- Audi has provided a first look at its rugged Q6 E-Tron Offroad 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 used last week’s Ski World Cup event in Kitzbühel, Austria, to provide a first look at its Q6 E-Tron Offroad concept, a wild off-roader based on the Q6 E-Tron electric compact crossover and fitted with custom suspension that incorporates portal axles.
The portal axles are what give the vehicle its 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, and similar to those models, the portal axles on the Q6 E-Tron Offroad have increased the ride height (up 6.3 inches) and widened the track (up 9.8 inches) of the concept.
Audi said the portal axles also increase torque at the wheels by 50%, which lowers the vehicle’s top speed to 108 mph but enables it to climb gradients of up to 45 degrees. Audi also stated that the new hardware enables the vehicle to handle gradients of up to 100%.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4×4 Squared
Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 4×4 Squared
Audi said it built the concept to showcase the potential of the Q6 E-Tron’s PPE dedicated EV platform, and while there haven’t been any production plans announced, Audi mentioned that the concept provides a taste of a potential vehicle in the off-road segment.
Audi was spotted testing a camouflaged version of the concept last fall, and there have been rumors of Audi planning a rugged SUV designed to target the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Audi Q6 E-Tron Offroad concept
The Q6 E-Tron Offroad is destined to make a formal debut on Feb. 1 at the 2025 F.A.T. Ice Race, an annual gathering held at Austria’s Zell am See airport that 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.
