Is the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron Really Worth the S Badge?
Audi’s S-badged vehicles have always struck a careful balance: not as wild as the RS models, but more thrilling than the standard lineup. The new SQ6 e-tron, Audi’s latest all-electric performance SUV, promises to deliver that signature blend of speed, luxury, and everyday usability. But does it actually live up to the hype, or is it just another pricey EV in a crowded field?
How Does the SQ6 e-tron Stack Up on Paper?
Let’s get the basics out of the way. The 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron starts at AU$151,400 in Australia (about $98,200 USD), but US buyers see a more palatable $72,900 sticker. Every SQ6 e-tron packs a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors, good for 483 hp (or 510 hp with launch control) and a healthy 423 lb-ft of torque. Audi claims a 0-62 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds—quick enough to keep you grinning.
On paper, the range is a claimed 353 miles (WLTP), with efficiency between 17.5–18.6 kWh/100 km. But, as is often the case with EVs, real-world numbers tell a different story.
What’s It Like to Live With the SQ6 e-tron?
Spending a week with the SQ6 e-tron reveals a car that’s both impressive and occasionally frustrating. The performance is every bit as lively as you’d expect from an S-badged Audi. Acceleration is brisk, and the car feels even punchier as speeds climb. The spaceship-like soundtrack in Dynamic mode is a fun touch—maybe a little gimmicky, but undeniably entertaining.
Handling is where the SQ6 e-tron really surprises. Despite weighing in at a hefty 2,425 kg (over 5,300 lbs), the SUV feels nimble and composed, especially in corners. Credit goes to Audi’s well-tuned electric power steering and sticky Bridgestone T005 tires. It’s not a sports car, but it’s a long way from feeling like a lumbering family hauler.
That said, not everything is perfect. There’s a noticeable clunk from the rear brakes when cold, and the lack of a two-speed transmission (unlike the e-tron GT) means you don’t get that extra punch at highway speeds. Some driver-assistance features, like active lane centering, are missing in certain markets—a surprising omission for a car at this price point.
Is the Cabin as High-Tech as It Looks?
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a trio of massive screens: an 11.9-inch digital cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment display, and a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen. The Android Automotive-based system is responsive and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The seats are plush, trimmed in leather, and offer heating and massage functions. Oddly, ventilation is missing—a strange oversight for a luxury EV. The use of Alcantara on the dash and doors adds a premium touch, but there’s also a fair bit of hard black plastic, especially on the doors. For a car in this price bracket, you’d expect more attention to detail. The Bang & Olufsen audio system is a highlight, but the lack of metallic speaker grilles feels like a missed opportunity.
Space is generous up front and in the second row, helped by a panoramic sunroof. Cargo capacity is solid, with 526 liters in the back (or 1,529 liters with the seats folded). There’s a small frunk, but it’s mostly taken up by charging cables.
How Efficient Is the SQ6 e-tron in Real Life?
Here’s where things get a little sticky. Audi’s official efficiency numbers are optimistic. In real-world driving—mostly in Efficiency mode with regenerative braking maxed out—the SQ6 e-tron averaged 22.4 kWh/100 km. That’s less efficient than rivals like the Lotus Eletre, despite the Audi being smaller and lighter. The upshot? Expect a real-world range closer to 280 miles.
On the plus side, the SQ6 e-tron’s 800-volt architecture means DC fast charging at up to 270 kW. You can go from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes if you find a compatible charger. Audi also throws in a 7kW home charger and a year’s public charging subscription in Australia, which helps soften the blow.
What About Everyday Usability and Annoyances?
The SQ6 e-tron is practical and comfortable, but it’s not immune to quirks. The piano black console looks sharp when clean but scratches easily. Capacitive buttons on the steering wheel are fiddly and take time to master. Rear seat passengers get plenty of space, but rear climate controls are limited to heated seat switches and fan speed—no temperature adjustment.
Some driver-assist features can be overzealous. The rear collision avoidance system, for example, occasionally slams on the brakes when reversing, even if there’s nothing behind you. It’s the kind of thing that makes you mutter under your breath in a crowded parking lot.
How Does the SQ6 e-tron Compare to Rivals?
The SQ6 e-tron faces stiff competition from the likes of the Porsche Macan 4S, Mercedes-AMG EQE 53, and Lotus Eletre. While it doesn’t quite match the raw excitement of the Porsche or the high-tech edge of the Mercedes, it offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. The Audi badge brings a certain cachet, and for many buyers, that’s enough.
The big takeaway? The SQ6 e-tron isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. If you’re after a fast, tech-laden electric SUV that’s genuinely fun to drive (and you can live with a few quirks), the SQ6 e-tron is well worth a look. Just don’t expect it to be flawless—no car is, after all.