I drove the Audi Q6 e-tron for a week — here’s my pros and cons

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron test drive.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

I haven’t driven any of Audi’s all-electric vehicles before, but the moment I got inside of the Audi Q6 e-tron, I had a good feeling about it. That’s because all of my senses were on high alert, as every inch of the cabin space held some degree of eye candy.

Yet, it takes more than cool tech and dazzling displays to win people over because the best electric cars offer a balance between price and performance. After driving the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Prestige quattro for a week, I’m really impressed by how it strives to meet the qualities I look for in an EV.

In fact, I think it offers a much more robust package than the BMW iX xDrive 45 and Acura ZDX Type S I’ve previously tested. What’s even more impressive is that the tested price of the Q6 e-tron I drove is lower than those other models, while throwing in more impressive features.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron: Specifications

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2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Premium

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Prestige quattro

Battery

100 kWh

100 kWh

Motor

Single: PSM rear (RWD)

Dual: single ASM front; single PSM rear (AWD)

0 to 60 mph

6.3 seconds

4.9 seconds

Range

321 miles

307 miles

Horsepower

322 hp

456 hp

Wheels

19-inches

20-inches

MSRP

$63,800

$65,800

Price Tested

N/A

$76,790

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron: Testing summary

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron test drive.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

In total, I drove the 2026 Audi Q6 e-tron Prestige quattro for a total of 217.7 miles — reaching an average efficiency of 3.2 mi/kWh. That’s actually right on target for a mid-size SUV and about the same as other similar luxury EVs I’ve tested. What’s even better is that if it were to sustain this efficiency, it would mean that it could achieve a range of 320 miles based on its 100 kWh battery, which would be more than the 307 miles it’s rated for.

Compared to other EVs, the range and efficiency is pretty average. Both the BMW iX xDrive45 and Acura ZDX Type-S perform similarly, but you can still get just as good efficiency out of cheaper EVs like the Chevrolet Equinox LT.

When it comes to Level 1 charging at home, it’s so-so with its average rate of 2.84 mi/hr. That’s slower than the BMW or Acura, but I’ve seen worse. This resulted in 26 miles of range added back with 9.17 hours. If your daily commute requires more, I would highly suggest getting a Level 2 charger.

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2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Prestige quattro

2026 BMW ix xDrive45

2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2

Price tested

$76,790

$88,000

$62,000

Total miles driven

214.7 miles

339.9 miles

309.4 miles

Average Efficiency

3.2 mi/kWh

3.3 mi/kWh

3.2 mi/kWh

Best long distance driving efficiency

3.3 mi/kWh

3.8 mi/kWh

3.1 mi/kWh

Best short distance driving efficiency

4.1 mi/kWh

3 mi/kWh

3.9 mi/kWh

Level 1 charging rate

2.84 mi/hr

3.82 mi/hr

3.74 mi/hr

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron: What I Like

Two charging ports

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron CCS port.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Call it a first, but the Audi Q6 e-tron is the only EV I’ve tested in the last year to offer not one, but two charging ports. I really like this because no matter how I park the vehicle, I have access to a charging port. However, they’re not the same.

That’s because the driver’s side charging port is a Combined Charging System (CCS) port that supports AC and DC fast charging. Meaning, that’s the one you’ll want to use if you’re connecting it to a Level 2 or Level 3 charger. Meanwhile, the passenger-side charging port is for your slower charger.

Good price for a luxury EV

Nearly all luxury EVs cost a fortune. I’m talking about starting prices of $80,000+ with most of them. Thankfully that’s not quite the case for the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, as the base trim has an MSRP of $63,800. That jumps up to $76,790 with the exact trim I tested, the Prestige quattro, which comes with extra features over the base trim like a stronger 456hp performance, heads-up display, a 10.9-inch passenger display, panoramic roof, and much more

The base trim still has a lot of features I consider premium, like adaptive cruise control, Bang & Olufsen speakers, wireless charging pad, CarPlay & Android Auto support, and cross traffic alerts. Plus, it helps out too that it gets decent efficiency so you’re not charging as much for longer trips.

Cool lights with plenty of customization

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron headlights.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

When it gets dark, that’s when the Q6 e-tron really comes to life. The interior space is lit up with dazzling ambient lighting all around. Naturally, you can customize the colors of the ambient lights, but I really love how the front of the dashboard is outlined nicely — activating the car’s turning signals will also reflect in the ambient lights inside.

On the outside, the Audi Q6 e-tron has a sharp looking unlock sequence that animates its matrix LED headlights. There were a few preset animations to choose from, but Audi does let you download new ones through the myAudi app.

Augmented reality HUD

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron augmented reality head-up display.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Speaking of the heads-up display in the Prestige quattro trim, there’s an augmented reality experience that I think’s helpful to guide drivers towards their exits. This isn’t the first time I’ve come across a feature such as this, as the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 EV has something similar, but it’ll show arrows within the heads-up display to indicate exits and turns.

The only drawback to this is that it only works with the native navigation system, so it won’t work with CarPlay or Android Auto. Despite this, I really like how these arrows dynamically change as I’m driving.

Passenger display with privacy control

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron passenger display.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

In addition to the sprawling curved OLED panels that make up its 11.9-inch driver’s display and 14.5-inch dashboard touch display, the Prestige quattro trim also packs a 10.9-inch passenger display to keep them entertained. This display is angled in such a way that it can’t be seen by the driver.

Comfortable ride, strong performance

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron front bumper.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Usually I drive conservatively to achieve the best efficiency possible, but when I need the extra power, the Audi Q6 e-tron doesn’t disappoint. In dynamic mode, the Q6 e-tron feels much more responsive whenever I step on the pedal to accelerate. With its peak 456 hp performance, it’s no slouch getting to cruising speed in no time at all.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron: What I Don't Like

Poor air conditioning system

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron interior space.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

When it’s scorching outside, the last thing you need to endure is a poor air conditioning system in your car. Unfortunately the Q6 e-tron suffers in this regard primarily due to how long it takes for the AC to deliver a consistent cool breeze, paired with not enough vents to circular the air. This combo takes the Q6 e-tron a considerably long time to cool the interior, which also means more power taken away from its range.

Tight legroom with rear seats

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron rear seats.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

For a mid-size SUV, I was hoping for a bit more legroom with the back seats. That’s not the case as the tight legroom makes it feel more like a compact SUV. I will say that it offers a huge trunk, which could’ve been trimmed down a little to make extra room for the rear passenger seats.

Poor cruise control placement

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron adaptive cruise controls.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

While the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron Prestige quattro has a reliable adaptive cruise control system, I just wish the controls were placed elsewhere. It's inconveniently positioned on the left side of the steering wheel, right below the left turn signal. In order to access the controls, I would have to remove my hand from the steering wheel each time. I just don’t understand this logic, as the ideal placement would be on the steering wheel directly.

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron: Bottom Line

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron side view.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Sure, it has its quarks, but the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron undercuts a lot of its luxury rivals on price. I honestly thought it would easily start at around $80,000+, given Audi’s reputation and all. That’s not the case here with the base trim, as its $63,800 MSRP makes it an attractive option for those who want that luxury performance without the obnoxious price.

For what it packs, you do get plenty of premium features with the Prestige quattro trim — something I’d recommend over the base model. And paired with a stunning design and decent efficiency, it’s an all-electric SUV that you can confidently drive for work and pleasure.

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John Velasco
Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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