- Audi has provided a first look at its rugged Q6 E-Tron Off-Road concept
- The concept features portal axles for increased ground clearance, along with other modifications aimed at off-roading
- Audi hasn’t announced whether production is planned
Audi took to social media on Thursday to post the first photos of a wild off-roader concept based on the Q6 E-Tron electric crossover.
The automaker didn’t provide any additional details apart from confirming that the concept, dubbed the Q6 E-Tron Off-Road, is fitted with portal axles, which give it a tall and wide stance. Unlike conventional axles, the wheels don’t sit at the height of the axle center but are instead situated much lower on the axle hubs, separated by portal gears.
Mercedes-Benz famously used portal axles on some G-Class models in recent years. On the G-Class, the portal axles helped create 13.8 inches of ground clearance, a 41.3-degree approach angle, a 36.8-degree departure angle, and a 42.0-degree breakover angle. It isn’t clear what the specifications are for the Audi concept, but the huge fender flares certainly hint at a high level of wheel articulation.
Audi was spotted testing a camouflaged version of the Q6 E-Tron Off-Road concept last fall, and it remains unclear whether the concept hints at a production-bound model or serves as a test mule for another vehicle, such as a rumored rugged SUV designed to target the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Mercedes, several years ago, built a rugged EQC with similar modifications to those seen here while developing the four-wheel-drive system for the electric G-Class.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4×4 Squared
Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4×4 Squared
More details should be released shortly, perhaps in time for the 2025 F.A.T. Ice Race running Feb. 1. The annual event, held at Austria’s Zell Am See airport, traditionally sees one or more Volkswagen Group brands participate.
The Q6 E-Tron Off-Road concept is based on the sleeker Q6 Sportback E-Tron body style. Currently, only the regular Q6 E-Tron is available to order in the U.S. It’s available for the 2025 model year and is priced from $65,095, including a $1,295 destination charge.
2025 Audi Sportback Q6 E-Tron (European-spec)
The Q6 E-Tron comes standard with a 100-kwh battery and a single rear motor rated at 302 hp (322 hp with launch control). Adding all-wheel drive costs $2,000 and increases power to 422 hp (456 hp with launch control) thanks to the addition of a motor at the front.
Buyers seeking more performance can opt for an SQ6 E-Tron, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and is priced from $74,195, including destination. The SQ6 E-Tron is rated at 483 hp (509 hp with launch control) and can deliver 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 143 mph.