Audi unveils Q6 e-tron offroad concept
Ready to blaze new trails
Audi is set to redefine the future of off-road electric vehicles by unveiling its new prototype, the Q6 e-tron off-road concept. The highly anticipated vehicle, which debuted during the World Cup weekend in Kitzbühel, Austria, pushes the limits of performance, technology, and design, highlighting Audi’s ambitions in the progressive off-road segment.
The Q6 e-tron off-road concept is built on Audi’s innovative Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which underpins the upcoming Q6 e-tron series. This prototype showcases the immense potential of this platform, incorporating cutting-edge technology such as newly developed portal axles that provide enhanced off-road capabilities.
Equipped with two electric motors generating a combined output of 380 kW, the vehicle can tackle steep gradients of up to 100 per cent—a clear indicator of Audi’s commitment to advancing the off-road electric vehicle market.
One of the most notable features of the Q6 e-tron offroad concept is its aggressive design, emphasised by a 160 mm increase in ride height and a 250 mm wider track compared to conventional models. These enhancements give the vehicle a commanding presence, combining rugged capability with an eye-catching aesthetic.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner commented on the concept’s debut, calling it “a highly emotive reinterpretation of Quattro.” He noted: “The Q6 e-tron offroad concept demonstrates the remarkable potential of our platform for fully electric vehicles. This model shows how we can claim new ground in the off-road segment, and we are eager to see how customers respond to this exciting, emotionally charged car.”
A key innovation that sets the Q6 e-tron offroad concept apart is its newly designed portal axles. These axles, explicitly developed for this model, allow for a 50 per cent increase in torque at the wheels compared to conventional designs, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to navigate challenging terrains. While the increased torque does lower the top speed to 175km/h, the trade-off enables the Q6 e-tron offroad concept to easily conquer steep inclines, reaching gradients of up to 45 degrees.
The development of the portal axles required significant alterations to the vehicle’s suspension system. The result is an impressive peak torque of 13,400 Nm (9,883 lb-ft), a 4,400 Nm (3,245 lb-ft) increase over traditional setups. This remarkable boost in torque ensures the Q6 e-tron offroad concept delivers exceptional performance on and off the road, living up to Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Advancement through Technology) mantra.
The Q6 e-tron offroad concept will be demonstrated at the F.A.T. Ice Race on 1 February 2025 and showcased on Audi Sport’s social media channels. As Audi continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, the concept represents a bold step towards an exciting future for off-road enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.
Hero image: The Q6 e-tron offroad concept is built on Audi’s innovative Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Credit: Audi
Last Updated on 1 day by Arnold Pinto
