differences are somewhat more dramatic. While the layout is quite similar, the materials and overall effect are notably different.
2025 Q6 e-tron Prestige
I’m not a fan of piano black, and most of the area in front of the center console is covered in it. While it looks great in a showroom, it quickly shows dirt, fingerprints, and everything else. Otherwise, the Q6 features a range of high-quality materials throughout its interior. I particularly like the wood on the dash, it goes very well with the light interior.
It’s been some time since I experienced speakers in the headrest, but I really enjoyed it, especially for tasks like using Waze for directions and alerts. While the Bang & Olufsen audio system pumps out music, you hear a little voice just behind you telling you that there is a car on the shoulder ahead.
Rear leg room is a reasonable (for a compact SUV) 37.4 inches, and you’ll get 30.2 cubic feet of space in the back. Both of which are likely fine for a small family or couple “on the go.”
2025 SQ6 e-tron Prestige
The SQ6 hits you with a visual hammer as soon as you open the door. The quilted (and upgraded) leather looks fantastic. It’s a staple of the “S” vehicles across the Audi lineup. Plus, and this is a big one for my tired self, they come standard with the massaging function.
Elsewhere, the SQ6 sportifies everything, from the microsuede covering the dashboard and center section to the large, flat-bottomed steering wheel and the red accents. While the exterior may not stand out as much compared to the Q6, the interior is quite impressive and feels worth the additional cost.
Yep, you guessed it: the SQ6 has the exact interior dimensions as the Q6. Now, let’s move on to the on-road comparison.
2025 Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron: On The Road
Ah, so this is where you’d expect the SQ6 to shine. Is sportier always better, right fellow hoons?
2025 Q6 e-tron Prestige
Well, the AWD Q6 Prestige is no slouch. The upgraded trim features front asynchronous and rear PSM motors, while the base version has only a rear setup. It produces 422 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately five seconds. EV range of the Q6 e-tron is a very reasonable 307 miles and you’ll get 105/93 MPGe city/highway.
It’s smooth and easy to drive. Some of the tech feels gimmicky; for instance, the speed limit sign in the heads-up display flies in like a dramatic wipe. It’s a bit distracting, but it definitely grabs your attention regarding the speed limit change. The suspension is tuned for enhanced comfort, making it an excellent daily driver. Other criticisms are minimal: the steering wheel is a tad too smooth, and I lost my grip while making a lift at one point.
2025 SQ6 e-tron Prestige
James May often discussed the best features of a Rolls-Royce, highlighting its effortless and quiet acceleration. No drama, very little noise. This is certainly what we’ve achieved with luxury electric vehicles.
The SQ6 accelerates seemingly effortlessly and very quietly. It is also a dual-motor and AWD vehicle, delivering 483 horsepower and reaching 60 mph in just over four seconds. That will take a toll on your range, as the SQ6 e-tron delivers 275 miles of range and 96/82 MPGe city/highway. I actually appreciate that it makes a slight, obviously artificial audible noise. Just like the Mach-E I owned, it sounds more like a spaceship than a performance vehicle, but I still find it appealing.
Summary
So, I think we’ve covered how the SQ6 e-tron differs from the non-S version. While the exterior isn’t particularly sporty, opening the door reveals a remarkably sporty interior. It’s also faster, but that’s where some EVs, especially premium ones designed for performance, have a bit of a challenge.
How do you differentiate electric vehicles, like the SQ6, which are supposed to be faster, when they’re all fast? The average buyer will have a very similar experience in both vehicles. It’s an impressive experience, though. So if you’re in the market for an upscale EV, the Q6 e-tron is good, and the SQ6 e-tron is even better.